What is the effect of ammonium thioglycolate in curl products?

Ammonium thioglycolate is primarily known for its role in chemical hair relaxers and perm solutions. Its defining characteristic is that it helps to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair structure, which are responsible for holding the natural curl pattern. When these bonds are broken, it allows hair to be reshaped, either by relaxing existing curls or by forming new curls in the case of perms.

This process effectively weakens the structure of curly hair, allowing it to be straightened when heat is applied or manipulated into a new curl shape. Understanding this function is essential for hairstylists when planning chemical treatments, as it directly informs their approach to achieving the desired look for their clients. Other options, such as strengthening or conditioning the hair, are not the primary effects of ammonium thioglycolate and can lead to misunderstandings about its use and purpose in hairstyling.