NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesHard
When performing a chemical relaxing service, after the relaxer has been applied and processed for the appropriate amount of time, the hair must be thoroughly rinsed and then neutralized. What is the primary purpose of the neutralizer in a chemical relaxing service?
- ATo add moisture and shine to the hair
- BTo soften and break the disulfide bonds
- CTo swell the hair shaft and open the cuticle
- DTo re-harden and lock the hair into its new straight shape
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To re-harden and lock the hair into its new straight shape
The neutralizer (often an acid-balanced shampoo or solution) in a chemical relaxing service has two primary functions: it deactivates any remaining relaxer chemicals and, most importantly, it re-forms (re-hardens) the disulfide bonds in their new, straighter configuration, thereby locking the hair into its new shape.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While some neutralizers may have conditioning agents, their primary purpose is chemical neutralization and re-bonding, not simply adding moisture and shine.
- B. Softening and breaking disulfide bonds is the primary action of the chemical relaxer itself.
- C. Swelling the hair shaft and opening the cuticle is the role of the alkaline relaxer.
Neutralizer (Chemical Relaxing)
An acidic solution or shampoo used after a chemical relaxer to deactivate any remaining relaxer chemicals and re-form the disulfide bonds in the hair, locking it into its new, straighter shape.
- Deactivates relaxer chemicals
- Re-forms disulfide bonds
- Locks hair into new shape
- Often acid-balanced
Memory trick: Relaxer Breaks, Neutralizer Narrows and Nits the bonds.