NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is preparing to apply a semi-permanent hair color to a client. What is the primary characteristic of semi-permanent hair color that differentiates it from permanent hair color?
- AIt lightens the hair's natural pigment.
- BIt requires a developer for activation.
- CIt permanently alters the hair's chemical structure.
- DIt does not contain ammonia and does not require peroxide.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It does not contain ammonia and does not require peroxide.
Semi-permanent hair colors typically do not contain ammonia and do not require peroxide (developer) because they deposit color molecules directly onto the hair shaft without lifting the cuticle or altering the natural pigment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Semi-permanent color only deposits; it does not lighten the natural pigment. Lightening requires permanent color with peroxide or bleach.
- B. Permanent and demi-permanent colors require a developer (peroxide); semi-permanent colors generally do not.
- C. Permanent hair color permanently alters the hair's chemical structure; semi-permanent color only coats the hair shaft and fades over time.
Semi-Permanent Hair Color
A non-oxidative hair color that deposits color pigments onto the hair shaft without lightening the natural hair color or requiring a developer.
- No ammonia, no peroxide (developer).
- Deposits color on the cuticle, does not penetrate cortex.
- Fades gradually with shampooing (typically 4-6 washes).
Memory trick: Semi-permanent means NO lift, NO mixing, just a wash-out coat.