What is the pH of low pH alkaline waves?

Low pH alkaline waves are characterized by their ability to create long-lasting curls or waves with minimal damage to the hair. The pH of these waves typically falls within the range of 8.0 to 9.0. This pH level is slightly alkaline, which allows the relaxing and reshaping agents to penetrate the hair shaft effectively, breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair.

In the context of perming solutions, the pH level plays a critical role. A lower pH (such as 6.0 or 7.5) would not provide the same effectiveness in altering the hair structure needed for a permanent wave. Similarly, a higher pH, like 9.0, while not the focus of this question, indicates a more aggressive chemical process, which is not the case here for low pH alkaline waves. Thus, the optimal pH of 8.0 effectively balances hair health and the required chemical reaction for creating defined curls.