Permanent color is often referred to as which of the following?

Permanent color is often referred to as which of the following?

• A. Non-oxidative tint
• B. Semi-permanent dye
• C. Temporary color
• D. Oxidative tints with ammonia

Answer: (D)

Permanent color relies on oxidative chemistry. A developer (usually hydrogen peroxide) works with dye precursors in an alkaline environment (often containing ammonia) to open the cuticle and oxidize the precursors so they form larger pigment molecules that enter and stay in the cortex. This makes the color long-lasting until new growth occurs. The other terms describe colors that don’t involve this deep, lasting chemical change: non-oxidative tint uses direct dyes that just coat the hair, semi-permanent dyes fade over time and don’t fully penetrate, and temporary color sits on the cuticle and rinses out quickly.

Permanent color relies on oxidative chemistry. A developer (usually hydrogen peroxide) works with dye precursors in an alkaline environment (often containing ammonia) to open the cuticle and oxidize the precursors so they form larger pigment molecules that enter and stay in the cortex. This makes the color long-lasting until new growth occurs. The other terms describe colors that don’t involve this deep, lasting chemical change: non-oxidative tint uses direct dyes that just coat the hair, semi-permanent dyes fade over time and don’t fully penetrate, and temporary color sits on the cuticle and rinses out quickly.