What is the main active ingredient in an alkaline perm?

The main active ingredient in an alkaline perm is ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), which is a well-known reducing agent used in the perming process. ATG works by breaking the disulfide bonds in hair, allowing it to be reshaped into curls or waves when wrapped around perm rods. The alkaline nature of this chemical helps to swell the hair cuticle, ensuring better penetration and effectiveness in altering the hair's structure.

Glyceryl monothioglycolate is also a reducing agent used in perms, but it is usually associated with more gentle, acid-based perms rather than traditional alkaline perms. Cysteamine hydrochloride acts as a reducing agent in other types of hair treatments but is not the primary ingredient in alkaline perms. Hydrogen peroxide serves as an oxidizing agent used in coloring and bleach products but does not play a role in the perming process itself. Thus, ammonium thioglycolate stands out as the primary active ingredient responsible for the curling action in alkaline perms.