Kentucky Barber Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The part of the hair structure that determines its color is melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment produced by melanocytes found in the hair follicles. It is responsible for varying shades of hair color, ranging from blonde to black, depending on the type and amount of melanin present. There are two main types of melanin in hair: eumelanin, which can be either black or brown, and pheomelanin, which provides yellow and red tones. The combination and concentration of these pigments contribute to the overall color of an individual's hair.

Keratin, while an important structural protein that makes up the hair, does not influence color. The cuticle refers to the outer layer of the hair shaft, which protects the inner layers and does not have a role in determining color. The follicle is the structure beneath the skin that houses the hair root and is involved in hair growth, but it is melanin produced in the follicle that ultimately impacts hair color.