THE KINETICS OF HAIR REDUCTION

The single fiber tensile kinetic (SFTK) technique is established in th e literature as a means of following the rate at which a reducing agen t is able to break the keratin disulfide bonds during the permanent wa ving process. Here we present a slight modification to this method, as well as a means of further analyzing the data obtained from such expe riments. As such, this work has allowed for the identification of a va riety of kinetic behaviors. Fluorescence microscopy has also been used to try and characterize these various behaviors. In addition, we have further used the method described to investigate the influence of fac tors such as pH, concentration, and hair type on the permanent waving process. Results have shown thar the properties of the reducing agent solution and the influence of hair type can severely alter not only th e reaction rate, but also the kinetic behavior.