Cosmetology · Chemical Texture Services

The action that breaks the hair's internal bonds in a permanent wave is performed by the:

Correct answer

Waving lotion/processing solution

  1. A Neutralizer
  2. B Shampoo
  3. C Conditioner
  4. D Waving lotion/processing solution

Why this is the answer

In a permanent wave, the waving lotion (processing solution) softens and breaks the hair's internal disulfide bonds so the hair can take the shape of the rod or tool. After processing, a neutralizer is applied to reform (rebond) the bonds in the new curled position and stop the chemical action. Both steps are essential: processing to break bonds, neutralizing to reset them. Understanding the basic two-step chemistry of a perm — process then neutralize — is core chemical-texture theory on the exam.
Source: Hair Care — Perm Processing

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About this topic: Chemical Texture Services

Chemical texture services — permanent waving, relaxing and curl reformation — are tested on the chemistry (reduction and oxidation), the products (thio, hydroxide), processing and neutralising, and the safety checks before and during the service. This is one of 11 Hair Care questions on chemical texture services, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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