California Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb moisture, which is determined by the condition and structure of the hair cuticles. When hair is described as having high porosity, it means that the cuticles are more open or damaged, allowing moisture to easily enter and, unfortunately, escape. Conversely, low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate, leading to dryness and product buildup.

Understanding hair porosity is essential for selecting appropriate hair care products and treatments. For example, high porosity hair often benefits from heavier oils and deep conditioning treatments, while low porosity hair may respond better to lighter products that don't weigh it down.

The other options reference different characteristics of hair. Thickness and diameter relate to the hair’s texture, natural color pertains to the pigment in the hair strands, and curl pattern describes the shape of the hair strands. While all of these aspects are important in the overall understanding of hair properties, they do not define porosity. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of hair porosity and its significance in hair care.