California Barber — All Questions

The technical term for the study of hair is:

• a.Osteology
• b.Trichology✓
• c.Myology
• d.Dermatology

Trichology is the scientific study of hair and its diseases and care. Dermatology is the study of skin, osteology of bones, and myology of muscles.

The part of the hair that projects above the surface of the skin is the:

• a.Bulb
• b.Papilla
• c.Follicle
• d.Hair shaft✓

The hair shaft is the portion of hair extending above the scalp, while the hair root is the portion below the surface within the follicle. The shaft is composed of nonliving keratinized cells.

The three main layers of the hair shaft from outside to inside are:

• a.Bulb, papilla, follicle
• b.Root, shaft, tip
• c.Epidermis, dermis, subcutis
• d.Cuticle, cortex, medulla✓

The outer cuticle protects the strand, the middle cortex gives strength, elasticity, and holds pigment, and the innermost medulla is the core. Most chemical services act on the cuticle and cortex.

Which layer of the hair contains the pigment (melanin) that gives hair its color?

• a.Follicle
• b.Cuticle
• c.Medulla
• d.Cortex✓

The cortex contains melanin granules that determine natural hair color, as well as the bonds responsible for strength and elasticity. Chemical color and perm services work primarily within the cortex.

The small, cone-shaped structure at the base of the follicle that supplies nourishment for hair growth is the:

• a.Cuticle
• b.Dermal papilla✓
• c.Medulla
• d.Arrector pili

The dermal papilla contains the blood supply and nerves that feed the growing hair bulb. Because it is living tissue, damage to the papilla can affect hair growth.

The active growing phase of the hair growth cycle is called:

• a.Telogen
• b.Anagen✓
• c.Keratin
• d.Catagen

Anagen is the phase of active growth during which the hair is being produced, and it can last several years. Catagen is the brief transition phase and telogen is the resting/shedding phase.

The chief protein of which hair is composed is:

• a.Keratin✓
• b.Sebum
• c.Melanin
• d.Collagen

Hair is made mostly of keratin, a fibrous protein also found in skin and nails. Keratin's cross-linked bonds give hair its strength and are the target of chemical texture services.

Dandruff, characterized by flaking of the scalp, is technically known as:

• a.Pityriasis✓
• b.Tinea
• c.Alopecia
• d.Pediculosis

Pityriasis is the medical term for dandruff, the shedding of scalp skin cells. Pediculosis refers to lice, tinea to fungal ringworm infections, and alopecia to hair loss.

Which scalp condition is caused by a fungus and typically appears as red, ring-shaped patches?

• a.Alopecia areata
• b.Tinea (ringworm)✓
• c.Canities
• d.Hypertrichosis

Tinea, commonly called ringworm, is a contagious fungal infection producing round, scaly patches. Because it is infectious, the client must be referred to a physician and not serviced.

Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of the scalp with:

• a.Mites causing scabies only
• b.Fungus
• c.Bacteria
• d.Head lice✓

Pediculosis capitis is infestation by head lice, which are highly contagious. A barber who notices it must not service the client and should refer them for treatment.

A barber notices an open, oozing sore on a client's scalp. The correct action is to:

• a.Not perform the service and refer the client to a physician✓
• b.Cut around it carefully
• c.Shave over it gently
• d.Apply extra product to hide it

Signs of infection, open lesions, or contagious disease are contraindications for service. The barber should decline and refer the client to a physician, protecting the client, the barber, and others.

The technical term for gray hair, caused by loss of natural pigment, is:

• a.Trichoptilosis
• b.Canities✓
• c.Hypertrichosis
• d.Monilethrix

Canities is the medical term for the loss of natural pigment resulting in gray or white hair. It is usually related to age or heredity and is not a contraindication for service.

'Alopecia' refers to:

• a.Excessive oiliness
• b.Ringworm
• c.Split ends
• d.Abnormal hair loss✓

Alopecia is the general term for hair loss, which may be patchy (alopecia areata) or general. It is not contagious, though the underlying cause may warrant a physician's evaluation.

The medical term for split ends is:

• a.Trichoptilosis✓
• b.Canities
• c.Pityriasis
• d.Monilethrix

Trichoptilosis is the technical name for the splitting of hair ends. It can often be improved with conditioning and by trimming the damaged ends.

Sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin, is produced by the:

• a.Arrector pili muscle
• b.Sweat glands
• c.Dermal papilla
• d.Sebaceous (oil) glands✓

The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin and hair. Overactivity can cause oily scalp conditions, while underactivity leads to dryness.

Hair elasticity, the ability of hair to stretch and return, is determined mainly by bonds in the:

• a.Cortex✓
• b.Sebaceous gland
• c.Cuticle
• d.Medulla

The cortex contains the hydrogen and disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity. Damaged cortex bonds leave hair weak and prone to breakage.

Which bone forms the forehead?

• a.Frontal✓
• b.Zygomatic
• c.Mandible
• d.Occipital

The frontal bone forms the forehead. The occipital forms the back of the skull, the zygomatic is the cheekbone, and the mandible is the lower jaw.

The only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw, is the:

• a.Temporal
• b.Mandible✓
• c.Nasal
• d.Frontal

The mandible is the lower jawbone and the only bone of the skull that moves, allowing chewing and speech. Barbers reference these bones for face shape and shaving contours.

A large muscle of the neck that a barber works around during a shave and neckline cut is the:

• a.Masseter
• b.Frontalis
• c.Orbicularis oris
• d.Sternocleidomastoid✓

The sternocleidomastoid runs along the side of the neck and rotates and bends the head. Awareness of it helps the barber position the client and shave the neck safely.

The main nerve responsible for sensation in the face is the:

• a.Sciatic nerve
• b.Optic nerve
• c.Trigeminal (fifth cranial) nerve✓
• d.Ulnar nerve

The trigeminal, or fifth cranial nerve, is the chief sensory nerve of the face and controls the muscles of chewing. Its branches carry the sensations felt during facial services.