What characterizes salt bonds in hair?

Salt bonds in hair are characterized by their sensitivity to changes in pH. These bonds are ionic in nature and are formed between the acidic and alkaline groups of the hair's protein structure. When the pH changes, such as through the application of chemical products or changes in the environment, these bonds can be easily broken. This characteristic makes salt bonds important in processes like chemical texturizing because they allow for adjustments and realignments of the hair's shape when products that alter pH are applied.

While salt bonds play a role in the overall strength of hair, they are not the strongest type of bond compared to disulfide bonds; therefore, strength is not their primary characteristic. Additionally, salt bonds do not require high temperatures to form, which distinguishes them from hydrogen and disulfide bonds that depend on the thermal energy for certain changes in hair structure. Overall, the ability to break and reform easily with pH changes is key in understanding how salt bonds interact during chemical services on hair.