PSI Barbering Practice Exam

Which property of hair is indicated by its ability to stretch and return to its original shape?

1. Texture

2. Elasticity

3. Porosity

4. Strength

The correct answer is: Elasticity

The ability of hair to stretch and then return to its original shape is referred to as elasticity. Elasticity is a crucial property of hair, as it indicates how well the hair can withstand manipulation and stress without breaking. Healthy hair that has good elasticity can be styled more easily and will often be more resilient to chemical treatments and environmental factors. Understanding elasticity is important for barbers and stylists because it helps them assess the condition of a client's hair and make informed decisions about the types of products and services to use. For instance, hair that lacks elasticity may be damaged or overly dry, necessitating conditioning treatments to restore its flexibility and health. In contrast, texture pertains to the diameter of the hair strand as well as the overall surface feel, while porosity describes how well hair can absorb moisture and its ability to hold onto that moisture. Strength refers to the hair's resistance to breakage. While all these properties are important in their own right, elasticity is specifically focused on the hair's capability to stretch and recover, thus making it the correct answer in this case.