Utah Cosmetology State Board Practice Exam

The part of the hair follicle responsible for growth is the dermal papilla. This structure is located at the base of the hair follicle and contains a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves. The dermal papilla provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair matrix, where new hair cells are formed. As these cells multiply, they push older cells up through the follicle, resulting in hair growth.

The hair bulb is the part of the hair follicle where the hair develops and is also involved in the initial stages of growth; however, the dermal papilla is the crucial element that supplies the necessary nutrients for continuous growth. The hair shaft refers to the visible part of the hair that protrudes above the scalp and does not participate in growth processes. The arrector pili is a small muscle that, when contracted, causes hair to stand up but does not directly influence hair growth.