Illinois Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A perm, short for permanent wave, is specifically designed to create curls or waves in the hair. This chemical treatment involves the use of specific solutions that break down and rearrange the hair's natural keratin structure. By doing so, it allows the hair to be shaped into curls or waves that can last for several months.

The process begins with the hair being wrapped around perm rods or curlers, followed by the application of a waving solution that alters the hair's internal structure. Once the desired curl is achieved, a neutralizer is applied to lock these new shapes in place. The end result is a hairstyle that features defined curls or waves, providing texture and volume that wouldn't be possible with the original straight hair.

While other treatments may aim to straighten hair, add shine, or cleanse, those purposes differ significantly from the primary intention of a perm, which is to create lasting curls. Thus, the correct answer reflects the essential goal of this popular hair treatment.