California Cosmetology Written ExamChemical Texture ServicesEasy
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave on a client. After rinsing the waving lotion and blotting the hair, they apply the neutralizer. What is the primary chemical action of the neutralizer in permanent waving?
- ATo break the disulfide bonds and soften the hair.
- BTo remove all traces of the waving lotion from the hair.
- CTo swell the hair cuticle to allow the chemical solution to penetrate.
- DTo re-harden the hair and rebuild the disulfide bonds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To re-harden the hair and rebuild the disulfide bonds.
The neutralizer, also known as an oxidizer, performs two crucial functions: it deactivates any remaining waving lotion and, more importantly, it rebuilds the disulfide bonds in their new, curled shape, thereby re-hardening and fixing the hair's new structure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Breaking disulfide bonds is the action of the waving lotion (reduction), not the neutralizer.
- B. While rinsing removes most waving lotion, the chemical action of the neutralizer is to stop residual processing and rebuild bonds, not just to clean.
- C. Swelling the cuticle is the action of the alkaline waving lotion, not the neutralizer.
Permanent Wave Neutralization
The final chemical step in permanent waving, which re-hardens the hair and rebuilds the disulfide bonds in their new shape.
- Also called oxidation or re-bonding.
- Typically involves hydrogen peroxide.
- Deactivates residual waving lotion.
- Locks the curl pattern into place.
Memory trick: Reduction Breaks, Neutralization Binds.