During neutralization, the waving solution is deactivated. This is one of the key neutralization functions. Which option best completes this statement?

• A. It is deactivated
• B. It is heated
• C. It is mixed with base cream
• D. It is discarded

Answer: (A)

The main action in neutralization is to stop the waving solution from continuing its chemical action and to rebuild the hair’s disulfide bonds so the new curl is set. The neutralizer uses an oxidizing agent to react with the reducing agents in the waving solution, effectively deactivating it and locking in the curl. If the waving solution kept reacting, the hair could overprocess and weaken. That’s why the correct completion is that the waving solution is deactivated. The other options don’t fit because heating isn’t required during neutralization, there’s no need to mix the neutralizer with base cream, and the neutralizer isn’t discarded after use—it’s applied and then rinsed away.