Which step in chemical texture services is used to halt the rearrangement of the hair after reduction?

• A. Neutralization
• B. Rinsing
• C. Shampooing
• D. Conditioning

Answer: (A)

Halting rearrangement happens when the hair’s bonds are re-formed in the new shape. After reduction, the disulfide bonds are broken and the hair is pliable, so applying a neutralizer stops the chemical change by oxidizing the thiol groups and re‑forming disulfide bonds in the desired configuration. This locks in the curl or straight pattern and helps restore the hair’s pH and structure. Simply rinsing removes some chemicals but doesn’t stop the rearrangement, and shampooing or conditioning are cleansing/conditioning steps that don’t halt the chemical process.