What feature of hair is affected by the medulla layer?

The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, and its presence or absence can influence the hair's color. While the other layers of hair, the cuticle and cortex, play significant roles in protecting the hair and determining its texture and strength, the medulla's specific structure can affect pigmentation.

Hair that contains a medulla may reflect more light and thus can appear lighter or differently colored compared to hair that lacks a medulla. Additionally, the medulla is more prominent in some hair types than in others, contributing to variations in color intensity and reflection. The medulla's characteristics can also indicate whether hair is coarse or fine, but its primary role related to color is essential in understanding how different hair shades are perceived.

Moisture, strength, and texture are mainly influenced by other factors, including the outer cuticle and the cortex, making them less directly related to the medulla's role concerning hair color.