Which of the following refers to the ability of hair to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking?

• A. Texture
• B. Porosity
• C. Elasticity
• D. Breaking point

Answer: (C)

Elasticity is the hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original length after a temporary deformation. When a strand is pulled and then released, if it springs back without breaking, it has good elasticity. This property comes from the strength and arrangement of keratin bonds and the hair’s moisture content, and it matters a lot for how hair holds up during styling or chemical treatments—hair with good elasticity can stretch under tension and recover, while hair with poor elasticity is more prone to permanent stretch or breakage. The other terms describe different aspects: texture is how the hair feels and behaves on the surface, porosity is how easily it absorbs and releases moisture, and breaking point is the maximum force the hair can withstand before it fractures. Elasticity best matches the idea of stretching and returning to the original shape without breaking.