Wisconsin Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The term "oxidation" in hair color chemistry refers to a chemical reaction that develops the color. In this context, oxidation involves the interaction of the hair dye's oxidizing agent, often hydrogen peroxide or other similar compounds, with the hair's melanin and the dye itself.

During this chemical reaction, the oxidizing agent helps to open the hair cuticle, allowing the color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft. This process is essential in both permanent and semi-permanent hair coloring, as it transforms the dye molecules into a larger, more complex structure that permanently attaches to the hair. The oxidation process is what enables the alteration of hair color, whether lightening or depositing tones.

In contrast, physical changes in hair texture do not involve chemical reactions but rather alterations in the hair's moisture content or thermal treatment. Similarly, processes aimed at removing color from hair or applying color evenly involve other techniques and products, but they do not define oxidation itself. Understanding this chemical reaction is crucial for anyone involved in hair coloring, as it directly impacts the effectiveness and outcome of the hair coloring process.