The reason semi-permanent color can penetrate the cuticle layer more readily than temporary colors is that color molecules are

The reason semi-permanent color can penetrate the cuticle layer more readily than temporary colors is that color molecules are

• A. Larger in size
• B. More reactive
• C. Less pigmented
• D. Smaller in size

Answer: (D)

Color molecule size determines whether color can pass through the hair’s cuticle. The cuticle is made of overlapping scales, and small molecules can squeeze through the tiny spaces between those scales to diffuse into the hair, allowing semi-permanent color to deposit inside and last longer. Temporary colors rely on larger molecules that mainly stay on the surface and don’t penetrate, so they wash out more quickly. Reactivity or pigment level doesn’t drive penetration by itself, and being less pigmented doesn’t affect the ability to get through the cuticle. The key idea is that the color molecules are smaller in size, enabling diffusion through the cuticle.

Color molecule size determines whether color can pass through the hair’s cuticle. The cuticle is made of overlapping scales, and small molecules can squeeze through the tiny spaces between those scales to diffuse into the hair, allowing semi-permanent color to deposit inside and last longer. Temporary colors rely on larger molecules that mainly stay on the surface and don’t penetrate, so they wash out more quickly. Reactivity or pigment level doesn’t drive penetration by itself, and being less pigmented doesn’t affect the ability to get through the cuticle. The key idea is that the color molecules are smaller in size, enabling diffusion through the cuticle.