Which color pigment is found deepest within the hair shaft and is the most difficult to remove during the permanent color process?

The pigment found deepest within the hair shaft and most challenging to remove during the permanent color process is typically black. Black pigments possess the strongest and most concentrated color, making them the most resistant to change.

When performing permanent coloring, the process involves penetrating the hair’s cuticle and cortex to deposit new pigments. Black pigments have a dense molecular structure and tend to absorb more dye particles, which means they are less likely to lift or change during the decolorization or coloring process.

In contrast, other pigments like yellow, red, and brown may be present in varying degrees, but they do not have the same level of depth or resistance as black pigments. Yellow pigments are often lighter and can be altered more easily, while red and brown pigments are similarly more susceptible to being lifted or changed in color during the dyeing process.

Understanding the behavior of different pigments in the hair is crucial for stylists, as it helps predict how well a certain color will take and how effectively any previous color will lift.