Missouri Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber Practice Questions and Study Guide.

Identifying hair that has been overly processed is crucial for barbers to ensure proper care and handling during services. When hair is excessively processed—through chemical treatments like coloring, straightening, or perming—it often becomes brittle due to the loss of natural moisture and strength.

Brittleness is a key indicator of damage; it means the hair is no longer able to stretch and return to its original form, leading to a lack of elasticity. Overly processed hair will break easily and may have split ends, which is a significant sign of deterioration.

The other characteristics listed do not indicate over-processing. For instance, shiny and smooth hair may actually suggest healthy hair that has been treated with conditioning products, while extreme curl retention is typically associated with hair that has been properly permed or styled, not damaged. Finally, hair that feels very soft and supple often indicates it has been well cared for and adequately conditioned, rather than over-processed. Understanding these distinctions helps barbers make informed decisions about the best approaches to restore or maintain hair health.