PSI Barbering Practice Exam

How would you classify hair that feels smooth and has a compact cuticle?

1. Dull

2. Coarse

3. Resistant

4. Fragile

The correct answer is: Resistant

Hair that feels smooth and has a compact cuticle would be classified as resistant. This type of hair typically has a tightly packed cuticle layer, which means the outer scales of the hair are lying flat and closely together. This structural characteristic enhances its resilience against various chemical processes and physical damage, making it less susceptible to breakage and moisture penetration. In contrast, hair described as dull may lack shine but does not directly correlate with the arrangement of the cuticle. Coarse hair can feel rough or thicker due to the larger individual hair strands, but this does not necessarily mean it has a compact cuticle. Finally, fragile hair would indicate a weakness or damage in the hair shaft or cuticle, which contradicts the smooth texture and compact nature described in the question. Therefore, the smoothness and compact cuticle are key indicators of hair resistance.