Ohio Cosmetology License Practice Exam

In terms of hair structure, what does the term "porosity" refer to?

1. The hair's strength

2. The hair's ability to absorb moisture

3. The hair's density

4. The hair's color

The correct answer is: The hair's ability to absorb moisture

Porosity specifically refers to the hair's ability to absorb moisture. This characteristic is vital for understanding how different hair types behave in relation to moisture and treatments. Hair with high porosity absorbs moisture easily, which can lead to frizz and damage but also allows it to take in conditioning treatments effectively. Conversely, low porosity hair resists moisture absorption and may require specific techniques to ensure products penetrate the hair shaft. Understanding porosity helps cosmetologists determine the appropriate care, products, and techniques to use for different clients' hair types. The other terms in the question describe different aspects of hair. Strength pertains to how well the hair can withstand breakage, density relates to the thickness or amount of hair strands per area, and color describes the pigmentation of the hair. None of these directly address moisture absorption, which is the crux of porosity in hair structure.