All acid waves have three components consisting of the wavy lotion, neutralizer and which component?

• A. Activator
• B. Base cream
• C. Emulsifier
• D. Preservative

Answer: (A)

Acid waves rely on a three-part system to shape and set the curl. The waving lotion contains the reducing agent that breaks and reshapes the hair’s disulfide bonds, allowing it to be formed around the rod. The activator is the component that activates or continues that chemical action after wrapping, helping the hair hold the new shape during processing. Finally, the neutralizer oxidation-reforms the disulfide bonds in the hair in the new configuration, locking in the curl. Other products like base cream, emulsifier, or preservative play different roles in formulations or hygiene but aren’t the third essential component of an acid-wave system.