PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What differentiates gray hair from pigmented hair?

1. Its thickness

2. The lack of pigment

3. Its curly nature

4. Its elasticity

The correct answer is: The lack of pigment

Gray hair is primarily differentiated from pigmented hair by the lack of pigment. As individuals age, the melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing pigment (melanin) in hair, gradually become less active or cease to function entirely. This reduced or absent melanin results in hair that appears gray, silver, or white rather than the original color. While factors such as thickness, curly nature, and elasticity can vary among different hair types and individuals, they do not specifically define the difference between gray hair and pigmented hair. The defining characteristic of gray hair is indeed the absence of pigment, which directly influences its color and appearance.