What is the purpose of a neutralizer in the perming process?

The purpose of a neutralizer in the perming process is to lock in the curl pattern created during the waving solution application. When hair is permed, the waving solution breaks down the hair's internal bonds, allowing it to be reshaped into curls. After this reshaping, the neutralizer is applied to restore the disulfide bonds in the hair, effectively fixing the new curl formation in place. This step is crucial because it stabilizes and preserves the curls, ensuring that they last for a significant period of time.

Other options do not pertain to the function of a neutralizer. For instance, straightening the hair or stripping previous chemicals are actions that do not coincide with the purpose of neutralizing. Adding shine to the hair, while beneficial, is not the primary intent of the neutralizer either; the main goal remains the fixation of the curl pattern established during the perming process.