Non-oxidative color that has large color molecules and small color molecules (that penetrate the cuticle and enter the cortex) is called?

• A. Temporary color
• B. Demi-permanent
• C. Oxidative color
• D. Semi-permanent

Answer: (D)

Non-oxidative color uses dye molecules that don’t require a chemical reaction with peroxide to develop. When a non-oxidative color contains both large color molecules that mainly coat the outer layer and smaller color molecules that can penetrate the cuticle and enter the cortex, you get color that lasts longer than a surface coat but doesn’t rely on oxidation to form new bonds. That combination describes semi-permanent color: it deposits with the help of both surface coating and limited penetration, fading gradually over several shampoos. Temporary color, by contrast, uses mostly large molecules that stay on the surface and wash out quickly, while oxidative color requires a developer to activate dyes and create lasting changes in the cortex.