Which type of hair is most easily oxidized?

Virgin hair, which refers to hair that has never been chemically processed or treated, is typically in its most natural state, with a complete protective cuticle layer intact. This intact cuticle helps to protect the hair cortex, which is where oxidation occurs. Because virgin hair does not have any color treatments or damage from chemical processes, it generally has higher level of resistance to oxidation.

Oxidation in hair often refers to the chemical reactions that occur when hair is exposed to oxidizing agents, such as those found in hair coloring or bleaching products. When hair is colored, damaged, or bleached, the cuticle can become compromised, allowing for greater exposure of the cortex to these oxidizing agents. This makes hairs that have undergone these processes more susceptible to oxidation.

In contrast, damaged hair has already lost some of its structural integrity, making it more prone to chemical processes and subsequent oxidation. Colored hair is also more oxidized due to exposure to dyeing agents. Bleached hair undergoes strong chemical processes that further strip away protective layers, leading to higher oxidation levels. Thus, among all the choices, virgin hair is indeed the type most resistant to oxidation, making it the least likely to undergo these changes.