Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamChemical ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave. After rinsing the perm solution from the hair, what is the immediate next step before applying the neutralizer?
- ARe-wrap sections with fresh rods.
- BApply a deep conditioning treatment.
- CTowel blot the hair thoroughly.
- DRemove the perm rods carefully.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Towel blot the hair thoroughly.
After rinsing the perm solution, it is crucial to thoroughly towel blot excess water from the hair. This step prevents dilution of the neutralizer, ensuring it can effectively re-bond the hair in its new curled pattern.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Re-wrapping would disrupt the curl pattern and is not part of the standard perming process at this stage.
- B. Deep conditioning is done after neutralizing, not before.
- D. Perm rods must remain in the hair during neutralization to set the curl pattern.
Perm Neutralization
The second step in a permanent wave service, where an oxidizer (neutralizer) is applied to re-harden and fix the hair into its new curled shape by reforming the disulfide bonds.
- Stops the action of the waving solution.
- Reforms disulfide bonds.
- Must be applied after thorough rinsing and blotting.
- Ensures the permanency of the curl.
Memory trick: Rinse, Blot, Neutralize, That's the Plot!