South Dakota Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The two main categories of hair types recognized in cosmetology focus primarily on the texture and shape of the hair strand, which is why straight and curly is the correct classification. Understanding the fundamental characteristics of hair texture is essential for cosmetologists because it impacts how hair behaves, the techniques used for styling, and the types of products that are most effective.

Straight hair typically lies flat and can be easier to style with certain techniques and products, while curly hair tends to have more volume and requires different methods for maintenance and styling to enhance or manage the natural curl pattern. Recognizing these two main categories allows cosmetologists to provide tailored advice and services to clients based on their unique hair characteristics.

The other classifications revolve around different aspects of hair but don't capture the fundamental textural differences — thickness and fineness pertain to the diameter of the hair strand rather than its overall categorization, while short and long refer more to length than to texture itself.