Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The root of the hair is the portion that anchors the hair to the skin cells within the hair follicle. It is located beneath the surface of the skin and is surrounded by the hair follicle, which helps to support and nourish the hair. The root contains living cells that divide and grow, ultimately producing the hair shaft that extends above the skin's surface.

In contrast, the shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends outside of the follicle, while the follicle itself is the structure that houses the root. The cuticle refers to the outermost layer of the hair shaft, providing protection to the inner layers of the hair but does not play a role in attaching the hair to the follicle. Thus, the root is crucial for its role in securing the hair within the follicle and facilitating hair growth.