West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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Which structure in hair is primarily responsible for its strength?

The cuticle

The medulla

The cortex

The cortex is the primary structure in hair responsible for its strength. Composed of long chains of keratin proteins, the cortex provides the bulk of the hair's mass and is crucial for its tensile strength and elasticity. This layer contains pigment, which gives hair its color, and its structural arrangement contributes significantly to the hair's overall durability.

The cuticle, while it serves to protect the cortex and contributes to the hair's smoothness and shine, does not offer the same level of structural strength. The medulla, which is the innermost layer, is not present in all hair types and typically does not play a significant role in strength. The root is part of the hair located below the surface of the scalp and is not a structural component of the hair shaft itself. Thus, the cortex is the key component that ensures hair can withstand various stresses and maintains its integrity.

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The root

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