What is the role of chelating agents in color-treated hair with regard to color longevity?

• A. They remove mineral buildup that dulls color, helping maintain vibrancy.
• B. They deposit pigment to deepen color.
• C. They moisturize hair with oils.
• D. They remove pigment.

Answer: (A)

Chelating agents improve color longevity by removing mineral buildup on the hair. Minerals from hard water and metal ions can deposit on the hair shaft, dulling the color and altering how light reflects off the surface. Chelating agents bind these minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper) to form soluble complexes that rinse away, keeping the cuticle clean and the color looking vibrant for longer. They don’t deposit pigment to deepen color, they don’t moisturize with oils, and they don’t remove pigment; their role is to prevent mineral interference so the color stays brighter.