poosit elstiit test - career trade school

POROSITY & ELASTICITY TESTby Tracey Sajno

© MHD Productions Ltd

Overview

Technical Skills

Skill Level

In this lesson you will learn about the essential porosity and elasticity test processes on hair. The porosity and elasticity tests determine the condition of the cuticle and cortex. Testing is an essential and important part of any hairdressing business and is carried out to properly identify any allergic reaction, to fulfil responsibilities relating to health & safety legislation and to maintain the professional image of the salon. Failure to perform test could cause damage to the client’s hair and scalp and result in legal action and damage to your professional reputation. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when carrying out these tests.

Foundation

Elasticity Test - Porosity Test



Introduction

Testing is an essential and important part of any hairdressing business.

BeforeTests are carried out for several reasons:1. To properly identify any allergic reaction.2. To fulfil the responsibilities relating to health & safety and other legislation.3. To maintain the professional image of the salon.

Before

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when carrying out techniques.

Before

The potential consequences of not carrying out the test:1. Failure to meet Health & Safety requirements and legislation, which could result in legal action.2. Damage to the client’s hair and scalp.3. Damage to the reputation of the salon.



Porosity Test

The porosity test is to determine the condition of the cuticle.

Step 1Take a few strands of hair. Feel against the cuticle and check if the hair feels rough or smooth. If the hair feels rough it indicates that the cuticles are raised and the hair is more porous, so the hair will absorb moisture quickly. It would also be quick to disperse the water out again. If a client uses straighteners on the hair the cuticle will feel smooth which can give you a false indication of whether the hair is porous or not. If this is the case, take a few strands of hair and dampen them down. When the hair is returned back to its natural state (alpha keratin) you can then repeat the test.

Elasticity TestAn elasticity test checks the condition of the cortex, the tensile strength of the hair. When you take an elastic band and stretch it, it will return back to its natural state. Hair in its wet state is more elastic than it is when dry.

Step 3 - sectioning

Note: When hair has been coloured it is more porous as a consequence. This can be felt as a bumpy feeling when the hair is wet.



Step 1

Take a few strands of hair and wet them down. Then, take the fine strands and gently pull between the thumbs and forefingers to stretch the hair and see if it returns to its natural state. If it stretches and returns to its natural state then it implies that the hair and the cortex are in a good state. If the hair continues to stretch, the elasticity is increased. If the hair snaps, the elasticity is very poor. If either breakage or continuous stretching occurs, be very cautious with proceeding with a permanent colour, high-lift tints or lighteners, or any service that requires excess tension on the hair.

FinishDivide the back section into two equal parts horizontally andvertically, ensuring enough hair density for the importantguide in the back. This is dependent on texture and densityof hair.

poosit elstiit test - career trade school

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