ABA Hair & Scalp Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment (melanin) that gives hair its color?
- Medulla
- Cortex (Correct answer)
- Cuticle
- Dermal papilla
Correct answer: Cortex
The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains melanin granules responsible for hair color.
Question 2: What type of scalp condition is characterized by large, greasy, yellowish flakes and is associated with seborrheic dermatitis?
- Pityriasis capitis simplex
- Pityriasis steatoides (Correct answer)
- Tinea capitis
- Alopecia areata
Correct answer: Pityriasis steatoides
Pityriasis steatoides is the oily, waxy form of dandruff linked to seborrheic dermatitis, producing large yellowish scales.
Question 3: A client's hair stretches significantly when wet but does not return to its original length. This indicates:
- High porosity
- Low elasticity (Correct answer)
- High elasticity
- Low porosity
Correct answer: Low elasticity
Low elasticity means the hair's disulfide bonds are weakened, so it cannot spring back after stretching.
Question 4: Which scalp massage technique uses a firm, circular kneading motion with the fingertips?
- Effleurage
- Petrissage
- Tapotement
- Friction (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Friction
Friction massage uses deep, circular pressure with the fingertips to stimulate blood flow and loosen debris on the scalp.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a pre-shampoo (pre-poo) oil treatment applied before washing?
- To boost color vibrancy
- To protect hair from hygral fatigue during washing (Correct answer)
- To increase lather production
- To accelerate scalp exfoliation
Correct answer: To protect hair from hygral fatigue during washing
A pre-shampoo oil treatment coats the hair to limit excessive water absorption and reduce hygral fatigue caused by repeated swelling.
Question 6: Tinea capitis is best described as:
- An autoimmune hair loss condition
- A fungal infection of the scalp (Correct answer)
- A bacterial folliculitis of the scalp
- An overproduction of sebum
Correct answer: A fungal infection of the scalp
Tinea capitis is a contagious ringworm fungal infection of the scalp and hair follicles most common in children.
Question 7: Which pH range is considered ideal for the scalp's acid mantle?
- 2.0–3.5
- 4.5–5.5 (Correct answer)
- 6.5–7.5
- 8.0–9.0
Correct answer: 4.5–5.5
The scalp's acid mantle has a natural pH of 4.5–5.5, which inhibits bacterial growth and keeps the cuticle smooth.
ABA Hair & Scalp Care 2
Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment (melanin) that gives hair its color?