Make sure to treat your hair with the proper conditioners prior to the waving process. Sectioning and blocking involve dividing your head into uniform working areas. This requires a lot of practice and is a big advantage of a professional perm. The strength of the perming solution used to curl the hair is measured by pH, which can be either alkaline or acidic. Ammonia-based compounds are added for greater alkalinity or removed for greater acidity.
Alkaline perms are good for strong curls, they process quickly, and they work at room temperature.
They usually contain ammonium thioglycolate. If you want a strong, tight curl. If past perms relaxed too quickly. Acid-balanced perms are better for delicate hair, when you want a gentle curl, or just to add body. They require external heat, like a hood-type dryer.