Cosmetology Test Hair & Scalp Properties 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp surface called?
- Hair root
- Hair shaft (Correct answer)
- Hair follicle
- Hair bulb
Correct answer: Hair shaft
The hair shaft is the portion of the hair that is visible above the surface of the scalp.
Question 2: Traction alopecia is most commonly caused by:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Prolonged tension on the hair from tight hairstyles (Correct answer)
- A fungal infection of the scalp
- Vitamin deficiencies
Correct answer: Prolonged tension on the hair from tight hairstyles
Traction alopecia results from repeated or prolonged pulling on the hair, often from tight braids, ponytails, or extensions.
Question 3: The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft and is:
- Present in all hair types
- Absent or fragmented in fine hair (Correct answer)
- Responsible for hair color
- The hardest layer of the hair
Correct answer: Absent or fragmented in fine hair
The medulla is a soft, honeycomb-like core that may be absent or fragmented in fine or vellus hair.
Question 4: What is the primary function of the sebaceous glands in relation to hair?
- Producing melanin to color the hair
- Secreting sebum to lubricate and protect the hair and scalp (Correct answer)
- Anchoring the hair to the follicle
- Stimulating hair growth during anagen phase
Correct answer: Secreting sebum to lubricate and protect the hair and scalp
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which lubricates the hair shaft and scalp, helping prevent dryness and providing some antimicrobial protection.
Question 5: Which hair growth phase is the longest, during which active growth occurs?
- Catagen
- Telogen
- Anagen (Correct answer)
- Exogen
Correct answer: Anagen
The anagen phase is the active growth phase, lasting 2 to 7 years, during which the hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month.
Question 6: Salt bonds in hair are broken and reformed by changes in:
- Heat
- pH levels (Correct answer)
- Chemical oxidation
- UV exposure
Correct answer: pH levels
Salt bonds are ionic bonds that are easily broken by changes in pH (acids or alkalis) and reform when the pH is normalized.
Question 7: A cosmetologist notices a client has circular patches of hair loss with no scarring or inflammation. This most likely indicates:
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Alopecia areata (Correct answer)
- Traction alopecia
- Tinea capitis
Correct answer: Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition presenting as sudden, circular patches of hair loss on an otherwise normal-looking scalp.
Cosmetology Test Hair & Scalp Properties 5
What is the visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp surface called?