Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which description accurately details the role of the root in hair?

1. It gives color to the hair

2. It provides strength to each strand

3. It holds the hair to the skin cells

4. It regulates growth cycles

The correct answer is: It holds the hair to the skin cells

The root of the hair, also known as the hair bulb, is embedded in the dermis of the skin and plays a crucial role in anchoring the hair to the scalp or skin. This anchoring is vital because it allows the hair to grow from the follicle and remain securely in place. The root contains cells that divide and grow, contributing to the hair's length and structure. While other options discuss various characteristics or functions related to hair, they do not accurately reflect the primary role of the root. For instance, the root does not directly give color to the hair; rather, the color is derived from melanin produced by specialized cells in the hair bulb. Similarly, while the root contributes to the overall structure and strength of the hair, it is not the sole provider of strength to each strand; it's the entire hair shaft that determines strength. The regulation of growth cycles involves complex interactions of hormones and other factors, rather than being a direct function of the root itself. Therefore, the most accurate description of the role of the root is its function in holding the hair to the skin cells.