Milady Chemical Texture Services Practice Exam

Ammonia-free waves are specifically formulated for use on porous to normal hair types as they help to minimize damage while still providing effective curl formation. The lack of ammonia in these perm solutions makes them gentler, as ammonia can be harsh and potentially drying on more fragile hair structures.

Since porous hair is already susceptible to damage and moisture loss, using an ammonia-free perm ensures that the hair retains more of its natural moisture, reducing the risk of overprocessing. These perms utilize other alkaline agents to facilitate the wave formation process, allowing for the desired texture without the aggressive effects that ammonia can have.

The other types of perms mentioned typically contain ammonia or are designed for different types of hair. True-acid waves, for instance, generally require heat for processing but also include more potent chemical agents that might not be suitable for normally porous hair due to their potential for further drying and damage. Low pH waves, while less harsh than traditional perms, still often contain some form of ammonia derivative. Hydroxide relaxers are primarily used for straightening hair rather than curling, which makes them inappropriate for this context.