Kansas Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is semi-permanent color. This type of hair color is designed to last longer than temporary color but does not penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as permanent color. Semi-permanent colors typically contain no ammonia and use a lower level of developer, which allows them to coat the hair rather than change its underlying pigment significantly. Because of this formulation, semi-permanent colors can gradually wash out over time, usually lasting for about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the frequency of shampooing and the condition of the hair.

Temporary color, while also able to be shampooed out relatively easily, does not provide the same level of vibrancy or longevity as semi-permanent colors. Permanent color, on the other hand, is designed to provide long-lasting results, changing the hair’s natural pigments and requiring a chemical process that cannot be easily reversed with shampooing. Demipermanent color also lasts longer than semi-permanent and does not wash out easily, as it involves a slightly more complex formulation that allows for longer-lasting color without being as permanent as traditional permanent color.