National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cosmetology Practice Exam

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When hair is wound smoothly around the permanent wave rod without stretching, what does it allow the hair to do during processing?

  1. Become frizzy

  2. Retain moisture

  3. Expand

  4. Contract

The correct answer is: Expand

Winding hair smoothly around the permanent wave rod without stretching is crucial in the perming process because it allows the hair to expand properly. When hair is wound in a relaxed manner, it maintains its natural texture and allows for the penetration of the perm solution effectively. This approach causes the hair cuticles to lift slightly, enabling the solution to reach the cortex, which is essential for creating the desired curl or wave pattern. The expansion of the hair during processing is vital for achieving a well-defined and long-lasting wave. If the hair is stretched while being wound, it may result in tighter curls, which could lead to an inconsistency in the final outcome, and may not have the same bounce or fluidity. This illustrates why the correct response emphasizes the ability of the hair to expand rather than becoming frizzy, retaining moisture, or contracting.