Delaware Cosmetology and Barbering Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology and Barbering Practice Questions and Study Guide

The distinction between semi-permanent and permanent hair color lies primarily in how they interact with the hair and their longevity. Semi-permanent color provides a temporary solution, typically lasting around 4 to 12 washes, as it does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and does not penetrate the hair shaft deeply. Instead, it coats the hair's outer layer, resulting in a more subtle change that gradually fades over time.

On the other hand, permanent hair color contains a higher concentration of chemicals, such as ammonia and peroxide, allowing it to penetrate into the hair shaft and alter the natural pigment. Because of this deeper penetration, the effects of permanent color do not wash out and will remain until the hair grows out or is cut off.

In contrast to the selected choice, the other options focus on aspects that are less fundamental to understanding the core difference between the two types of hair color. For example, the damaging effects of semi-permanent color are generally less than those of permanent color due to the absence of strong chemicals. Additionally, while the ease of application may vary depending on the product and user experience, this is not a defining characteristic that distinguishes semi-permanent from permanent color. Finally, although semi-permanent color may require more frequent applications to maintain vibrancy