CHS CHS Trichology & Hair Science 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases. Which phase is the active growth phase?
- Catagen
- Telogen
- Anagen (Correct answer)
- Exogen
Correct answer: Anagen
The anagen phase is when the hair follicle actively produces new hair cells, typically lasting 2–7 years on the scalp.
Question 2: What is the medulla in the context of hair structure?
- The outermost layer of the hair shaft
- The middle cortex layer that provides strength
- The innermost core of the hair shaft (Correct answer)
- The layer of cells that produces new hair
Correct answer: The innermost core of the hair shaft
The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of loosely packed cells, and may be absent in fine hair.
Question 3: Eumelanin and pheomelanin are pigments found in the hair cortex responsible for:
- Hair texture and curl pattern
- Hair color (Correct answer)
- Moisture retention
- Tensile strength
Correct answer: Hair color
Eumelanin produces brown and black tones while pheomelanin produces red and yellow tones; their ratio determines natural hair color.
Question 4: Alopecia areata is best described as:
- Gradual thinning due to aging
- Patchy hair loss caused by an autoimmune response (Correct answer)
- Permanent scarring of hair follicles from chemicals
- Hair breakage from excessive tension
Correct answer: Patchy hair loss caused by an autoimmune response
Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss that can affect any area of the scalp.
Question 5: Which layer of the hair shaft is primarily responsible for its strength and elasticity?
- Cuticle
- Medulla
- Cortex (Correct answer)
- Sebaceous layer
Correct answer: Cortex
The cortex makes up the bulk of the hair shaft and contains keratin protein fibers and melanin, providing tensile strength and elasticity.
Question 6: The sebaceous gland attached to each hair follicle produces:
- Keratin proteins
- Melanin pigment
- Sebum (natural oil) (Correct answer)
- Sweat for cooling
Correct answer: Sebum (natural oil)
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a waxy oil that lubricates the hair shaft and skin surface, protecting against dryness and bacterial infection.
CHS CHS Trichology & Hair Science 1
The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases.
Which phase is the active growth phase?