What are the two main divisions of hair?

The two main divisions of hair are the root and the shaft. The root is the part of the hair that is located beneath the skin's surface, anchored in the hair follicle. It is responsible for producing the hair and is where the hair growth occurs. The shaft, on the other hand, is the visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp. It is composed of three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla, but when referring to the divisions of hair, the focus is primarily on the root and shaft.

Understanding these components is crucial in cosmetology, as different treatments, styling methods, and hair health considerations apply to each division. For example, various scalp treatments may focus on the health of the root, while styling products are typically applied to the shaft. This distinction is fundamental for anyone practicing cosmetology, as it directly influences how they approach hair care and styling techniques.