California Cosmetology Written ExamHaircoloringEasy
A client wants to know why her natural hair color chart shows numbers from 1 to 10. What does the level system measure?
- AThe porosity of the hair shaft
- BThe amount of red pigment in the hair
- CThe lightness or darkness of a hair color
- DThe percentage of gray hair present
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The lightness or darkness of a hair color
The level system is a numerical scale, typically 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde), used to measure the lightness or darkness of a hair color, independent of tone.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Porosity is a structural property, unrelated to the level system.
- B. Red pigment refers to tone, not level.
- D. Gray percentage is a separate assessment, not the level system.
Level System
A numerical scale (1-10) used in cosmetology to describe how light or dark a hair color is.
- Level 1 = black (darkest)
- Level 10 = lightest blonde
- Tone (warm/cool) is separate from level
Memory trick: Low numbers = dark like night; high numbers = light like day.