1. As a trichologist, discuss one of the things you would look for when examining someone who said that their hair was thinning (discuss the hair cycle and how you would be able to see which part of the cycle the hair was in).

he anagen phase is when most hairs fall, with a little proportion in the catagen and telogen stages. An excessive number of hairs that prematurely transition into the resting phase may be a sign of telogen effluvium, which is indicated by a high percentage of hairs in these stages. A large proportion of kenogen hairs may indicate androgenetic alopecia, a disorder that causes genetic hair loss. Additionally, shedding may be a sign of chronic diseases based on hair diameter and root structure.

2. Discuss the term ‘keratinization’. Mention the different types (hard and soft), their differences, and how the process helps in hair fiber production.

Keratinization is the process where cells harden and form protective structures like hair, skin, and nails. It occurs when keratin, a structural protein, accumulates in cells, making them tough and resistant to damage. There are two types: hard keratin, found in hair and nails, and soft keratin, found in skin, allowing flexibility and renewal. Keratinization ensures strong and resilient hair fibers, as new cells form and older cells push outward, preventing hair from sustaining daily wear and tear.

3. Explain how different people’s hair can be black, auburn, and blonde.

Hair color is influenced by the type and amount of melanin in the hair shaft, with black hair having a high concentration of eumelanin, auburn hair a mix of eumelanin and pheomelanin, and blonde hair with low levels of both pigments. Genetics play a significant role, but factors like aging and environmental exposure can also alter pigmentation over time, resulting in varying shades of black, brown, and yellow tones.

4. In your own words, list and describe the main structures of the hair shaft and the accompanying structures (papilla and root sheaths).

The hair shaft consists of three main layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle, the outermost layer, protects the inner layers and affects hair shine and texture. The cortex, the thickest layer, contains keratin and melanin, giving hair strength and color. The medulla, the innermost layer, is present in finer hair types. The papilla, located at the base of the follicle, supplies nutrients and oxygen to the growing hair. Root sheaths surround and protect the hair as it grows, ensuring proper growth and anchored in the scalp.

5. Explain the main differences between a scalp hair and another body hair (such as eyebrow or eyelash hair).

The growth cycle of scalp and body hair differs, with scalp hair having a long anagen phase and body hair having a finer, softer phase. Scalp hair provides protection and insulation, while eyebrow and eyelash hairs serve specialized roles, highlighting the adaptability of hair to different body parts.

I am currently working through Chapter 7 of the course and noticed that the test questions for this chapter were mentioned, but I am unable to locate them. Could you kindly guide me on where to find the test questions for Chapter 7?

Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,
May Mandour
mmandour18@gmail.com