Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

What does "highlighting" refer to in hair services?

1. Applying a full hair color

2. Cutting hair to different lengths

3. Lightening specific sections of hair for dimension

4. Washing hair with color-safe shampoo

The correct answer is: Lightening specific sections of hair for dimension

Highlighting in hair services specifically refers to the technique of lightening selected sections of hair to create dimension and contrast. This process involves using a bleaching agent or lighter color to elevate the selected strands, resulting in a multi-tonal effect that can enhance the hair's texture and overall appearance. Unlike applying a full hair color, which would change the entire head of hair to a single shade, highlighting focuses on only particular areas, allowing for greater versatility and personalization in styling. Cutting hair to different lengths is unrelated to the coloration process and pertains instead to shaping the hair. Washing hair with color-safe shampoo, while important for maintaining the vibrancy of colored hair, does not apply to the highlighting technique itself. Thus, the correct understanding of highlighting involves the lightening of specific sections, which is fundamental in achieving a layered, dimensional look.