If a hair strand has high elasticity, what is the expected effect on curl retention after chemical processing?

• A. It will hold a curl better
• B. It will hold a curl poorly
• C. It has high porosity
• D. It will become overly porous

Answer: (A)

Elasticity describes how well a strand can stretch and return to its original length. When hair is chemically processed to form curls, the bonds are temporarily broken and then reformed to hold the new shape. Hair with high elasticity can stretch without breaking and will rebound to the curled form after processing, helping the curl be retained as it dries and sets. In other words, the structural resilience of elastic hair supports maintaining the new curl.

Porosity or becoming overly porous relate to how easily moisture and chemicals penetrate the hair and how moisture is retained, which affect processing outcomes but aren’t the direct factor in how well a curl stays once the shape is set.