Cosmetology Test Haircolor and Lightening 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of hydrogen peroxide in a permanent haircolor formula?
- It deposits pigment directly into the cortex
- It activates the dye intermediates and lifts natural melanin (Correct answer)
- It seals the cuticle after color processing
- It neutralizes the ammonia in the color formula
Correct answer: It activates the dye intermediates and lifts natural melanin
Hydrogen peroxide (developer) oxidizes dye intermediates to form color molecules and simultaneously oxidizes melanin to lighten the hair.
Question 2: A cosmetologist is performing a color correction on a client whose hair was previously colored too dark. Which product is best used first?
- A high-lift permanent color
- A color remover or soap cap (Correct answer)
- A bleach bath (bleach and shampoo mixture)
- A demi-permanent color in a lighter shade
Correct answer: A color remover or soap cap
A color remover or soap cap is typically the first step in color correction to break down and remove artificial dark pigment before re-coloring.
Question 3: The term 'single-process color' refers to:
- A one-step haircolor service that lightens and deposits color simultaneously (Correct answer)
- A coloring service that uses only one color formula on the entire head
- A temporary color applied in a single coat
- A service performed on previously uncolored hair only
Correct answer: A one-step haircolor service that lightens and deposits color simultaneously
Single-process color (permanent tint) lifts and deposits color in one application using ammonia and developer, unlike double-process services.
Question 4: Which of the following is a characteristic of semi-permanent haircolor?
- It requires a developer to deposit color
- It penetrates the cortex and cannot be washed out
- It coats the outside of the hair shaft and lasts 4-6 weeks (Correct answer)
- It lightens hair up to 3 levels
Correct answer: It coats the outside of the hair shaft and lasts 4-6 weeks
Semi-permanent color coats the cuticle and slightly penetrates the cortex without using a developer; it fades gradually over 4-6 weeks of washing.
Question 5: What is the safest maximum time recommended for leaving bleach on the scalp?
- 15 minutes
- 30 minutes
- 45 minutes (Correct answer)
- 60 minutes
Correct answer: 45 minutes
Most professional bleach manufacturers recommend a maximum of 45 minutes on-scalp to prevent scalp burns and excessive hair damage.
Question 6: A client wants copper-red permanent color on naturally light blonde (level 9) hair. Which developer volume is most appropriate?
- 10-volume (Correct answer)
- 20-volume
- 30-volume
- 40-volume
Correct answer: 10-volume
Level 9 blonde hair needs only deposit of color with minimal lift, so 10-volume developer is sufficient for maximum color saturation without unnecessary lift.
Question 7: What does the term 'porosity' refer to in haircoloring?
- The natural color depth of the hair
- The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and color (Correct answer)
- The number of hairs per square inch on the scalp
- The elasticity of the hair strand when wet
Correct answer: The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and color
Porosity refers to how readily the hair's cuticle allows moisture and color to enter and be retained, affecting how color processes and how long it lasts.
Cosmetology Test Haircolor and Lightening 4
What is the function of hydrogen peroxide in a permanent haircolor formula?