Resistant porosity is characterized by cuticles that are

• A. Smooth
• B. Rough
• C. Porous
• D. Damaged

Answer: (A)

Resistant porosity is about how closed the cuticle is. When porosity is resistant, the cuticle scales lie flat and tightly against the hair shaft, giving a smooth surface. That smooth cuticle makes it harder for moisture and chemical products to enter the cortex, which is why color and chemical services can be slow to take. So the best description is smooth. The other options describe different cuticle conditions: rough would mean lifted or uneven scales, which isn’t characteristic of resistant porosity; porous implies more gaps and easier absorption, not the tight, smooth surface; damaged describes compromised, broken cuticles, which is a separate issue from resistant porosity.