What role does an activator play in acid waves?

An activator in acid waves functions primarily to increase the speed of the wave process. Acid waves are known for their gentler formulation compared to alkaline waves, and the activator helps accelerate the chemical reactions involved in the perming process. This results in a quicker set time for the hair, which allows for efficient processing while still maintaining the hair's integrity.

As the activator interacts with the waving lotion, it helps to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair more quickly, facilitating the reshaping of the hair into the desired curl pattern. This aspect is particularly beneficial during salon services, where time efficiency is often a consideration.

Other options like conditioning, enhancing shine, or fortifying the hair structure may contribute to the overall health and appearance of hair during and after the perming process but do not specifically align with the primary function of the activator in enhancing processing speed.