Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

If the cuticle is slightly raised and accepts color products easily, the hair is considered?

1. Damaged

2. Coarse

3. Fine

4. Normal

The correct answer is: Normal

When the cuticle of the hair is slightly raised and readily accepts color products, it suggests that the hair is in a normal condition. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and when it's functioning properly, it allows for good moisture retention and product absorption. Normal hair typically exhibits a balanced cuticle layer that provides protection while still being permeable enough for treatments like coloring. This permeability indicates that the hair is healthy and can interact with color products without excessively resisting or damaging the strands. In contrast, damaged hair would typically have a more severely raised cuticle or a compromised structure, leading to difficulties in product application and increased susceptibility to breakage. Coarse hair often has a thicker cuticle layer that may not absorb color as readily, and fine hair might have a smooth, tightly closed cuticle that can lead to challenges in accepting color as well. Therefore, the description of the cuticle being slightly raised and easily accepting color aligns best with hair that is considered normal.