West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide

The primary objective of hair coloring is to change the natural pigment of the hair. Hair coloring involves the application of products that either lighten, darken, or enhance the existing color of the hair strands. This process allows individuals to express their style, cover gray hairs, or achieve a desired shade that complements their overall look.

Hair coloring can involve various techniques, such as highlights, balayage, or all-over color, and it uses chemical compounds that can alter the hair's pigment. This is particularly important for achieving a wide range of colors that may differ significantly from an individual's natural hair color.

The other options pertain to different aspects of hair care or styling. Hydrating hair focuses on moisture retention and maintaining hair health, adding volume relates to creating fullness and body in the hair, and straightening hair involves altering its texture rather than changing its color. These functions are entirely separate from the purpose of altering hair pigment, underscoring why changing the natural pigment is the central aim of hair coloring.