What is the role of the neutralizer in a permanent wave?

• A. It loosens the curl.
• B. It re-forms the disulfide bonds that were broken.
• C. It bleaches the hair.
• D. It adds moisture.

Answer: (B)

Disulfide bonds determine the curl pattern of hair. In a permanent wave, a reducing agent breaks these bonds to allow reshaping on the rods. The neutralizer then oxidizes and re-forms those bonds in their new positions, effectively setting the curl and stopping the reducing action. Its main job is to fix the new structure by rebuilding the disulfide bonds, not to bleach or add moisture.