Washington Cosmetology License Practice Exam

Which hair structure is primarily responsible for determining the texture of hair?

1. The color of the hair

2. The diameter of the hair strands

3. The length of the hair strands

4. The growth pattern

The correct answer is: The diameter of the hair strands

The diameter of the hair strands plays a crucial role in determining the texture of hair. Hair texture refers to the thickness or fineness of the individual hair strands, which can vary from person to person. Hair that has a larger diameter is often described as coarse or thick, while hair with a smaller diameter is typically considered fine or thin. This characteristic influences not only the appearance of the hair but also how it behaves in terms of styling and manageability. The other factors mentioned, such as the color of the hair and the length of the hair strands, do not affect the texture itself. While hair color can influence how vibrant or dull the texture looks, it does not contribute to the physical structure. Similarly, length affects the overall hairstyle but not the thickness or fineness of the strands. The growth pattern can influence how the hair lays or styles but does not define its inherent texture. Thus, the diameter of the hair strands is fundamental to understanding hair texture.