NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamHair Care ServicesMedium
A barber is performing a consultation for a client who desires to lighten their natural black hair to a medium brown. The client expresses concern about potential damage to their hair. Which of the following hair coloring products would be the most suitable choice to achieve this lift while minimizing damage?
- ADemi-permanent hair color
- BPermanent hair color with 20 volume developer
- CTemporary hair color
- DHair lightener (bleach) followed by a toner
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Permanent hair color with 20 volume developer
To lighten natural black hair to a medium brown, permanent hair color with a 20 volume developer is typically sufficient. This option provides lift and deposit in a single step, minimizing exposure to harsher chemicals like bleach.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Demi-permanent hair color deposits color but does not have the ability to lift natural hair color significantly.
- C. Temporary hair color only coats the hair and cannot lighten natural hair color.
- D. Hair lightener (bleach) followed by a toner would provide more lift than needed and is a more aggressive process, increasing the risk of damage, especially if only a few levels of lift are desired.
Permanent Hair Color with Developer
A hair coloring product that is mixed with an oxidizing agent (developer) to lighten the hair's natural pigment and deposit new color simultaneously. It is capable of lifting natural hair color and providing permanent results.
- Uses an alkaline substance (ammonia) to open the cuticle.
- Oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide) lightens natural melanin.
- New color molecules are deposited into the cortex.
- Can lift 1-4 levels depending on developer strength.
Memory trick: Permanent color lifts and deposits.