Louisiana Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What does vellus hair primarily cover in the human body?

1. The scalp

2. The face and chest

3. The body at birth

4. The hands and feet

The correct answer is: The body at birth

Vellus hair is a fine, thin, and often lightly pigmented hair that primarily covers most of the human body, particularly in areas with less hair density. This type of hair is especially noticeable on the skin of infants, hence the association with the body at birth. Vellus hair serves important functions, such as helping to regulate body temperature and providing a protective barrier for the skin. In contrast, other options refer to areas of the body where terminal hair, which is thicker and more pigmented than vellus hair, is more prominent. The scalp typically has terminal hair, which is usually longer and denser. The face and chest areas can also exhibit terminal hair, particularly in adult males, while the hands and feet tend to have very little hair overall. Thus, the correct choice highlights the widespread presence of vellus hair on the body at the time of birth, differentiating it from other types of hair that appear later in development.