Red Seal Hairstylist Practice Exam

How does permanent hair color differ from semi-permanent hair color?

1. Permanent color coats the hair, while semi-permanent alters the structure

2. Semi-permanent lasts longer than permanent color

3. Permanent color alters the hair structure for long-lasting results

4. Semi-permanent is only suitable for light shades

The correct answer is: Permanent color alters the hair structure for long-lasting results

Permanent hair color is designed to penetrate the hair shaft and alter the hair's structure by opening the cuticle layer, which allows the color molecules to enter the cortex and bond with the hair. This process often involves a chemical reaction that lightens the natural pigment before depositing the desired color. As a result, permanent hair color can provide long-lasting results that typically endure through multiple washes and hair growth, making it a durable option for those looking to significantly change their hair color. In contrast, semi-permanent hair color usually works by depositing color onto the hair without altering its natural structure as much. This type of color often lasts only between 4 to 12 shampoos, depending on the specific formulation and hair type. Semi-permanent color is less damaging since it does not contain ammonia or strong developers that would open the hair cuticle extensively. The assertion that semi-permanent lasts longer than permanent color is inaccurate, as permanent color is specifically designed to provide long-lasting coverage that outlasts semi-permanent options. Moreover, the notion that permanent color simply coats the hair rather than alters its structure does not capture the fundamental chemical process involved in permanent coloring. Finally, while semi-permanent colors can certainly be used on lighter shades, they are versatile enough