Red Seal Hairstylist Practice Exam

Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, which is crucial for maintaining hair health and managing its overall condition. Hair with high porosity means that the cuticles are raised and more open, allowing for easier absorption of moisture but also leading to the potential for excessive moisture loss. This can result in hair that feels dry or is difficult to style. Conversely, hair with low porosity tends to have tightly packed cuticles, making it harder for moisture to penetrate, often resulting in hair that appears shiny but may become dry due to the inability to absorb hydration adequately. Understanding porosity allows stylists to tailor hair care routines and products to meet the specific needs of different hair types.

While thickness refers to the diameter of the hair strand and elasticity speaks to the hair's ability to stretch without breaking, these characteristics do not pertain directly to porosity. Color variation in hair is related to pigmentation and has no direct connection to the hair's moisture absorption capabilities. Thus, the definition of porosity is specifically tied to moisture management, making it an essential concept in hair care and styling.