What is the purpose of the neutralizing step in a perm service?

• A. To restore pH and re-form disulfide bonds to lock in curl
• B. To color the hair
• C. To dry the hair completely
• D. To remove perm solution only

Answer: (A)

The neutralizing step sets the curl by re-forming the hair’s disulfide bonds and restoring its natural pH after the processing agent has broken them. During perming, a reducing agent opens the bonds so the hair can take on the shape around the rod. The neutralizer then oxidizes those sites, reforming the disulfide bonds in the new configuration, which locks the curl in place. Restoring the pH to a slightly acidic level helps close the cuticle and stabilize the new structure, improving hold and reducing frizz. This step is about setting the new shape, not coloring or drying, and it isn’t simply about removing processing solution—the rinse precedes neutralizing to remove the active perm chemicals. Without it, the curl may not hold or could relax back toward the original texture.