Eyelash Extensions Written Practice Exam

The direction a hair points depends on the orientation of the ____.

1. Root

2. Follicle

3. Strand

4. Cuticle

The correct answer is: Follicle

The direction a hair points is determined by the orientation of the follicle. Each hair follicle has a specific angle at which it emerges from the skin, which influences the overall growth direction of the hair strand. The follicle itself embeds into the skin at an angle, which means that the hair will follow that trajectory as it grows out. This is why when observing hair growth patterns on the scalp or on other parts of the body, the alignment of the follicles plays a crucial role in the directionality of the hair. In contrast, while the root is critical for the hair's growth and health, it does not dictate the angle of growth; rather, it is housed within the follicle. The strand refers to the visible part of the hair that extends outwards, but it is influenced by the follicle's orientation rather than determining it. The cuticle is the outer layer of the hair shaft and provides protection but does not affect the growth direction. Thus, the follicle is the key factor that dictates the direction in which a hair points.