Skin and Hair Structure Quiz

Skin and Hair Structure

• Epidermis is the top layer of the skin, serving as a barrier.
• Medulla of the hair strand has no known function.
• Cortex holds the pigment and moisture of the hair.
• Cuticle is the outermost layer of hair, made up of overlapping keratin "tiles" that protect the hair strand.

Hair and Scalp Care

• Sebum produced by sebaceous glands moisturizes and waterproofs both hair and skin, preventing dryness and brittleness.
• Normal scalp appears healthy, clear, and free from oil, flakes, irritations, or redness.
• Signs of dry hair include lack of moisture, a weathered cuticle, and difficulty styling.

Shampoo Selection

• Herbal shampoo is suitable for normal hair.
• Coconut shampoo is recommended for dry hair.
• Medicated shampoo is ideal for treating psoriasis and dandruff.
• For oily hair, use lemon and lime shampoos or those containing citric acid.
• Argan shampoo is best for color or chemically treated hair.

Hair Properties

• Alfa keratin refers to hair in its natural state; beta keratin describes styled hair.
• The cuticle's purpose is to protect the hair, while its condition can indicate overall health.
• Signs of damaged hair include rough texture, dull appearance, and breakage.

Scalp Conditions

• Dry scalp results from a lack of sebum, leading to tightness, irritation, and flakes.
• Flaky/dandruff conditions are caused by a yeast on the skin that feeds on natural oils, causing itchiness and skin clumping.
• Psoriasis on the scalp can range from mild scaling to severe crusting, potentially covering the entire scalp and causing discomfort.

Massage Techniques

• Petrissage involves deep kneading movements to condition hair and promote relaxation.
• Rotary technique consists of small circular movements stimulating the scalp during shampooing.
• Friction technique incorporates fast rubbing motions combined with light, gentle plucking actions.

Hair Porosity

• A porosity test determines which areas of hair are more porous; this is crucial for dyeing, as porous areas absorb color more quickly than less porous sections.