Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

What kind of hair color does not require a developer?

1. Temporary color

2. Permanent color

3. Demi-permanent color

4. Highlighting color

The correct answer is: Temporary color

Temporary color is the correct choice because it is designed to coat the exterior of the hair shaft, providing a rich hue without the need for a developer. This type of color typically washes out after a few shampoos, meaning it doesn’t penetrate into the hair’s cortex or require any chemical reactions to achieve the desired color. In contrast, permanent color relies on a developer to open the cuticle of the hair and allow the color to penetrate the cortex for long-term results. Demi-permanent color also uses a developer, albeit a lower volume, to achieve a longer-lasting effect compared to temporary options but is still not as permanent. Highlighting color, often involving lightening techniques, also requires a developer to facilitate the oxidation process necessary for achieving highlights. Thus, temporary color distinctly stands out as the only option that can be applied without any developer involvement.