What process involves chemically restructuring natural hair into a different wave pattern?

Perming is the process that involves chemically restructuring natural hair into a different wave pattern. During a perm, hair is treated with a chemical solution that breaks down the protein bonds in the hair shaft. This allows the hair to be reshaped into curls or waves. The process typically includes wrapping sections of hair around perm rods and applying a waving solution, followed by a neutralizer that helps to lock the new shape in place.

Hair coloring involves changing the hair's pigment but does not alter the wave pattern or structure. Straightening refers to processes that aim to make curly or wavy hair straighter, typically using heat or chemical relaxers, but it does not create waves or curls. Conditioning is focused on improving the hair's moisture and overall health rather than restructuring its wave pattern. Therefore, perming is distinctly recognized for its ability to create new wave patterns through chemical processes.