Prepare for the Tennessee Cosmetology Exam with comprehensive review questions covering essential cosmetology principles. Enhance your knowledge, boost confidence, and increase your chances of passing the exam.

Practice this question and more.


What determines the porosity of hair?

  1. The hair’s ability to absorb moisture and products

  2. The size of the hair strands

  3. The temperature of the water used during washing

  4. The color treatment used on the hair

The correct answer is: The hair’s ability to absorb moisture and products

Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb moisture and products, making it a fundamental characteristic that influences how hair interacts with water, conditioners, and styling products. When hair has high porosity, its cuticle layers are raised or damaged, allowing moisture to enter easily but also making it prone to losing that moisture quickly. Conversely, low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticle layers, making it harder for moisture and products to penetrate. Understanding porosity is essential for customizing hair care routines, as it dictates what types of products and treatments will be most effective. Assessing hair's porosity involves checking how quickly and thoroughly it absorbs water, which directly correlates to the hair's structural condition and cuticle health. This characteristic significantly impacts drying time, product absorption, and overall hair management.