CHS Scalp & Hair Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment melanin?
- Medulla
- Cortex (Correct answer)
- Cuticle
- Dermal papilla
Correct answer: Cortex
The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains melanin granules that give hair its color.
Question 2: A client presents with a greasy scalp just days after shampooing. Which condition is most likely responsible?
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Hypersecretion of sebaceous glands (Correct answer)
- Alopecia areata
Correct answer: Hypersecretion of sebaceous glands
Hypersecretion (overproduction) of sebaceous glands causes excessive oil production, leading to a greasy scalp shortly after cleansing.
Question 3: What term describes the phase when the hair follicle is completely at rest before the old hair is shed?
- Anagen
- Catagen
- Telogen (Correct answer)
- Exogen
Correct answer: Telogen
Telogen is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, during which the follicle is dormant and the hair is retained until shedding.
Question 4: Traction alopecia is most commonly caused by which of the following?
- Fungal infection of the scalp
- Prolonged tension from tight hairstyles (Correct answer)
- Nutritional deficiency
- Autoimmune response
Correct answer: Prolonged tension from tight hairstyles
Traction alopecia results from repeated or prolonged mechanical tension on the hair follicle from tight styles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.
Question 5: Which vitamin deficiency is most directly associated with hair loss and poor scalp health?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating hair follicle cycling, and deficiency is linked to hair thinning and loss.
Question 6: A stylist notices fine, silvery-white scales on a client's scalp that flake off easily and are not accompanied by inflammation. This is most consistent with:
- Psoriasis
- Pityriasis capitis (dandruff) (Correct answer)
- Tinea capitis
- Contact dermatitis
Correct answer: Pityriasis capitis (dandruff)
Pityriasis capitis (common dandruff) presents as dry, white flakes without significant redness or inflammation.
Question 7: The arrector pili muscle is responsible for which function?
- Producing sebum
- Causing the hair to stand erect (Correct answer)
- Nourishing the hair follicle
- Controlling hair pigmentation
Correct answer: Causing the hair to stand erect
The arrector pili is a small smooth muscle attached to the hair follicle that contracts to make the hair stand upright in response to cold or emotion.
CHS Scalp & Hair Health 2
Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment melanin?