Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamHair ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a perm service on a client. After applying the waving solution and allowing it to process, what is the primary purpose of applying the neutralizer?
- ATo rebuild the disulfide bonds in their new curly shape.
- BTo soften the hair bonds further for better curl formation.
- CTo increase the hair's porosity for better color absorption.
- DTo rinse out the excess perming solution from the hair.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To rebuild the disulfide bonds in their new curly shape.
The neutralizer, typically hydrogen peroxide, re-hardens the hair in its new curled shape by re-forming the disulfide bonds that were broken by the waving solution. This permanently sets the curl.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The waving solution softens and breaks bonds; neutralizer re-hardens them.
- C. Neutralizer is for setting the perm, not for preparing hair for color.
- D. Rinsing removes excess solution, but the neutralizer's purpose is chemical re-bonding.
Perm Neutralizer
A chemical solution, usually containing hydrogen peroxide, applied after the waving solution in a perm service to re-form the disulfide bonds in the hair, permanently setting the new curl pattern.
- Rebuilds disulfide bonds
- Hardens the hair in its new shape
- Stops the action of the waving solution
- Essential for permanent curl formation
Memory trick: Neutralizer's mission: rebuild the bonds, perfect the curl's vision.