A nonoxidative process that uses large and small color molecules and allows small color molecules to penetrate the cuticle and enter the cortex is called:

A nonoxidative process that uses large and small color molecules and allows small color molecules to penetrate the cuticle and enter the cortex is called:

• A. Temporary coloring
• B. Permanent coloring
• C. Semi-permanent coloring
• D. Demi-permanent coloring

Answer: (C)

Semi-permanent color is nonoxidative and uses both large and small dye molecules. The larger molecules stay on the outer cuticle to deposit color, while the smaller molecules can diffuse through the cuticle and enter the cortex for deeper deposit. Because there’s no developer or chemical oxidation, the color fades gradually with washing, rather than lasting permanently. This combination of surface coating plus limited cortex penetration is what makes semi-permanent the best fit for a nonoxidative process that uses both sizes of color molecules.

Semi-permanent color is nonoxidative and uses both large and small dye molecules. The larger molecules stay on the outer cuticle to deposit color, while the smaller molecules can diffuse through the cuticle and enter the cortex for deeper deposit. Because there’s no developer or chemical oxidation, the color fades gradually with washing, rather than lasting permanently. This combination of surface coating plus limited cortex penetration is what makes semi-permanent the best fit for a nonoxidative process that uses both sizes of color molecules.