What does reduction refer to in chemical texturizing?

In the context of chemical texturizing, reduction specifically refers to the breaking of disulfide bonds in the hair. Disulfide bonds are important structural components of hair, contributing to its strength and shape. When a chemical texturizer is applied, it acts to reduce these bonds, allowing the hair's structure to change. This process enables the hair to take on new shapes, such as curls or waves, after rinsing and neutralizing the product.

The breaking of disulfide bonds is essential for the texturizing process to effectively alter the hair's form, making it a critical component of both methods like permanent waving and relaxing treatments. The other options focus on different aspects—while breaking hydrogen bonds refers to a temporary change that happens with heat styling, the addition of moisture relates to conditioning rather than texturizing. Likewise, applying heat is a technique used in styling, not directly involved in the chemical processes of texturizing. Thus, recognizing that reduction is tied to disulfide bond breakdown clarifies its role in achieving desired hair textures.