Conditioners with an acidic pH that condition and restore the natural pH of hair after a relaxer but prior to shampooing are called what?

• A. Normalizing solution
• B. Clarifying shampoo
• C. Deep conditioner
• D. Protein treatment

Answer: (A)

After a relaxer, hair is left alkaline and needs to be brought back to its natural acidity. Using an acidic conditioner called a normalizing solution helps re-balance the pH and seal the cuticle before shampooing, restoring softness and manageability right after the chemical service. Clarifying shampoo is meant to remove buildup and cleanse more aggressively, not to rebalance pH after processing. Deep conditioner provides moisture, but it doesn’t specifically restore the hair’s pH. Protein treatments reinforce the hair’s structure but don’t address pH balance either.