New Hampshire Barber Practice Exam 2026 - Free Barber Practice Questions and Study Guide

The process of oxidation is integral to achieving permanent hair color, which is the reason this answer is correct. In permanent hair coloring, oxidative agents, typically in the form of hydrogen peroxide, are used to open the hair cuticle, allowing color molecules to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This process not only alters the natural pigment but also allows for a more significant and longer-lasting change in color.

Permanent hair color relies on a chemical reaction that occurs when the color product interacts with the hair protein and the oxidizing agent. This is what makes the color permanent, as the new pigment effectively bonds to the hair structure and remains until new growth occurs or the hair is cut away.

In contrast, temporary hair color simply coats the hair shaft without penetrating it, meaning it can easily be washed out. Semi-permanent color, while it penetrates the hair cuticle to some extent, does not involve the same level of oxidation and does not provide a lasting change in the way permanent color does. Natural hair color refers to the inherent pigment found in uncolored hair and does not involve any oxidation process.

Understanding the differences between these processes is crucial for selecting the appropriate type of hair color based on the desired outcome.