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Ammonium thioglycolate is a colorless, clear liquid with a strong ammonia odor. Depending on
the other ingredients in the perming lotion, the solution may not appear clear. It permanently
changes the structure of hair. Treated hair remains either curly or straight, depending on application
technique, until new hair growth requires an additional perm or straightening service.
Warning
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) for ammonium thioglycolic acid lists potential hazards from
inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Thioglycolate is "toxic if swallowed," irritates eyes, and
causes an allergic reaction in some users. Prolonged or repeated use may lead to skin sensitization
and sores. The MSDS states that three agencies (NTP, IARC, and OSHA) do not list thioglycolate
as a cancer-causing agent known as a carcinogen.
The active ingredient in perming lotion, ammonium thioglycolate, is not biodegradable and harms
water life. The perming lotion bottle should be completely empty before putting it in the trash.
Avoid rinsing from hair in a way that contaminates surface water or soil.
Prevention/Solution
1. Do not use perming lotion on a person who shows signs of sensitivity, such as an irritated scalp.
Never reuse towels to wipe away excess perm lotion; this may lead to inadvertently getting perming
lotion in a person's eyes.
2. Minimize contact with the scalp when applying perm solution. Wash all the perming lotion from
hair with warm water as soon as the perm is completely developed.
3. Wash skin immediately with soap and water if the perming solution gets on your skin during
application. Wipe drips from the scalp as they occur.
4. Flush eyes for ten minutes with cool water if perm lotion gets in your eyes. Contact a doctor for
further instructions.
5. Apply perming solution in an area with good air circulation. Open windows to get fresh air in
small spaces like bathrooms. If you notice breathing irritation from the ammonium thioglycolate, go
outside for fresh air.
6. Call for a professional help if someone digests perm solution. The ammonium thioglycolate is
toxic. Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water and spit out. Then drink a few glasses of
water and seek immediate medical attention.
Considerations
Perming lotion and straightening formulas containing ammonium thioglycolate are not compatible
with previous lye-based hair relaxing treatments. Special perm lotion formulations exist for highly
processed hair showing signs of chemical damage.
For optimal results, salon clients should not wash their hair for forty-eight hours after curling or
straightening treatments with perming lotions containing ammonium thioglycolate.
Suggested
IV. LEARNING PHASES Timeframe
Learning Activities
Note:The perming solution is usually consisting of cold wave and a neutralizer. Ammonium
thioglycolate an ammonia salt of mercaptoacetic acid is the active ingredient for cold wave. The
most common neutralizer in perms is hydrogen peroxide in 5 or 10 volume strength (about 1.5-3%
peroxide).
PERM SELECTION
The type of perm chosen depends on the total hair evaluation and the client’s wishes. The
following is a general guide for choosing an alkaline or an acid-balanced perm to use based on
client’s hair types.
HAIR TYPE PERM TYPE
Coarse, resistant Alkaline lotion wrap or alkaline water wrap
Fine, resistant Alkaline lotion wrap or alkaline water wrap
Normal Alkaline water wrap or acid- balanced
Normal porous Alkaline water wrap or acid- balanced
Normal, Delicate Acid-balanced
Tinted, non-porous Alkaline water wrap or acid- balanced
Tinted, porous Acid-balanced
Highlighted/frosted/dimensionally Acid-balanced
colored
Highlighted tinted Acid-balanced
Original Thinking Demonstrates original thinking and meaningful elaboration beyond text,
notes, class discussion in strategy development
Narrative is well organized and written; there is evidence of planning before
Structure
writing.
Grammar and Mechanics The response is virtually free of mechanical, grammatical writing errors.
Total score