Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

Which layer of hair contains the pigment that gives it color?

1. Cortex

2. Cuticle

3. Medulla

4. Follicle

The correct answer is: Cortex

The correct choice is the cortex, as this is the layer of hair that contains melanin, the pigment responsible for giving hair its color. The cortex is the thickest layer of the hair shaft and is composed of tightly packed cells that provide strength, elasticity, and color. The amount and type of melanin in the cortex determine the variations in hair color among individuals, ranging from blonde to black, with different shades in between. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair and serves as a protective barrier, but it does not contain pigment. The medulla is the innermost layer, found in some types of hair, and may be absent in finer strands; it also does not play a role in hair color. The follicle, on the other hand, is the structure in the skin from which the hair grows but does not itself contain pigment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending how hair color is determined and how various hair treatments might affect the overall appearance of hair.