Which type of hair color attaches to the cuticle layer?

The correct answer highlights that semipermanent color attaches to the cuticle layer of the hair. Semipermanent hair color is designed to coat the outside of the hair shaft rather than penetrate deeply into the hair structure. The cuticle, being the outer protective layer of the hair, allows these colors to adhere without the use of harsh chemicals that facilitate deeper penetration. This results in a more gradual fade over time, as the color washes out with each shampoo.

In contrast, permanent hair color typically contains ammonia and other agents that open the cuticle to allow the dye to penetrate the cortex, leading to a longer-lasting effect since it alters the hair structure. Temporary colors, while also non-oxidative like semipermanent colors, tend to sit even more superficially on the outer layer and are designed to wash out after a few shampoos, often offering a very short lifespan. Oxidative colors involve a chemical reaction that enables deeper color penetration and longer retention than semipermanent shades, but this means they affect both the cuticle and the cortex.

Understanding how these different types of hair color interact with the hair structure is crucial for making informed choices in color application and for achieving desired results effectively.