After the perm solution is thoroughly rinsed, the neutralizer is applied to ______ and ______ the hair into its new wavy or curly shape.

After the perm solution is thoroughly rinsed, the neutralizer is applied to ______ and ______ the hair into its new wavy or curly shape.

• A. Reharden, Fix
• B. Rehydrate, Set
• C. Harden, Shape
• D. Rebuild, Hold

Answer: (A)

The main action of the neutralizer is to re-form the hair’s structure and lock in the new shape. After the perm solution breaks and reshapes the disulfide bonds, rinsing cleanses the hair and prepares it for the neutralizer. The neutralizer then rehardens the hair and fixes the curl, meaning it rebuilds the bonds in their new configuration and seals the wave or curl in place. This is why “reharden” and “fix” best describe what the neutralizer does. Other options would imply moisture restoration or merely setting or shaping without re-forming the bonds that actually lock the new curl.

The main action of the neutralizer is to re-form the hair’s structure and lock in the new shape. After the perm solution breaks and reshapes the disulfide bonds, rinsing cleanses the hair and prepares it for the neutralizer. The neutralizer then rehardens the hair and fixes the curl, meaning it rebuilds the bonds in their new configuration and seals the wave or curl in place. This is why “reharden” and “fix” best describe what the neutralizer does. Other options would imply moisture restoration or merely setting or shaping without re-forming the bonds that actually lock the new curl.