NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A barber is preparing a non-oxidative, semi-permanent hair color mixture. The client desires a vibrant, temporary color change that will fade gradually over several shampoos. What is the typical pH range for this type of hair color product, and why is it important?
- AAlkaline (8.0-10.0) to open the cuticle and deposit color.
- BSlightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5) to deposit color without opening the cuticle.
- CAcidic (2.5-4.5) to swell the cuticle for deeper penetration.
- DHighly alkaline (10.0-12.0) to lift natural pigment and deposit new color.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5) to deposit color without opening the cuticle.
Non-oxidative, semi-permanent colors are typically slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). This allows the color molecules to deposit on the outside of the hair shaft and just inside the cuticle without raising it significantly, resulting in temporary color that fades with shampooing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Alkaline pH (8.0-10.0) is characteristic of permanent oxidative colors, which open the cuticle for deeper penetration and lifting.
- C. Acidic pH (2.5-4.5) would close the cuticle, hindering color deposit, and is typical of conditioners.
- D. Highly alkaline pH (10.0-12.0) is for bleaches or high-lift permanent colors, which extensively open the cuticle and remove natural pigment.
Semi-Permanent Hair Color pH
Non-oxidative hair colors designed to deposit temporary color on the hair's surface and outer cuticle, typically having a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- pH 6.0-7.5.
- No developer/peroxide needed.
- Fades gradually, no lift.
Memory trick: ACID closes, ALKALI opens. Know your color pH.