NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent waving service on a client. After applying the waving solution and allowing it to process, the cosmetologist rinses the hair thoroughly. What is the NEXT critical step before applying the neutralizer?
- ATowel blot the hair thoroughly
- BApply a protein treatment
- CPerform a test curl
- DRe-wrap any loose rods
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Towel blot the hair thoroughly
After rinsing the waving solution, it is crucial to thoroughly towel blot the hair to remove excess water. This step is essential because excess water can dilute the neutralizer, making it less effective in reforming the disulfide bonds and leading to a weak or inconsistent curl.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Applying a protein treatment is not a standard step immediately before neutralization; it's typically done as a pre-treatment or post-treatment.
- C. A test curl is performed during the processing of the waving solution to determine if the desired curl pattern has been achieved, not after rinsing and before neutralization.
- D. Re-wrapping loose rods should be addressed before or during the waving solution application, not after rinsing and immediately before neutralization.
Permanent Wave Neutralization Prep
After rinsing the waving solution in a permanent wave service, thorough towel blotting is crucial to remove excess water before applying the neutralizer, ensuring its efficacy.
- Waving solution breaks disulfide bonds.
- Neutralizer reforms disulfide bonds into new curl shape.
- Excess water dilutes neutralizer, weakening its effect.
- Proper blotting ensures optimal neutralization.
Memory trick: Wrap, Wave, Rinse, Blot, Neutralize, Rinse again for the perfect curl.