Cosmetology · Hair and Scalp Science

What is the technical term for the hair root area where hair growth begins?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The follicle and papilla

A The follicle and papilla
B The shaft
C The cuticle
D The cortex

Why this is the answer

Hair growth begins in the hair follicle, specifically at the papilla — a small cone-shaped structure at the base of the follicle that contains the blood supply and nourishes the growing hair. The portion of hair below the skin is the root; the portion above the skin is the shaft. Damage to the papilla can affect or inhibit hair growth. Understanding the basic structures of the hair root (follicle, bulb, papilla) and the hair shaft is core hair science on the cosmetology exam.

Source: Scientific Concepts — Hair Root Structure

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About this topic: Hair and Scalp Science

Hair and scalp science covers the structure of the hair (cuticle, cortex, medulla), the follicle and growth cycle, hair types and the common scalp and hair disorders — which can be treated in the salon and which must be referred. This is one of 9 Scientific Concepts questions on hair and scalp science, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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What is the technical term for the hair root area where hair growth begins?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Hair and Scalp Science

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