Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Practice Exam

What can result from high porosity hair?

1. Long-lasting hairstyles

2. Increased moisture retention

3. Dryness and frizz due to excessive moisture absorption

4. Less frequency of hair treatments

The correct answer is: Dryness and frizz due to excessive moisture absorption

High porosity hair is characterized by an ability to absorb moisture quickly due to gaps and holes in the cuticle layer of the hair. While this characteristic can lead to the hair being easily penetrated by moisture and products, it often results in the hair being unable to retain that moisture effectively. As a result, high porosity hair is prone to dryness and frizz, particularly because it can absorb excessive moisture from the environment. This tendency may lead to hair that looks frizzy or feels dry, as it cannot maintain the moisture levels that it initially absorbs. In contrast, the other options relate to benefits generally associated with lower porosity hair. For example, long-lasting hairstyles and increased moisture retention are more typical of hair with lower porosity, which can hold styles better because the cuticles lay flatter and are less absorbent. Less frequency of hair treatments is also a characteristic of low porosity hair, as it does not require as much moisture or care compared to high porosity hair that needs more frequent hydration and conditioning treatments to combat dryness.