If a hair analysis includes elasticity as a factor, what does elasticity measure?

• A. How well hair can stretch and recover
• B. How much moisture hair can absorb
• C. The strength of the hair color
• D. The density per square inch

Answer: (A)

Elasticity measures how well hair can stretch under tension and then return to its original length when the tension is released. This reflects the integrity of the hair's keratin structure and how moisture interacts with the fiber. Hair with good elasticity can stretch without breaking and rebound, indicating healthy, resilient fibers. If elasticity is low, hair won’t recover after being stretched and is more prone to breakage, especially with styling or chemical treatments. This concept is distinct from how much moisture hair can absorb (porosity), the strength of the hair color (dye performance), or how densely packed the hairs are in a given area (density).