Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

Which type of hair is more prone to dryness?

1. Straight hair

2. Wavy hair

3. Curly hair

4. Coily hair

The correct answer is: Curly hair

Curly hair is generally more prone to dryness due to its unique structure. The shape of curly hair strands means that natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. These natural oils, known as sebum, are critical for moisturizing and protecting hair. In straight hair, the oils can move easily down the shaft, providing a more even distribution of moisture. In curly hair, the twists and turns create more surface area and therefore can lead to more significant exposure to environmental elements that can dry it out, such as heat and pollutants. Additionally, curly hair tends to be more porous, meaning it can lose moisture faster than other hair types. This characteristic necessitates a more consistent and tailored hair care routine focused on hydration and moisture retention. While straight, wavy, and coily hair can also experience dryness, they typically do not struggle with it to the same extent as curly hair because of the more efficient distribution of oils and the differences in their structure.