PSI Barbering Practice Exam 2026 - Free Barbering Practice Questions and Study Guide

Coarse hair is more difficult for lighteners and creams to penetrate primarily due to its structure. Coarse hair tends to have a thicker cuticle layer, which is the outermost part of the hair shaft. This thicker cuticle can create a barrier, making it more resistant to chemical processes such as lightening.

Additionally, the density and width of coarse hair strands can contribute to the challenge of even product application, as there is more hair to saturate and the products may not distribute as easily throughout the hair. As a result, it often requires more time, product, or specific techniques to achieve the desired lightening effect on coarse hair compared to other hair types, which might allow for easier penetration and absorption of lighteners and creams.

In contrast, fine hair has a thinner cuticle and lower density, which typically allows for easier penetration by lighteners. Wavy and curly hair types also present their own unique challenges with product application and penetration due to their shapes and textures, but coarse hair remains the most resistant due to its thickness and structure.