- Thioglycolate: This chemical breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped.

- Ammonium hydroxide: This chemical neutralizes the thioglycolate and stops the perming process.

- Hydrogen peroxide: This chemical is used as an oxidizing agent to help the perm solution work.

There are two different types of perm solutions:

- Acidic perm solutions: These solutions have a pH of less than 7 and are typically used on fine or damaged hair.

- Alkaline perm solutions: These solutions have a pH of more than 7 and are typically used on thick or coarse hair.