Washington Cosmetology License Practice Exam

How can a cosmetologist identify a client’s hair type?

1. By examining the client’s scalp condition

2. By evaluating the hair's texture, density, and porosity

3. By assessing hair color alone

4. By conducting a chemical service

The correct answer is: By evaluating the hair's texture, density, and porosity

A cosmetologist can effectively identify a client’s hair type by evaluating the hair's texture, density, and porosity. Each of these characteristics provides valuable insight into the hair’s health, behavior, and how it will respond to different products and services. Texture refers to the diameter of the individual hair strands and can range from fine to medium to coarse. This affects how the hair feels and how it can be styled. Density, which refers to the amount of hair per square inch on the scalp, helps to determine how thick or thin the hair appears overall. Porosity indicates how well the hair can absorb moisture and products, revealing whether the cuticle layer is intact or if there are gaps that allow moisture to escape. Focusing solely on the scalp condition, hair color, or conducting a chemical service does not provide a complete understanding of a client's hair type. While these factors may be relevant in other contexts, they do not give the comprehensive overview needed that encompasses the essential characteristics of hair necessary for appropriate care and styling. Thus, evaluating texture, density, and porosity is the most effective approach to identifying hair type.