California Barber Written ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is performing a permanent waving service. After applying the waving lotion and processing, what is the immediate and crucial next step before applying the neutralizer?
- ARe-roll the perm rods tighter
- BBlot excess water from the hair
- CRinse the hair thoroughly with warm water
- DApply a protein conditioner
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Blot excess water from the hair
After processing and rinsing the waving lotion, it is crucial to blot excess water from the hair thoroughly before applying the neutralizer. This step prevents dilution of the neutralizer, ensuring its effectiveness in re-bonding the hair into its new curly shape.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Re-rolling perm rods is incorrect and unnecessary at this stage; the curl is already formed by the waving lotion.
- C. Rinsing is done, but not the immediate step before neutralizer after processing. Blotting comes after rinsing and before neutralizer.
- D. A protein conditioner is typically applied after neutralizing and rinsing, not before the neutralizer.
Perm Neutralizer Prep
Before applying neutralizer in a permanent waving service, the hair must be thoroughly blotted to remove excess water, preventing dilution of the neutralizer and ensuring proper re-bonding.
- Follows rinsing of waving lotion.
- Removes excess water from rods and hair.
- Prevents neutralizer dilution.
- Ensures effective re-bonding of disulfide bonds.
Memory trick: Rinse, blot, then neutralize the new wave.