What is the role of the neutralizer in a perm service?

• A. Rebuilds disulfide bonds and stops the chemical reaction, fixing the new curl pattern.
• B. Softens the cuticle to allow rearrangement.
• C. Cleanses the scalp.
• D. Adds fragrance.

Answer: (A)

The neutralizer’s job is to rebuild the hair’s disulfide bonds after the waving solution has broken them and to stop the chemical action, thereby locking in the new curl pattern. It works by oxidizing the hair and re-forming the disulfide bonds in the configuration set by the rods, effectively halting the processing and fixing the shape. This step is not about softening the cuticle or cleansing the scalp or adding fragrance—those effects come from other products or steps in the service.