New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

When hair is permanently removed, what part of the hair is destroyed?

1. Hair shaft

2. Hair bulb

3. Hair follicle

4. Hair cuticle

The correct answer is: Hair bulb

The correct choice centers on the hair bulb, which is the part of the hair located at the base of the follicle. This is where hair growth originates, and it is also crucial for the formation of new hair. When permanent hair removal techniques, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal, are employed, they target the hair bulb to destroy its ability to produce hair. By effectively damaging or destroying the bulb, these methods hinder or cease future hair growth, making this component vital in the context of permanent hair removal. In contrast, the hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin, and simply removing it does not lead to permanent results. The hair follicle, while important, is the structure that houses the bulb but is not necessarily destroyed during the process. The hair cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair shaft, does not play a role in hair growth and thus does not factor into permanent hair removal outcomes.