Maine Cosmetologist Practice Exam

The process of using heat to open hair cuticles for treatment is known as heat activation. This technique is utilized to enhance the effectiveness of various hair treatments, such as conditioning or smoothing treatments. When heat is applied, it helps in temporarily lifting the cuticle layer of the hair, allowing beneficial ingredients to penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft. This activation promotes better absorption and leads to more pronounced effects from the products being applied.

In contrast, the other options refer to different methods or concepts. Cold treatment typically involves applying low temperatures, which would not effectively open the cuticle for the purpose of treatment. Moisture infusion is more about introducing hydration without necessarily using heat, and heat sealing refers to the process of closing hair cuticles after treatment has been applied. Thus, heat activation stands out as the method specifically aimed at opening the hair cuticles.