Milady Chapter 21 Haircoloring
Exam Review 2025 – Comprehensive
Questions and Verified Answers with
Detailed Solutions
Contents
1 Core Concepts in Hair Structure and Color Basics 2
2 Advanced Haircoloring Techniques and Safety 4
1
, 1 Core Concepts in Hair Structure and Color Basics
1. Question: The layer of the hair that provides strength and elasticity is the
Answer: Cortex
Detailed Solution: The cortex, comprising about 80% of the hair strand, consists
of keratin protein chains that interlock to provide elasticity and strength. This
layer contains melanin pigments determining natural hair color. Damage to the
cortex from chemical processes weakens hair, leading to breakage. In haircoloring,
permanent dyes target the cortex to alter pigment permanently, requiring careful
application to maintain hair integrity.
2. Question: In individual hair strands, hair texture is determined by the
Answer: Diameter
Detailed Solution: Hair texture, whether fine, medium, or coarse, depends on
the strand’s diameter. Fine hair, with a smaller diameter, absorbs color quickly,
potentially resulting in darker shades. Coarse hair, with a larger diameter, resists
color penetration, needing longer processing or higher developer volumes. Assessing
texture ensures appropriate color formulation and timing.
3. Question: If the cuticle is lifted, allowing the hair to take color quickly, the hair
is said to have
Answer: High porosity
Detailed Solution: Porosity indicates the hair’s ability to absorb moisture and
chemicals. High porosity, often due to damaged or lifted cuticles, allows rapid color
uptake, which can cause uneven fading. Using fillers or lower-volume developers
helps manage high porosity, ensuring even color and longevity.
4. Question: Haircolor levels are arranged on a scale from
Answer: 1 to 10
Detailed Solution: The level system ranges from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde),
guiding colorists in matching or altering natural shades. Lifting from a darker level
(e.g., 4) to a lighter one (e.g., 7) requires lightening agents and strand tests to avoid
unwanted undertones like brassiness.
5. Question: Hair color tones can be described as
Answer: Warm, neutral, or cool
Detailed Solution: Tones add character to haircolor—warm (gold, red), cool
(ash, blue), or neutral (balanced). Warm tones enhance golden skin, while cool
tones correct redness. Neutral tones provide subtle results. Proper tone selection
enhances client features and corrects undertones.
6. Question: Colors that are described as sandy or tan are considered
Answer: Natural tones
Detailed Solution: Natural tones, like beige or taupe, mimic organic hair shades
without extreme warmth or coolness. They are ideal for gray coverage or subtle
enhancements, blending seamlessly with natural hair when mixed with base colors.
7. Question: Which color will help minimize orange tones in the hair?
Answer: Blue
Detailed Solution: Blue, opposite orange on the color wheel, neutralizes orange
undertones that appear during lightening. Blue-based ash toners or glazes correct
2
Exam Review 2025 – Comprehensive
Questions and Verified Answers with
Detailed Solutions
Contents
1 Core Concepts in Hair Structure and Color Basics 2
2 Advanced Haircoloring Techniques and Safety 4
1
, 1 Core Concepts in Hair Structure and Color Basics
1. Question: The layer of the hair that provides strength and elasticity is the
Answer: Cortex
Detailed Solution: The cortex, comprising about 80% of the hair strand, consists
of keratin protein chains that interlock to provide elasticity and strength. This
layer contains melanin pigments determining natural hair color. Damage to the
cortex from chemical processes weakens hair, leading to breakage. In haircoloring,
permanent dyes target the cortex to alter pigment permanently, requiring careful
application to maintain hair integrity.
2. Question: In individual hair strands, hair texture is determined by the
Answer: Diameter
Detailed Solution: Hair texture, whether fine, medium, or coarse, depends on
the strand’s diameter. Fine hair, with a smaller diameter, absorbs color quickly,
potentially resulting in darker shades. Coarse hair, with a larger diameter, resists
color penetration, needing longer processing or higher developer volumes. Assessing
texture ensures appropriate color formulation and timing.
3. Question: If the cuticle is lifted, allowing the hair to take color quickly, the hair
is said to have
Answer: High porosity
Detailed Solution: Porosity indicates the hair’s ability to absorb moisture and
chemicals. High porosity, often due to damaged or lifted cuticles, allows rapid color
uptake, which can cause uneven fading. Using fillers or lower-volume developers
helps manage high porosity, ensuring even color and longevity.
4. Question: Haircolor levels are arranged on a scale from
Answer: 1 to 10
Detailed Solution: The level system ranges from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde),
guiding colorists in matching or altering natural shades. Lifting from a darker level
(e.g., 4) to a lighter one (e.g., 7) requires lightening agents and strand tests to avoid
unwanted undertones like brassiness.
5. Question: Hair color tones can be described as
Answer: Warm, neutral, or cool
Detailed Solution: Tones add character to haircolor—warm (gold, red), cool
(ash, blue), or neutral (balanced). Warm tones enhance golden skin, while cool
tones correct redness. Neutral tones provide subtle results. Proper tone selection
enhances client features and corrects undertones.
6. Question: Colors that are described as sandy or tan are considered
Answer: Natural tones
Detailed Solution: Natural tones, like beige or taupe, mimic organic hair shades
without extreme warmth or coolness. They are ideal for gray coverage or subtle
enhancements, blending seamlessly with natural hair when mixed with base colors.
7. Question: Which color will help minimize orange tones in the hair?
Answer: Blue
Detailed Solution: Blue, opposite orange on the color wheel, neutralizes orange
undertones that appear during lightening. Blue-based ash toners or glazes correct
2
