Illinois Cosmetology Practice Exam

Low porosity hair is characterized by its resistance to moisture and products. This occurs because the cuticle layers are tightly packed and flat, creating a barrier that makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, low porosity hair does not absorb water and other products easily, often leading to the need for heat or specific techniques to effectively moisturize it.

In contrast, hair with high porosity would absorb moisture more readily, typically due to more open cuticles, which is not a feature of low porosity. High elasticity is typically associated with healthy hair that can stretch and return to its original shape, but this is unrelated to porosity levels. While shiny and smooth textures can occur in low porosity hair, they do not define its porosity characteristics specifically. Thus, the defining trait of low porosity hair is its resistance to moisture and products.