California Cosmetology Written ExamChemical Texture ServicesHard
A cosmetologist explains to a client that the neutralizer used after a permanent wave chemically reacts with the hair to rebuild the disulfide bonds that were broken during processing. Which chemical most commonly serves as this oxidizing agent in neutralizer formulas?
- AGlycerin
- BHydrogen peroxide
- CSodium hydroxide
- DAmmonium thioglycolate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hydrogen peroxide
Neutralizers used after permanent waving typically rely on hydrogen peroxide (or a similar oxidizer such as sodium bromate) to add oxygen back to the hair, converting the reduced sulfur bonds back into new disulfide bonds and hardening the hair into its new curl shape.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Glycerin is a moisturizing/conditioning agent, not an oxidizer.
- C. Sodium hydroxide is a relaxer ingredient, not a perm neutralizer.
- D. Ammonium thioglycolate is the reducing agent used in the perm solution, the opposite action.
Perm Neutralizer Chemistry
An oxidizing solution (commonly hydrogen peroxide) applied after perm processing to rebuild disulfide bonds and fix the new curl shape.
- Oxidation adds back oxygen, reforming disulfide bonds
- Common oxidizers: hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromate
- Must be applied only after thorough rinsing of reducing lotion
Memory trick: Reduce to reshape, oxidize to rebuild — peroxide seals the new curl.