Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam

What part of the hair is considered the living component?

1. Hair shaft

2. Hair follicle

3. Hair cuticle

4. Hair bulb

The correct answer is: Hair follicle

The hair follicle is considered the living component of the hair structure. This is because the follicle is the part of the hair located beneath the skin's surface and is responsible for hair growth. It contains hair root cells that are actively reproducing, thereby producing new hair strands. The follicle also consists of various layers of cells and structures that play essential roles in nourishing and supporting the hair. In contrast, the hair shaft itself is the part of the hair that is visible and is composed mostly of dead keratinized cells. The hair cuticle refers to the outermost layer of the hair shaft, serving as a protective barrier but is also made up of dead cells. The hair bulb, located at the base of the hair follicle, is indeed important for hair production, but it is the follicle overall that encompasses the living part associated with hair health and growth.