Which perm type uses heat to speed processing?

• A. Acid
• B. Alkaline
• C. Exothermic
• D. Neutral

Answer: (C)

In perm processing, heat can come from two places: the chemical reaction itself or from an outside source. An exothermic perm generates heat as it reacts, which raises the temperature inside the processing wrap and speeds up the bond-shifting that creates the curl. That self-heating effect is why this type uses heat to speed processing. In contrast, acid and alkaline perms are defined by their chemical makeup and pH rather than heat generation, and endothermic perms would require external heat to proceed. Neutral perms relate to pH balance and aren’t defined by heat behavior in the same way.