Cosmetology Test Hair & Scalp Properties 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the outermost protective layer of the hair shaft called?
- Cortex
- Medulla
- Cuticle (Correct answer)
- Dermal papilla
Correct answer: Cuticle
The cuticle is the outermost layer, made of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner layers of the hair shaft.
Question 2: A client's hair snaps when stretched slightly. This indicates low:
- Porosity
- Elasticity (Correct answer)
- Density
- Texture
Correct answer: Elasticity
Low elasticity means hair cannot stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.
Question 3: What is the scientific name for the protein that makes up the majority of the hair strand?
- Collagen
- Keratin (Correct answer)
- Elastin
- Fibrin
Correct answer: Keratin
Hair is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous structural protein.
Question 4: Which scalp condition is characterized by an overproduction of skin cells resulting in white or yellowish flakes?
- Alopecia
- Seborrheic dermatitis (Correct answer)
- Tinea capitis
- Folliculitis
Correct answer: Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) is caused by an overproduction of skin cells and can produce white or yellowish oily flakes.
Question 5: Hair texture refers to which characteristic of the individual hair strand?
- The number of hairs per square inch
- The diameter or thickness of the hair strand (Correct answer)
- The amount of curl in the hair
- The rate of hair growth
Correct answer: The diameter or thickness of the hair strand
Hair texture describes the diameter of the individual hair strand, classified as fine, medium, or coarse.
Question 6: What is the term for the blood vessel-rich structure at the base of the follicle that nourishes hair?
- Dermal papilla (Correct answer)
- Sebaceous gland
- Arrector pili
- Hair bulb
Correct answer: Dermal papilla
The dermal papilla is a finger-like projection at the base of the follicle containing blood vessels that supply nutrients for hair growth.
Question 7: Which pH range best describes the natural pH of hair and scalp?
- 1.0–2.5
- 4.5–5.5 (Correct answer)
- 7.0–8.0
- 9.0–10.0
Correct answer: 4.5–5.5
The natural pH of hair and scalp is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is slightly acidic.
Cosmetology Test Hair & Scalp Properties 3
What is the outermost protective layer of the hair shaft called?