Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hair growth begins in the hair follicle, which is a small, tunnel-like structure located in the dermis layer of the skin. The hair follicle houses the hair bulb, where cells divide and grow, leading to the formation of hair. It is also where the hair receives its nutrients through a structure known as the dermal papilla, which is rich in blood vessels.

The hair shaft refers to the visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp and does not have any living cells; it is made of keratinized cells that have no metabolic activity. The scalp surface is simply the outermost layer of skin covering the head and does not play a direct role in hair growth. Lastly, the hair ends refer to the tips of the hair strands and are also non-living, as they are simply the result of growth that has already occurred. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the hair growth process and the role of the follicle in hair health and development.