How does the pH level affect the performance of alkaline perms compared to acid perms?

The choice highlighting that high pH allows for better curl retention is rooted in the chemistry of hair and how alkaline perms function. Alkaline perms typically have a higher pH level, which makes hair more susceptible to the perming process by raising the cuticle of the hair. This open cuticle allows the perm solution to penetrate more deeply, resulting in a more significant restructuring of the hair's internal bond systems (specifically the disulfide bonds).

Due to this higher pH, the hair can achieve a more substantial curl formation and retention after the perming process is complete. In contrast, acid perms, which operate at a lower pH, can result in softer curls that may not hold as long. Acid perms are gentler and often used on more damaged or delicate hair types, but they do not create long-lasting curls to the same extent as alkaline perms.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of pH levels in the overall effectiveness of perm solutions in creating and maintaining curls.