Permanent Hair Waving
February 2022
in “
Cosmetic Dermatology
”
Studysummary This review discusses the history and composition of permanent hair waving products for different hair types and reports no new research findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Permanent hair waving is a chemical and mechanical process designed to alter hair proteins to create and maintain curls. Historically, women with straight hair used wigs or temporary methods involving water and heat. Hair fibers, which vary in shape, age due to grooming and environmental factors. Permanent waving products are formulated with various ingredients to suit different hair types, including normal, sensitive, coarse, and colored/bleached hair. Since the late 1950s, reducing agents like ammonia or sodium salts of thioglycolic acid have been used to minimize skin and hair irritation while achieving lasting curls. Acidic and neutral wave preparations often use glycerol monothioglycolate as the reducing agent.
