Maine Barber Practice Exam

The three main layers of hair are indeed the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle is the outermost layer, consisting of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner layers from damage and environmental factors. Beneath the cuticle is the cortex, which makes up the bulk of the hair's structure and is responsible for the hair's strength, color, and texture due to the presence of keratin and melanin. The innermost layer, the medulla, is often composed of loosely packed, soft keratin and may not be present in all hair types; however, it plays a role in the hair’s overall structure.

Understanding these layers is critical for barbers and stylists as they influence hair treatments, product choices, and the health and appearance of the hair overall. The other options include layers and structures that do not pertain specifically to hair; for instance, the dermis and epidermis relate to skin rather than hair, while the follicle is a structure associated with hair growth rather than an actual layer of hair.