West Virginia Barber Practice Exam

What is a common sign that stress may be affecting hair health?

1. Smooth hair texture

2. Increased hair shedding

3. Reduction in split ends

4. Defined curls

The correct answer is: Increased hair shedding

Increased hair shedding is a well-recognized indicator that stress may be impacting hair health. Stress can have a profound effect on the body's physiological processes, including those related to hair growth and shedding. When a person experiences significant emotional or physical stress, it can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase of their growth cycle. This results in more hair falling out than usual, often noticeable during washing or grooming. The other choices do not correlate with stress effects on hair health. Smooth hair texture, reduction in split ends, and defined curls are more associated with various external hair care practices or the natural state of hair rather than being indicators of stress. In fact, stress often leads to issues such as dryness or brittleness, which in turn might increase the occurrence of split ends rather than reducing them. Therefore, increased hair shedding serves as a clear sign of potential stress-related changes in hair condition.