Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is a primary reducing agent in alkaline waves?

1. Catalyst

2. Ammonia

3. Mercaptamine

4. Sodium hydroxide

The correct answer is: Mercaptamine

In the context of alkaline waves, mercaptamine serves as the primary reducing agent. This is essential because reducing agents play a crucial role in the perming process by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair, which allows the hair to be reshaped. Mercaptamine, specifically, is effective in penetrating the hair shaft and reducing the hair's bonds effectively. This action enables the hair to accommodate new styles following the perming process. The other options do not serve as primary reducing agents in alkaline waves. While sodium hydroxide is often associated with alkaline solutions and can contribute to hair texture changes, it functions more as an alkali than a reducing agent in this context. Ammonia is used to help raise the pH and facilitate the perming process, but it does not reduce hair bonds. A catalyst might speed up a chemical reaction, but it does not act as a reducing agent in alkaline waves. Thus, mercaptamine is distinctly recognized for its role in enabling the necessary changes in the hair structure during the perming process.