California Cosmetology Written ExamClient Consultation and AnalysisEasy
A cosmetologist wants to determine a client's hair porosity before a chemical relaxer service. Which test should be performed?
- AStretching a wet strand and measuring how far it stretches before breaking
- BObserving how quickly the client's scalp perspires under a heat lamp
- CSliding fingers down a dry strand from ends to scalp to feel for roughness
- DCounting the number of hairs per square inch of scalp
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Sliding fingers down a dry strand from ends to scalp to feel for roughness
Porosity is tested by sliding the fingers along a dry hair strand from the ends toward the scalp; a rough, raised-cuticle feel indicates high porosity while a smooth feel indicates low porosity. This determines how well the hair absorbs chemicals and moisture.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes an elasticity test, not porosity.
- B. Perspiration is unrelated to hair porosity testing.
- D. This describes a density measurement, not porosity.
Porosity Test
A tactile assessment of the hair cuticle's ability to absorb moisture, performed by sliding fingers along a dry strand from ends to scalp.
- Rough feel = raised cuticle = high porosity
- Smooth feel = tight cuticle = low porosity
- Affects processing time for chemical services
- High porosity absorbs product faster and may over-process
Memory trick: Porosity = feel the roughness of the roof shingles (cuticle).