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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Cosmetology State Board Practice Exam: 100 Questions

Quick, free state board cosmetology practice test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lau ClauuUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for cosmetology state board practice exam quiz on a golden yellow background

This cosmetology state board practice exam helps you check your knowledge, spot gaps, and build speed for test day across core topics like safety and sanitation. Want more targeted practice? Try the Illinois cosmetology practice test, add an indiana cosmetology practice test, or take a quick state board cosmetology quiz.

What is the pH of neutral water?
9
14
7
5
Neutral water has a pH of 7, representing an equal concentration of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The pH scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Maintaining a pH around 7 in certain salon solutions helps protect the health of hair and skin.
Which layer of the skin contains no blood vessels?
Epidermis
Subcutaneous layer
Basal layer
Dermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and lacks blood vessels, relying on the dermis below for nutrient supply. It serves as a protective barrier against the environment. Understanding skin layers is essential for safe application of topical products.
What does OSHA stand for?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Organizational Standards for Health Actions
Office of Sanitization and Health Affairs
Ozone Safety and Hygiene Agency
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency ensuring safe and healthful working conditions. It sets and enforces standards through training and outreach. Cosmetology professionals must comply with OSHA regulations to maintain salon safety.
What part of the hair follicle regulates hair growth by supplying nutrients?
Cortex
Cuticle
Papilla
Medulla
The dermal papilla at the base of the follicle contains blood vessels that nourish the hair root. Proper nutrient delivery is crucial for healthy hair growth. Disruption of papilla function can lead to hair thinning or loss.
What is the first step in decontamination procedures for salon implements?
Sterilization
Sanitization
Disinfection
Cleaning
Cleaning removes visible debris and is essential before disinfection or sterilization. Without proper cleaning, pathogens may be protected by residual matter. Effective decontamination begins with thorough washing using soap and water.
Which tool is primarily used for precision cutting of hair?
Blow dryer
Shears
Comb
Brush
Shears, or haircutting scissors, allow for precise texturizing and shaping of hair. They are essential in all haircutting techniques. Proper maintenance and sharpness are vital for clean cuts and reduced hair trauma.
What is the main purpose of a hair conditioner?
Add permanent curl
Reduce static and improve manageability
Bleach natural pigment
Deeply cleanse the hair
Conditioner coats the hair shaft, smoothing cuticle layers and reducing static electricity. This improves manageability, detangles strands, and enhances shine. It also helps protect the hair from environmental damage.
Which phase of hair growth is characterized by active cell division and hair production?
Catagen
Telogen
Anagen
Exogen
The anagen phase is the active growth stage where hair follicles produce new hair fibers. It can last several years and determines hair length. Knowledge of growth phases helps in understanding hair thinning and treatment timing.
Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands?
Stratum corneum
Subcutaneous layer
Epidermis
Dermis
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and houses blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands. It provides structural integrity and nutrition to the epidermis. Understanding this layer is vital for safe product application and hair removal services.
A shampoo is primarily designed to remove which of the following from hair?
Protein bonds
Dirt and oil
Natural pigments
Excess moisture
Shampoos are formulated to emulsify and lift dirt, sebum, and styling product residue from the hair and scalp. They use surfactants to reduce surface tension so impurities can be rinsed away. Proper shampooing sets the foundation for healthy hair.
What is the visible part of the nail called?
Nail bed
Cuticle
Matrix
Nail plate
The nail plate is the hardened keratin structure that sits on and covers the nail bed. It protects the fingertips and provides a tool for precision tasks. Proper care of the nail plate prevents splits and breakage.
What type of hair is fine, short, and found on children and adults?
Vellus hair
Terminal hair
Lanugo hair
Primary hair
Vellus hair is the fine, soft, often unpigmented hair covering most of the body. It differs from terminal hair, which is thicker and pigmented. Recognizing hair types is important for treatment selection.
Blackheads are also known by which term?
Open comedones
Papules
Pustules
Closed comedones
Open comedones, or blackheads, occur when hair follicles are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, and the material oxidizes on exposure to air. They are common in acne-prone skin. Proper extraction and skincare help prevent them.
Which level of decontamination kills all forms of microbial life, including spores?
Sanitization
Cleaning
Sterilization
Disinfection
Sterilization uses high-pressure steam or chemical agents to destroy all microbial forms, including bacterial spores. It is the highest level of decontamination and is required for surgical instruments. Most salon services do not demand full sterilization but do require proper disinfection.
What is the minimum requirement for labeling all containers of hazardous substances?
Sequencing
Labeling
Locking
Covering
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard mandates that all containers of hazardous chemicals be properly labeled. Labels must include product identity and hazard warnings. This ensures worker safety by providing critical information at a glance.
What is the smallest unit of matter that retains chemical properties?
Electron
Molecule
Proton
Atom
An atom is the basic unit of a chemical element and retains the identity of that element. Molecules are composed of two or more atoms. Understanding atoms is fundamental to chemical service formulations.
What is the active ingredient in lye relaxers?
Sodium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide
Ammonium thioglycolate
Sodium carbonate
Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide which breaks disulfide bonds and restructures hair texture. It is a strong alkali and must be handled carefully. Sodium hydroxide yields the most permanent straightening effect but can cause scalp irritation if misused.
Which process in permanent waving involves the breaking of disulfide bonds?
Reduction
Oxidation
Hydrolysis
Condensation
In permanent waving, reducing agents convert cystine disulfide bonds into cysteamine bonds, allowing hair to be reshaped. This reduction step softens the hair structure. Neutralization later reforms disulfide bonds in the new curl pattern.
Which developer volume equals approximately 6% hydrogen peroxide?
10 volume
20 volume
40 volume
30 volume
A 20-volume developer contains about 6% hydrogen peroxide and is commonly used for gray blending and lifting natural pigment by one to two levels. Higher volumes lift more pigment but increase hair damage risk. Proper selection balances lift and hair integrity.
On the hair color level system, which level is the lightest natural shade?
Level 1
Level 7
Level 10
Level 4
The hair color level system ranges from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Level 10 represents the palest natural hue before processing. This scale guides professionals in formulating color services.
Which condition is a contraindication for chemical services like coloring or relaxing?
Oily scalp
Scalp abrasions
Split ends
Dandruff
Open abrasions allow chemicals to enter the bloodstream and cause severe irritation or systemic reactions. Services should be postponed until the scalp is fully healed. Always perform a thorough scalp examination prior to chemical treatments.
What is the primary purpose of a patch test before hair color application?
Measure hair porosity
Detect allergic reactions
Test strand strength
Confirm desired tone
A patch test identifies potential allergic reactions to color ingredients. It is applied behind the ear or on the inner arm and checked after 48 hours. This precaution helps prevent severe dermatitis or anaphylaxis.
During hair coloring, hydrogen peroxide functions as what type of agent?
Neutralizing agent
Oxidizing agent
Reducing agent
Surfactant
Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes natural melanin, opening cuticles and allowing the dye to deposit color molecules within the cortex. Its strength determines the level of lift and deposit. Incorrect developer usage can cause breakage or uneven color.
A fungal infection of the scalp is known as what?
Tinea capitis
Alopecia areata
Folliculitis
Scabies
Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal infection causing itching, scaling, and hair loss patches. It requires medical treatment and careful disinfection of tools. Barbers and stylists should refer clients to a physician when suspected.
Which body system includes the heart and blood vessels?
Integumentary system
Circulatory system
Skeletal system
Muscular system
The circulatory system moves blood, nutrients, and waste through arteries, veins, and capillaries. Understanding this system is essential for blood-borne pathogen protocols. Its integrity is critical during services involving cuts or abrasions.
Which type of current is used in galvanic electrotherapy treatments?
Direct current
Alternating current
Faradic current
Tesla current
Galvanic therapy uses a steady direct current to drive ionic product penetration and assist in extractions. It creates chemical changes in tissues at each electrode. Stylists use it for deeper product absorption and skin tightening.
Which surfactant is most commonly found in salon shampoos?
Cetyl alcohol
Keratin
Sodium laureth sulfate
Lanolin
Sodium laureth sulfate is an anionic surfactant that effectively removes oils and debris from hair. It produces rich lather but can be drying if overused. Many sulfate-free shampoos now use milder alternatives.
Which pigment is responsible for red or ginger hair colors?
Eumelanin
Keratin
Pheomelanin
Carotene
Pheomelanin produces red and ginger hues in hair and skin. Its distribution and concentration determine the shade intensity. Analyzing natural pigment helps formulate the correct color mix.
Which chemical method removes hair by breaking disulfide bonds in the follicle without cutting the hair fiber?
Depilatory
Shaving
Tweezing
Waxing
Depilatories use thioglycolate or calcium hydroxide to break down hair at the skin surface. They chemically dissolve the hair shaft, allowing it to be wiped away. Client patch testing is essential to prevent burns.
Before extractions, which equipment is used to soften skin pores?
Facial steamer
Electric mask
LED light
High-frequency wand
Steam opens pores, softens sebum, and makes extractions safer and more effective. It also improves blood circulation and product penetration. Proper steaming reduces the risk of tissue damage during extraction.
Which epidermal layer continuously divides to produce new skin cells?
Stratum corneum
Stratum lucidum
Stratum germinativum
Stratum granulosum
The stratum germinativum (basal layer) is the deepest layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes proliferate. These new cells migrate upward to form protective layers. Damage to this layer can impair skin regeneration.
Which tiny muscle contracts to make hair stand on end, causing goosebumps?
Masseter
Levator palpebrae
Arrector pili
Orbicularis oculi
The arrector pili muscles are small bands of smooth muscle attached to hair follicles. They contract in response to cold or emotional stimuli, elevating the hair. This reaction traps air for insulation or conveys emotion in animals.
What is the arrangement of staphylococci bacteria?
Chains of rods
Comma-shaped cells
Clusters of spheres
Spiral forms
Staphylococci are spherical bacteria that form grape-like clusters. Their morphology helps identify infections and choose proper disinfectants. Controlling staph in salons requires strict hygiene and disinfection.
Under EPA guidelines, implements must be immersed in a disinfectant solution for a minimum of how many minutes?
20 minutes
1 minute
10 minutes
5 minutes
EPA-registered disinfectants require a labeled contact time, often 10 minutes, to effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Proper immersion ensures all surfaces contact the solution. Adhering to these guidelines prevents salon-acquired infections.
Which bond in the hair cortex is formed between two sulfur atoms?
Disulfide bond
Ionic bond
Peptide bond
Hydrogen bond
Disulfide bonds between cystine amino acids provide hair with strength and elasticity. Chemical services target these bonds to alter hair structure. Their reformation is key in relaxing and waving processes.
Which reducing agent is primarily used in permanent waving solutions?
Glyceryl monothioglycolate
Sodium thioglycolate
Ammonium thioglycolate
Thiolamine
Ammonium thioglycolate cleaves disulfide bonds in the hair cortex, allowing it to be reshaped around a rod. Its strength and pH determine the wave size and processing time. Proper neutralization reforms the bonds to lock in the curl.
Which type of ultraviolet radiation is primarily responsible for skin tanning?
UVC
UVB
UVA
Infrared
UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and stimulate melanin production, leading to tanning. UVB causes sunburn and more DNA damage, while UVC is filtered by the ozone layer. Proper SPF selection blocks both UVA and UVB.
Which scalp disorder presents as silvery scales and pronounced redness?
Ringworm
Folliculitis
Psoriasis
Eczema
Psoriasis features accelerated skin cell turnover leading to thick, scaly, silver plaques on a red base. It can involve the scalp and requires medical management. Stylists should avoid aggressive treatments on affected areas.
What method checks haircut balance by combing opposite sections to verify evenness?
Diagonal parting
Sectioning
Perimeter combing
Cross-checking
Cross-checking ensures consistency by combing sections in the opposite direction from the initial cut. It reveals uneven lengths that may be missed otherwise. This technique is vital for precise cut finishes.
What is created when two or more elements chemically combine in definite proportions?
Solution
Element
Mixture
Compound
A compound forms when elements bond chemically in fixed ratios, creating a substance with unique properties. Mixtures retain the individual properties of their components. Understanding compounds helps in formulating safe cosmetic products.
What is the primary function of a neutralizer in permanent waving?
Act as a reducing agent
Reform disulfide bonds
Swell the cortex
Open the cuticle
Neutralizers oxidize the hair's cysteamine bonds, reforming disulfide bonds into their new configuration. This locks in the wave pattern and restores hair strength. Inadequate neutralization can lead to weak curls and damage.
Which wrap technique uses one end paper folded over the hair like an envelope?
Piggyback wrap
Spiral wrap
Bookend wrap
Double flat wrap
The bookend wrap folds one end paper over the hair ends like closing an envelope. It provides neat ends and works well for short hair. Other wraps use different paper placements for various curl effects.
What determines hair density on the scalp?
Hair shaft diameter
Number of follicles per square inch
Curl pattern
Porosity level
Hair density refers to how many hair follicles exist per square inch on the scalp. High-density hair appears fuller, while low density looks thinner. Density affects styling choices and product application.
What unit measures electrical resistance?
Watt
Ampere
Ohm
Volt
The ohm is the SI unit of electrical resistance, quantifying how strongly a material opposes electric current. Understanding resistance is important when using salon electrical equipment safely. Lower resistance means higher current flow.
Which nail condition is characterized by longitudinal ridges or grooves?
Onychophagy
Onycholysis
Onychia
Onychorrhexis
Onychorrhexis presents as brittle nails with longitudinal ridges and splits. It may result from overexposure to water or harsh chemicals. Proper nail care and protective treatments help manage it.
What is the main active ingredient in most callus softeners?
Urea
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid
Glycolic acid
Urea is a keratolytic agent that helps soften and break down hardened skin cells in calluses. It hydrates and promotes exfoliation without harsh abrasion. Callus softeners are applied before mechanical removal.
What type of chemical reaction occurs when hair is lightened with bleach?
Reduction
Neutralization
Polymerization
Oxidation
Hair bleaching involves oxidation, where hydrogen peroxide breaks down melanin and removes natural pigment. This process opens the hair cuticle and alters color permanently. Proper timing and concentration control damage.
Which equation represents the relationship used to dilute hair color developers?
d=m/v
C1V1=C2V2
HV=CV
AB=CD
The dilution equation C1V1=C2V2 calculates the volume of stock solution needed to achieve a desired concentration. It ensures accurate developer and color ratios. Mastery of this formula is critical for predictable color results.
Which laser wavelength is most commonly used for hair removal on Fitzpatrick skin types I - III?
810 nm
755 nm
632 nm
1064 nm
The 755 nm alexandrite laser wavelength is absorbed effectively by melanin and is ideal for lighter skin types (I - III). It provides efficient hair reduction with a balance of absorption and penetration. Skin type assessment guides wavelength selection.
Which ion group causes hair fibers to swell and raise the cuticle during alkaline chemical services?
Sulfate ions
Phosphate ions
Bicarbonate ions
Hydroxide ions
Alkaline relaxers and perms rely on hydroxide ions to penetrate the hair shaft, raise the cuticle, and break disulfide bonds. This swelling allows the chemical process to modify hair structure. Balancing pH after treatment prevents overprocessing.
Which ultraviolet radiation is almost entirely absorbed by the ozone layer and rarely reaches the earth's surface?
UVA
Infrared
UVB
UVC
UVC radiation (100 - 280 nm) is the most harmful UV band but is effectively absorbed by atmospheric ozone. It does not contribute to tanning or sunburn. Protective measures focus on UVA and UVB exposure.
In microbiology, which genus of bacteria is known for forming highly resistant spores?
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Micrococcus
Bacillus
Bacillus species produce endospores that can survive extreme heat, chemicals, and radiation. Proper disinfection and sterilization methods are required to eliminate spore-forming bacteria. Awareness of spore resilience informs salon sanitation protocols.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Exam Concepts -

    Grasp the fundamental theories and principles covered in the cosmetology state board practice exam 100 questions to ensure a comprehensive knowledge base.

  2. Apply Hair Design Techniques -

    Practice and refine essential hair cutting, coloring, and styling methods under simulated state board conditions for practical mastery.

  3. Analyze Skincare and Treatment Protocols -

    Evaluate step-by-step facial and skincare procedures to enhance client safety and treatment efficacy in accordance with licensing standards.

  4. Evaluate Safety and Sanitation Practices -

    Assess and implement proper infection control measures and salon sanitation guidelines to meet state board requirements and maintain a hygienic workspace.

  5. Interpret Chemical Service Procedures -

    Break down the chemical relaxing, perming, and coloring processes to ensure accurate application and expected results.

  6. Identify Strengths and Improvement Areas -

    Pinpoint knowledge gaps through quiz feedback, enabling targeted study and confidence-building before the actual exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hair Structure Essentials -

    Break down the three layers of hair - cuticle, cortex, medulla - using the "CAM" mnemonic to reinforce during your cosmetology state board practice exam 100 questions review. Understanding how the cuticle protects the cortex and how cortex damage leads to porosity issues is critical for both hair design and chemical service questions.

  2. Fundamentals of Color Theory -

    Master the RYB color wheel by remembering that primary (red, yellow, blue) combine to form secondary hues; for example, red + yellow = orange. Knowing how to formulate a neutral base by canceling unwanted tones appears frequently on both the cosmetology practical exam practice test and the cosmetology state board practice exam 100 questions and answers.

  3. pH and Product Chemistry -

    Keep pH top of mind: shampoos (4.5 - 5.5), neutralizers (2.5 - 7), relaxers (~9 - 10). A simple mnemonic - "Acidic Skin Is Perfect" for skin's 4.5 - 5.5 pH - helps you select the right formulations, a topic often tested on the cosmetology state board practice exam 100 questions free.

  4. Sanitation & Infection Control -

    Follow CDC guidelines: sanitize, disinfect, sterilize. Remember "SDD" - Sanitize destroys dirt, Disinfect kills most pathogens, Destroys all via sterilization. You'll see these definitions pop up on the psi cosmetology practice exam Texas as well as national state board questions.

  5. Chemical Texture Service Chemistry -

    Differentiate between ammonium thioglycolate (pH ~9.6) and sodium hydroxide relaxers (pH ~12+). Recall the disulfide bond reduction equation: R - S - S - R + 2 H❺ → 2 R - SH; this reaction underpins perm and relaxer theory on the cosmetology state board practice exam 100 questions and answers.

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