Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamChemical ServicesEasy
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave service. After rinsing the perm solution and blotting the hair, what is the primary purpose of applying the neutralizer?
- ATo add moisture and protein to the hair.
- BTo reform the disulfide bonds and fix the curl.
- CTo lower the pH of the hair and close the cuticle.
- DTo swell the hair shaft for better curl formation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To reform the disulfide bonds and fix the curl.
The neutralizer in a permanent wave service has the crucial role of re-bonding the broken disulfide bonds in their new S-shape, thereby permanently fixing the curl pattern.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Moisture and protein are added through conditioning treatments, not the neutralizer itself.
- C. While neutralizers do lower pH, their primary purpose is re-bonding, not just closing the cuticle.
- D. The perm solution swells the hair, not the neutralizer.
Perm Neutralizer Function
The second chemical step in a permanent waving service, applied after the perm solution has processed and rinsed. Its primary function is to re-bond the disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair, fixing the hair into its new S-shaped curl pattern.
- Oxidizing agent (usually hydrogen peroxide)
- Reforms disulfide bonds
- Hardens the hair into the new curl shape
- Stops the action of the waving lotion
- Applied after rinsing perm solution and blotting
Memory trick: Perm Solution Breaks, Neutralizer Makes the Bonds Again.