QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Cuticle - ANS Outer most layer of the hair. It consists of a single, overlapping layer of
transparent, scale-like cells that resemble shingles on a roof. It protects the inner cortex layer
and contributes to 20% of overall strength of hair.
The Cortex - ANS The middle layer of the hair. A fibrous protein core formed by elongated
cells containing melanin to pigment. Gives hair majority of its strength and elasticity. A healthy
Cortex contributes to %80 to the overall strength of the hair. Contains melanin that determines
hair color.
The Medulla - ANS The innermost layer of hair. Sometimes absent from hair and doesn't play
a role in hair coloring. composed of round cells.
Texture - ANS The diameter of an individual hair.
Density - ANS The number of hairs per square inch.
Porosity - ANS The hairs ability to absorb moisture.
Low porosity - ANS The cuticle is tight. The hair is resistant (difficult for moisture or
chemicals to penetrate. Thus, it requires longer processing time.
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, Average porosity - ANS The cuticle is slightly raised. Hair is normal and processes in an
average amount of time.
High porosity - ANS The cuticle is lifted. The hair is overly porous and takes color quickly (also
fades quickly) Permed, colored, chemically relaxed and straightened hair will have a high
degree of porosity.
Mixed melanin - ANS A combination of natural hair color that contain both pheomelanin and
eumelanin.
Basal cell cercinoma - ANS Most common and least severe type of skin cancer; often
characterized by light or pearly nodules.
Bromhidrosis - ANS Foul-smelling perspiration, usually noticeable in the armpits and the feet
that is caused by Bacteria.
Bulla (plural bullae - ANS Large blister containing a watery fluid; similar to vesicle but larger.
Chloasma - ANS Aka-Liver Spots; condition characterized by hyperpigmentation on the skin
in spots that are not elevated.
Closed Comedo - ANS Aka-White head; hair follicle is closed and not exposed to the
environment. Sebum remains a white or cream color and comedone appears as a small bump
just under the skin surface.
Conjunctivitis - ANS Aka-Pink eye; common bacterial infection of the eyes. Extremely
contagious.
Contact dermatitis - ANS An inflammation of the skin caused by Having contact with certain
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chemicals or substances. Many that are used in cosmetology.
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, Crust - ANS Dead cells form over a wound or blemish while it's healing; an accumulation of
sebum and pus, sometimes mixed with epidermal material.
Cyst - ANS Closed, abnormally developed that contains fluid, pus, semifluid, or morbid
matter above or below the skin.
Hair Root - ANS The part of the hair located below the surface of the Epidermis.(outer layer
of the skin).
Hair Shaft - ANS The portion of hair that projects above the Epidermis.
Dermatitis - ANS Inflammatory condition of the skin.
Hair Follicle - ANS The tube-like depression or pocket in the skin or scalp that contains the
hair root.
Hair bulb - ANS The lowest part of the hair strand. The thickened. Club-shaped structure that
forms the lower part if the hair root.
Arrector pili muscle - ANS The small, involuntary muscle in the base of the hair follicle. (The
reason for goose bumps).
Dermal papilla - ANS A small cone-shaped elevation located at the base of the hair follicle
that fits into the hair bulb. (Plural: dermal papillae)
Dyschromias - ANS Abnormal colorations of the skin that accompany many skin disorders
and systemic disorders.
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, Eczyma - ANS An inflammatory, uncomfortable, and often chronic disease of the skin
characterized by moderate to severe inflammation, scaling and sometimes severe itching.
Excoriation - ANS Skin sore or abrasion produced by scratching or scraping.
Extrinsic Factors - ANS Primarily environmental factors that contribute to aging and the
appearance of aging.
Sebaceous glands - ANS Oil glands in the skin and scalp that secrete sebum .
Keratinization - ANS Process of creating keratin protein. A non-living fiber.
Fissure - ANS A crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis. Example severely cracked
hands/lips.
COHNS elements - ANS The major elements that make up human hair are : Carbon, Oxygen,
Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Sulfur
Amino acids - ANS Units that are joined together end to end like pop beads creating long
chains of protein .
Peptide bond - ANS A strong chemical bond that joins amino acids also known as an "end
bond".
Proteins - ANS Long, coiled complex polypeptides made of amino acids.
Polypeptide chain - ANS A long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
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