Difference Between Alkaline Perm and Acid Perm

Alkaline Perm vs Acid Perm

Alkaline Perm and Acid Perm are two methods of perming. Perming has been a constant practice by beauty fanatics since before. The idea of having those bouncy curls and flaunting the, provides constant joy to women. However, there are those that are still confused with the difference between an acid perm and alkaline perm.

Acid perm

Acid perm uses a pH of between 4.5 to 7.0 and needs heat to speed up the process, thus also coming to be called as warm waves. It creates a softer curl pattern, much gentler to the hair especially to those that are color-treated. Due to its lower pH level, it is considered to be less damaging to the hair especially if the hair has already undergone treatment.

Alkaline perm

Alkaline perm has the ammonium thioglycolate as its main component. It has a pH level of 8.2 to 9.6 due to the alkalinity of the ingredients used. It is commonly known as cold perms, since it doesn’t require extra heat source for the process. The end result is usually a strong curl or as famously known as rod size curls.

Difference between Alkaline Perm and Acid Perm

Curl size aside, the main difference would be the time frame for each type of curls to last. For the acid perm, they have less penetration capacity as compared to the alkaline perm, therefore providing better hair care. However, they also tend to relax easily as compared to alkaline. Alkaline on the other hand is the favored perm of women today, since they produce firmer curls and it takes a longer time before it relaxes. This spiral –shaped curls are often recommended for people who have longer and coarser hair.

The most important thing with perming is not really on the process but rather with what type of perm would actually look good on you. It is best to determine which one fits you the most, to avoid those dreaded nightmare perms.