Ohio Cosmetology License Practice Exam

Permanent waving is classified as a chemical process because it involves the use of chemical solutions to break and reform the disulfide bonds in the hair's protein structure. This alteration is essential for creating the new shape or "permanent wave" in the hair.

During permanent waving, a chemical waving solution is applied to the hair, which penetrates the hair shaft and changes its internal structure. After the hair is wrapped around curlers or rods, a neutralizing solution is then applied to set the new shape. This entire procedure relies on these chemical reactions to achieve lasting results, which is why it falls under the category of a chemical process.

While other processes, such as physical or mechanical, could involve manipulation of the hair with various tools, they do not involve altering the chemical bonds within the hair itself. Thus, the unique nature of the chemical reactions involved in permanent waving supports its classification as a chemical process.