• Texas Cosmetology State Board January/February
Exam Prep Memo | Updated 2026 | Complete Written &
Practical Exam Study Guide
Question 1:
What is the main purpose of a patch test before a haircolor service?
• A) To determine the client's hair type
• B) To check for allergic reactions
• C) To assess hair porosity
• D) To choose the correct shampoo
Correct Option: B
Rationale: A patch test is conducted to identify any potential allergic reactions that
may occur from the hair color product. This ensures client safety.
Question 2:
Which of the following products is used for exfoliating the skin?
• A) Moisturizer
• B) Scrub
• C) Toner
• D) Serum
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Exfoliating scrubs contain physical or chemical exfoliants that help remove
dead skin cells, promoting smoother skin.
Question 3:
When performing a chemical relaxer, what is the appropriate pH level of the product
used?
• A) 3 to 4
• B) 5 to 6
• C) 7 to 8
• D) 9 to 14
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Chemical relaxers typically have a higher pH level (9 to 14) to break the
disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing it to be straightened.
,Question 4:
What is the primary function of a base coat in nail services?
• A) To protect the natural nail
• B) To add color
• C) To provide shine
• D) To strengthen the nail
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A base coat creates a protective barrier between the natural nail and the
polish, preventing staining and enhancing adhesion.
Question 5:
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a cosmetology license in Texas?
• A) Completion of an approved cosmetology program
• B) Passing a background check
• C) Passing the state board exam
• D) Holding a high school diploma or GED
Correct Option: B
Rationale: While background checks may be encouraged, they are not a mandatory
requirement for obtaining a cosmetology license in Texas.
Question 6:
What is the term for the process of removing hair with a laser?
• A) Electrolysis
• B) Depilation
• C) Laser hair removal
• D) Waxing
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair
follicles, reducing hair growth.
Question 7:
,Which skin type is characterized by an oily appearance and enlarged pores?
• A) Oily skin
• B) Dry skin
• C) Combination skin
• D) Sensitive skin
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, leading to shininess and
larger pores.
Question 8:
What is the primary purpose of using a cuticle remover?
• A) To soften the cuticle
• B) To dissolve dead skin
• C) To hydrate nails
• D) To strengthen nails
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Cuticle removers contain ingredients that dissolve dead skin, making it
easier to push back or remove the cuticle.
Question 9:
Which of the following is a benefit of using antioxidants in skin care products?
• A) Increases oil production
• B) Protects against free radical damage
• C) Tightens skin
• D) Lightens hair
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from
environmental damage.
Question 10:
What must be done to ensure the safety of tools used in cosmetology?
, • A) Proper disinfection
• B) Regular cleaning with soap
• C) Use of water only
• D) Storing in a drawer
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Proper disinfection is necessary to eliminate bacteria and viruses on tools,
ensuring client safety.
Question 11:
Which color is typically used to neutralize yellow tones in hair?
• A) Red
• B) Violet
• C) Green
• D) Orange
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Violet can help cancel out unwanted yellow tones in blonde or gray hair.
Question 12:
What is the main ingredient in most permanent wave solutions?
• A) Hydrogen peroxide
• B) Ammonia
• C) Thioglycolic acid
• D) Sodium chloride
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Thioglycolic acid is the active ingredient that breaks down the hair's disulfide
bonds to allow for permanent wave formation.
Question 13:
In hair cutting, what does "point cutting" accomplish?
• A) Creates blunt ends
• B) Texturizes hair
Exam Prep Memo | Updated 2026 | Complete Written &
Practical Exam Study Guide
Question 1:
What is the main purpose of a patch test before a haircolor service?
• A) To determine the client's hair type
• B) To check for allergic reactions
• C) To assess hair porosity
• D) To choose the correct shampoo
Correct Option: B
Rationale: A patch test is conducted to identify any potential allergic reactions that
may occur from the hair color product. This ensures client safety.
Question 2:
Which of the following products is used for exfoliating the skin?
• A) Moisturizer
• B) Scrub
• C) Toner
• D) Serum
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Exfoliating scrubs contain physical or chemical exfoliants that help remove
dead skin cells, promoting smoother skin.
Question 3:
When performing a chemical relaxer, what is the appropriate pH level of the product
used?
• A) 3 to 4
• B) 5 to 6
• C) 7 to 8
• D) 9 to 14
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Chemical relaxers typically have a higher pH level (9 to 14) to break the
disulfide bonds in the hair, allowing it to be straightened.
,Question 4:
What is the primary function of a base coat in nail services?
• A) To protect the natural nail
• B) To add color
• C) To provide shine
• D) To strengthen the nail
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A base coat creates a protective barrier between the natural nail and the
polish, preventing staining and enhancing adhesion.
Question 5:
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a cosmetology license in Texas?
• A) Completion of an approved cosmetology program
• B) Passing a background check
• C) Passing the state board exam
• D) Holding a high school diploma or GED
Correct Option: B
Rationale: While background checks may be encouraged, they are not a mandatory
requirement for obtaining a cosmetology license in Texas.
Question 6:
What is the term for the process of removing hair with a laser?
• A) Electrolysis
• B) Depilation
• C) Laser hair removal
• D) Waxing
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair
follicles, reducing hair growth.
Question 7:
,Which skin type is characterized by an oily appearance and enlarged pores?
• A) Oily skin
• B) Dry skin
• C) Combination skin
• D) Sensitive skin
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, leading to shininess and
larger pores.
Question 8:
What is the primary purpose of using a cuticle remover?
• A) To soften the cuticle
• B) To dissolve dead skin
• C) To hydrate nails
• D) To strengthen nails
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Cuticle removers contain ingredients that dissolve dead skin, making it
easier to push back or remove the cuticle.
Question 9:
Which of the following is a benefit of using antioxidants in skin care products?
• A) Increases oil production
• B) Protects against free radical damage
• C) Tightens skin
• D) Lightens hair
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from
environmental damage.
Question 10:
What must be done to ensure the safety of tools used in cosmetology?
, • A) Proper disinfection
• B) Regular cleaning with soap
• C) Use of water only
• D) Storing in a drawer
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Proper disinfection is necessary to eliminate bacteria and viruses on tools,
ensuring client safety.
Question 11:
Which color is typically used to neutralize yellow tones in hair?
• A) Red
• B) Violet
• C) Green
• D) Orange
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Violet can help cancel out unwanted yellow tones in blonde or gray hair.
Question 12:
What is the main ingredient in most permanent wave solutions?
• A) Hydrogen peroxide
• B) Ammonia
• C) Thioglycolic acid
• D) Sodium chloride
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Thioglycolic acid is the active ingredient that breaks down the hair's disulfide
bonds to allow for permanent wave formation.
Question 13:
In hair cutting, what does "point cutting" accomplish?
• A) Creates blunt ends
• B) Texturizes hair
