why does mixing sodium and thio destroy hair?

[squared2]

I found this video on YouTube. She only says the combination is never supposed to happen and she actually mixes sodium on a doll but dosnt explain why. I would like to know.

 

[Enthalpy]

Hey Squared2, nice to see you here!

[John Cuthber]

There are essentially two types of bonds that hold hair together- the amide bonds between the amino acids and the disulphide bonds that cross link between the chains of amino acids.

Thioglycolate destroys the disulphide bonds and hydroxides attack the amide bonds.

Together they will dissolve all the things that give hair its structure.

 

Incidentally, I'd be worried if anyone was using much hydroxide anywhere near my skin, it's very corrosive.