CHS CHS Trichology & Hair Science 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Traction alopecia is caused by:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Prolonged tension on the hair follicle from tight styles (Correct answer)
- Fungal infection of the scalp
- Nutritional deficiency
Correct answer: Prolonged tension on the hair follicle from tight styles
Traction alopecia results from chronic mechanical stress on follicles from tight braids, ponytails, or extensions, which can permanently damage the follicle over time.
Question 2: What is the normal pH range of healthy hair?
- 6.5–7.5
- 4.5–5.5 (Correct answer)
- 3.0–4.0
- 7.5–8.5
Correct answer: 4.5–5.5
Healthy hair has a slightly acidic pH of 4.5–5.5, which keeps the cuticle scales flat and closed, resulting in smooth, shiny hair.
Question 3: Porosity in hair refers to:
- The natural curl pattern of the hair
- Hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture (Correct answer)
- The diameter of individual hair strands
- The amount of natural oil produced by the scalp
Correct answer: Hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture
Hair porosity describes how readily the hair cuticle allows moisture and chemicals to enter and be retained within the cortex.
Question 4: Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with hair loss?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin B12
- Iron (not technically a vitamin, but often grouped)
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, as vitamin D receptors play a role in the hair follicle cycle.
Question 5: The cuticle of the hair shaft functions primarily to:
- Produce pigment for hair color
- Provide elasticity and strength
- Protect the inner cortex and control moisture exchange (Correct answer)
- Anchor the hair to the follicle
Correct answer: Protect the inner cortex and control moisture exchange
The cuticle is composed of overlapping scale-like cells that shield the cortex from mechanical damage and regulate moisture absorption and loss.
Question 6: Terminal hair differs from vellus hair in that terminal hair is:
- Found only on the scalp
- Shorter, finer, and unpigmented
- Longer, coarser, and pigmented (Correct answer)
- Present only at birth
Correct answer: Longer, coarser, and pigmented
Terminal hair is the thick, pigmented hair found on the scalp, eyebrows, and body, while vellus hair is the fine, colorless 'peach fuzz' covering most of the body.
CHS CHS Trichology & Hair Science 2
Traction alopecia is caused by: