Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

What are the two main components of a mature strand of human hair?

1. Hair follicle and hair bulb

2. Hair root and hair shaft

3. Cuticle and cortex

4. Scalp and hair

The correct answer is: Hair root and hair shaft

A mature strand of human hair primarily consists of the hair root and the hair shaft. The hair root is the part of the hair that's anchored in the follicle beneath the skin surface, while the hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp. Together, these two components are essential for hair structure and growth. The hair root is responsible for anchoring the hair in place and provides nourishment through the blood supply in the follicle. The hair shaft, which is the portion that we typically see and style, is composed of keratin, a fibrous protein that provides strength and resilience. Other components mentioned in the different options, such as the hair follicle, hair bulb, cuticle, cortex, and scalp, play important roles in hair growth and health but do not represent the main physical structure of a single mature hair strand. The cuticle and cortex, for example, refer to layers within the hair shaft itself, while the scalp is the skin covering the head but not a direct part of any individual hair strand.