Question 1

What is the primary function of the hair cuticle, and how does its structure relate to porosity?

Accepted Answer

The cuticle is the outermost layer of overlapping translucent scales that protect the cortex; when scales lie flat the hair has low porosity, and when raised or damaged the hair has high porosity.

Question 2

Which layer of the hair shaft contains melanin and accounts for approximately 90% of the hair's total weight?

Accepted Answer

The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft that contains melanin granules responsible for hair color and keratin proteins that provide strength, elasticity, and the majority of the hair's weight.

Question 3

Why is the medulla considered insignificant when performing chemical services on fine or blonde hair?

Accepted Answer

The medulla is the innermost core of the hair shaft and is frequently absent in fine or blonde hair; because it plays no role in chemical reactions such as color or perming, its presence or absence does not affect service outcomes.

Question 4

During which phase of the hair growth cycle is the follicle actively producing new hair cells, and how long does this phase typically last?

Accepted Answer

The anagen phase is the active growth stage during which the hair follicle produces new cells continuously; it typically lasts two to six years and determines the maximum length the hair can achieve.

Question 5

What happens to the hair follicle during the catagen phase, and approximately how long does this phase last?

Accepted Answer

During catagen, the transitional phase of the hair growth cycle, the follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla; this phase lasts approximately two to three weeks before the hair enters the resting telogen phase.

Properties of Hair, Skin & Scalp – NIC Cosmetology Exam

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