Colorado Esthetician Written Practice Exam

Which term describes fine, soft, downy hair?

1. Lanugo

2. Terminal

3. Telogen

4. Vellus

The correct answer is: Lanugo

In the field of esthetics, the term that describes fine, soft, downy hair is "Lanugo." Lanugo hair is the very soft, fine, and often unpigmented hair that grows on a fetus or newborn baby. It is typically shed shortly after birth and is replaced by vellus hair. Vellus hair is the type of hair that covers most of the body, except for areas like the lips, palms, and soles, and is usually short, fine, and barely noticeable. Terminal hair is the coarser, thicker, and darker hair that grows in areas such as the scalp, armpits, and pubic region. Telogen refers to the resting phase of the hair growth cycle.