The outer covering of the hair shaft made up of overlapping layers of transparent scales is called the:

• A. Cortex
• B. Cuticle
• C. Papilla
• D. Medulla

Answer: (B)

The outer covering of the hair shaft is the cuticle. It’s made up of flat, transparent scale-like cells that overlap like shingles, forming a protective layer around the inner structures. This scale-like arrangement smooths the surface, helps retain moisture, and influences shine and porosity. When the cuticle remains intact and lies flat, the hair feels smooth and strong. If the cuticle scales lift or get damaged, the hair becomes rough, dull, and more prone to damage because the protective barrier is compromised. The cortex lies beneath and provides strength and color, the medulla is the hair’s central core, and the papilla sits at the base of the follicle supplying nutrients, not part of the shaft’s outer covering.