Wyoming State Board Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Cosmetology Exam Questions and Study Guide

Chemically treated hair is the most commonly damaged type because it has already undergone processes that alter its natural structure, such as coloring, perming, or relaxing. These treatments break down the internal structure of the hair to achieve the desired result, which can lead to weakened hair bonds, loss of moisture, and increased porosity. Over time, this can result in various forms of damage, including brittleness, split ends, and frizz.

In contrast, virgin hair is untouched by chemical processes, so it maintains its natural strength and integrity. Curly hair may be more prone to dryness and frizz due to its structure, but that does not inherently make it more damaged than chemically treated hair. Fine hair can be delicate and may become damaged more easily than coarse hair, but it is the repeated use of chemical treatments that predominantly leads to significant damage. Thus, chemically treated hair is particularly susceptible to damage due to the cumulative effects of various chemical alterations.