What is the main chemical component used in perms to break disulfide bonds?

The main chemical component used in perms to break disulfide bonds is ammonium thioglycolate. This compound is specifically designed to penetrate the hair shaft and alter the hair's structure by breaking the disulfide bonds, which are responsible for the hair's natural shape and texture. Once these bonds are broken, hair can be reshaped, allowing for the desired curl or wave pattern to be set.

This process is essential in perming because it allows the hair to take on a new form once the disulfide bonds are re-formed in the presence of a neutralizer. Understanding the role of ammonium thioglycolate is crucial for anyone working in cosmetology, as it demonstrates the chemical basis of perming and the importance of using the right substances to achieve specific hairstyling results.

The other options, while related to hair treatment, serve different functions: glycolic acid is often used as an exfoliant in skincare; hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a bleaching agent; and sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used in chemical relaxers. None of these are effective for the specific purpose of breaking disulfide bonds in perming.