Hair Coloring and Color Theory Flashcards

Which type of hair color only coats the outside of the hair shaft and typically fades within 4–6 shampoos?

Answer: Temporary color

Temporary color rests on the surface of the hair cuticle without penetrating the cortex and washes out after a few shampoos.

How does permanent hair color deposit color into the hair?

Answer: It opens the cuticle and deposits color into the cortex

Permanent hair color uses an alkaline agent to swell and open the cuticle, allowing oxidative dye molecules to penetrate and develop color in the cortex.

What developer strength (volume) is most commonly used when applying permanent color to cover gray hair?

Answer: 20 volume

20-volume developer is the standard choice for covering gray hair, providing enough lift and oxidation to deposit color without excessive lightening.

A double-process color service involves which two steps?

Answer: Pre-lightening the hair and then applying toner or haircolor

A double-process service first lightens the hair (pre-lightening), then applies a toner or haircolor to achieve the desired shade.

Demi-permanent (deposit-only) color differs from permanent color primarily because it uses:

Answer: A very low-volume hydrogen peroxide developer

Demi-permanent color uses a low-volume (5–10) hydrogen peroxide developer instead of the stronger developer in permanent color, so it deposits without significant lift.

What is the purpose of performing a strand test before a hair color service?

Answer: To determine processing time and preview the color result

A strand test shows the colorist how the hair will respond to the formula by previewing the final color and checking whether processing time is correct.

How far in advance of a chemical hair color service should a patch (predisposition) test be performed?

Answer: 24–48 hours before

A patch test should be performed 24–48 hours before a chemical service to allow enough time for an allergic reaction to develop and be observed.