Kentucky Cosmetology State Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Lifting in hair coloring refers specifically to the process of lightening the natural hair color. When a colorist talks about lifting, they are discussing the chemical reaction that occurs when hair dye or lightener is applied to the hair. This reaction helps to remove or deactivate the color pigments present in the hair, resulting in a lighter shade.

In the context of hair coloring, lifting is particularly crucial for achieving desired blonde shades or for preparing the hair to accept a new color. It is common practice to lift the hair before applying a different hue, especially when the goal is to create a significant contrast between the natural hair color and the new color.

Other options like darkening the natural hair color, applying highlights, or adding depth pertain to different coloring techniques and desired outcomes that do not involve the act of lifting. Thus, the key takeaway is that lifting directly correlates with the lightening process in hair coloring.