Illinois Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The process of lightening hair is called bleaching. Bleaching involves the use of chemical agents that remove pigment from the hair strands, leading to a lighter color. This typically occurs through the application of hydrogen peroxide or similar chemicals, which penetrate the hair cuticle and break down the natural melanin, resulting in a lightened effect.

Highlighting is a technique where specific strands of hair are lightened to create dimension and texture but does not encompass the entire head of hair being lightened. Toning refers to a process that adjusts the color of hair after it has been lightened or bleached, addressing unwanted brassy tones but not actually lightening the hair itself. Whitening generally refers to a process outside of hair treatment, often linked to dental procedures or paper products rather than hair color treatments.

Understanding these distinctions is important for professionals in cosmetology to help clients achieve their desired looks while maintaining the integrity of the hair.