New York State Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber Licensing Practice Questions and Study Guide

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Which part of the hair shaft contains the pigment that determines hair color?

The cuticle

The cortex

The cortex of the hair shaft is responsible for containing the pigment that determines hair color. This layer is situated between the outer cuticle and the inner medulla. The cortex is dense and contains melanin, the natural pigment produced by melanocytes, which influences the color of the hair. Variations in melanin production lead to different hair colors, from blonde to black.

In contrast, the cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair that provides protection and does not contribute to color, while the medulla is the innermost layer that may or may not be present in all hair types and does not play a significant role in determining hair color. The root, located below the surface of the scalp, is where hair growth occurs but does not affect the color of the hair shaft itself.

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The medulla

The root

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