Missouri Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

Overprocessing hair occurs when chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or relaxing are applied too frequently or are left on the hair for an excessive amount of time. The correct answer highlights that the primary outcome of overprocessing is damage and breakage of the hair. This happens because the chemical agents can strip the hair of its natural moisture and protective oils, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breaking.

When hair is subjected to excessive processing, the cuticle, which is the outer protective layer of the hair, can become weak and impaired, leading to irreparable damage. This results in a lack of elasticity and strength, ultimately causing the hair to break off. Understanding the effects of overprocessing is crucial for anyone in the cosmetology field, as it emphasizes the importance of following recommended processing times and maintaining proper hair health to prevent such adverse outcomes.