Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

What are the layers of the hair, as normally identified from the inside out?

1. Cortex, cuticle, medulla

2. Medulla, cortex, cuticle

3. Cuticle, cortex, dermis

4. Cortex, medulla, cuticle

The correct answer is: Medulla, cortex, cuticle

The correct sequence of hair layers from the inside out is indeed medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft and is often absent in finer hair types. It consists of a soft, spongy core that can affect how the hair looks and feels, but it plays a lesser role in the overall structure compared to the other layers. The cortex is the thick, middle layer of the hair which contains keratin fibers that provide strength and elasticity to the hair. It is also where the natural pigmentation of hair is found, contributing to its color. The cuticle is the outermost layer, made up of overlapping cells that protect the inner layers from damage and dehydration. It acts as a barrier to environmental factors and contributes to the overall sheen of the hair. Understanding this structure is crucial for laser technicians because the effectiveness of laser hair removal techniques can be influenced by the characteristics of these hair layers. Proper identification of hair structure is key in tailoring treatments to individual hair types and ensuring optimal outcomes.