Which section of the hair contains the pigment that gives hair its color?

The cortex is the section of the hair that contains the pigment responsible for hair color. It is located beneath the outer cuticle layer and plays a crucial role in both the strength and texture of the hair. The pigment, known as melanin, is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes within the cortex. This melanin is what gives different hair colors, such as blonde, brunette, and black, and the distribution and concentration of melanin in the cortex determine the specific shade.

In contrast, the cuticle serves as a protective outer layer of the hair shaft and does not contain pigment. The medulla, which is the innermost layer of the hair, may be present in some hair types but does not play a significant role in determining color. The hair follicle is the structure beneath the skin from which the hair grows but is not part of the hair shaft itself. Thus, the cortex is the correct answer as it directly contains the pigment that determines hair color.