What type of hair usually has a tight cuticle layer?

• A. Medium-textured hair
• B. Coarse or resistant hair
• C. Fine, silky hair
• D. Damaged, porous hair

Answer: (B)

Hair porosity is shaped by the cuticle, the outer protective layer made of overlapping scales. When these scales lie flat and tightly knit, the cuticle is tight, making the hair less permeable to moisture and chemicals. Coarse or resistant hair typically has this thick, compact cuticle, so it tends to be low porosity and more resistant to processing. That tight cuticle means moisture and chemical products have a harder time penetrating, which is why this hair type often requires longer processing times, adjustments in formulas, or heat to help products work effectively. In contrast, fine or silky hair often has a looser cuticle that lifts more easily, while damaged or porous hair shows lifted, broken cuticles—neither of which fits the description of a tightly layered cuticle.