TEXAS BARBER LICENSE EXAM 2026 |
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE | VERIFIED
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & DETAILED
RATIONALES | PSI STATE BOARD PREP
1. What is the primary purpose of the Texas State Board of Barber Examiners?
A) To set prices for barbershop services B) To regulate and license barbers to protect public
health and safety C) To train barbers in cutting techniques D) To manage barbershop finances
Correct: B RATIONALE: The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners exists to protect
public health and safety by ensuring all practicing barbers meet established standards of
education, sanitation, and competency.
2. How many hours of training are required to obtain a Class A Barber license in Texas?
A) 1,000 hours B) 1,500 hours C) 2,000 hours D) 500 hours
Correct: B RATIONALE: Texas requires 1,500 hours of training at a licensed barber
school for a Class A Barber license, covering theory and practical skills.
3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the sebaceous glands?
A) Producing sebum B) Lubricating the hair shaft C) Producing sweat D) Keeping skin soft
Correct: C RATIONALE: Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), not sweat. Sweat is
produced by sudoriferous (sweat) glands.
4. What does the term "alopecia" refer to?
A) Excessive hair growth B) Hair loss or baldness C) Dandruff condition D) Scalp
inflammation
Correct: B RATIONALE: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which can be
caused by genetics, hormones, disease, or other factors.
5. Which disinfectant is commonly used in barbershops to sanitize implements?
,A) Bleach only B) EPA-registered disinfectant C) Hydrogen peroxide only D) Rubbing
alcohol only
Correct: B RATIONALE: The Texas State Board requires the use of EPA-registered
disinfectants to sanitize barbershop implements, ensuring proper pathogen elimination.
6. What is the angle used for a blunt haircut?
A) 45 degrees B) 90 degrees C) 0 degrees D) 180 degrees
Correct: C RATIONALE: A blunt (or one-length) haircut is cut at 0 degrees — the hair
is combed straight down and cut with no elevation, creating a solid line.
7. Which bone forms the back and base of the skull?
A) Frontal bone B) Parietal bone C) Occipital bone D) Temporal bone
Correct: C RATIONALE: The occipital bone forms the back and base of the cranium, a
key landmark in barbering for hairline work.
8. What is the correct way to store used (soiled) implements in a barbershop?
A) In the same container as clean implements B) In a wet disinfectant solution immediately
C) In an open drawer D) On the countertop
Correct: B RATIONALE: Soiled implements must be placed in a disinfectant solution
immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination and meet Texas board sanitation standards.
9. What type of hair texture has the smallest diameter?
A) Coarse B) Medium C) Fine D) Wavy
Correct: C RATIONALE: Fine hair has the smallest individual strand diameter, making
it more delicate and prone to damage compared to medium or coarse textures.
10. What is the chemical process that permanently straightens hair?
A) Oxidation B) Relaxing C) Toning D) Glazing
, Correct: B RATIONALE: Relaxing uses chemicals (usually sodium hydroxide or
guanidine) to permanently break the disulfide bonds in hair, straightening its natural curl pattern.
11. What is "tinea capitis"?
A) A scalp fungal infection (ringworm of the scalp) B) A bacterial skin infection C) A viral
scalp condition D) A form of alopecia
Correct: A RATIONALE: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection (ringworm) affecting the
scalp and hair. Barbers must refuse service to clients with this contagious condition.
12. How long must implements be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant?
A) 1 minute B) 5 minutes C) 10 minutes D) 30 minutes
Correct: C RATIONALE: Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a minimum of 10
minutes of contact time to effectively kill pathogens on implements.
13. What is the term for the scientific study of the hair and scalp?
A) Dermatology B) Trichology C) Cosmetology D) Phlebology
Correct: B RATIONALE: Trichology is the branch of science that deals specifically with
the study of hair and scalp conditions, their diseases and treatments.
14. Which layer of the hair is the outermost?
A) Cortex B) Medulla C) Cuticle D) Papilla
Correct: C RATIONALE: The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of
overlapping scales that protect the inner layers and give hair its shine.
15. What does HIV stand for?
A) Human Immunity Virus B) Human Immunodeficiency Virus C) High Infection Virus D)
Hepatic Immunity Virus
, Correct: B RATIONALE: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is
transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and is a key reason for strict infection control in
barbershops.
16. A client arrives with pediculosis capitis. What should the barber do?
A) Proceed with the service wearing gloves B) Apply a special shampoo first C) Refuse service
and refer the client to a physician D) Use only clean implements
Correct: C RATIONALE: Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is a contagious parasitic
condition. The barber must refuse service to protect other clients and refer the person to medical
care.
17. What is the pH of healthy hair?
A) 3.0–4.0 B) 4.5–5.5 C) 6.0–7.0 D) 7.5–8.5
Correct: B RATIONALE: Healthy hair and scalp have a slightly acidic pH of 4.5–5.5,
which keeps the cuticle closed and protects hair from damage and microbial growth.
18. What type of razor is most commonly used for straight razor shaving in barbershops?
A) Safety razor B) Cartridge razor C) Straight razor (cut-throat razor) D) Electric razor
Correct: C RATIONALE: The straight razor (cut-throat razor) is the traditional and most
commonly used tool for professional shaving services in barbershops.
19. In Texas, how often must barbershop licenses be renewed?
A) Every year B) Every two years C) Every three years D) Every five years
Correct: A RATIONALE: In Texas, barbershop licenses must be renewed annually to
remain in compliance with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
20. Which muscle raises the eyebrows?
A) Zygomaticus B) Orbicularis oculi C) Frontalis D) Masseter
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE | VERIFIED
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & DETAILED
RATIONALES | PSI STATE BOARD PREP
1. What is the primary purpose of the Texas State Board of Barber Examiners?
A) To set prices for barbershop services B) To regulate and license barbers to protect public
health and safety C) To train barbers in cutting techniques D) To manage barbershop finances
Correct: B RATIONALE: The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners exists to protect
public health and safety by ensuring all practicing barbers meet established standards of
education, sanitation, and competency.
2. How many hours of training are required to obtain a Class A Barber license in Texas?
A) 1,000 hours B) 1,500 hours C) 2,000 hours D) 500 hours
Correct: B RATIONALE: Texas requires 1,500 hours of training at a licensed barber
school for a Class A Barber license, covering theory and practical skills.
3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the sebaceous glands?
A) Producing sebum B) Lubricating the hair shaft C) Producing sweat D) Keeping skin soft
Correct: C RATIONALE: Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), not sweat. Sweat is
produced by sudoriferous (sweat) glands.
4. What does the term "alopecia" refer to?
A) Excessive hair growth B) Hair loss or baldness C) Dandruff condition D) Scalp
inflammation
Correct: B RATIONALE: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which can be
caused by genetics, hormones, disease, or other factors.
5. Which disinfectant is commonly used in barbershops to sanitize implements?
,A) Bleach only B) EPA-registered disinfectant C) Hydrogen peroxide only D) Rubbing
alcohol only
Correct: B RATIONALE: The Texas State Board requires the use of EPA-registered
disinfectants to sanitize barbershop implements, ensuring proper pathogen elimination.
6. What is the angle used for a blunt haircut?
A) 45 degrees B) 90 degrees C) 0 degrees D) 180 degrees
Correct: C RATIONALE: A blunt (or one-length) haircut is cut at 0 degrees — the hair
is combed straight down and cut with no elevation, creating a solid line.
7. Which bone forms the back and base of the skull?
A) Frontal bone B) Parietal bone C) Occipital bone D) Temporal bone
Correct: C RATIONALE: The occipital bone forms the back and base of the cranium, a
key landmark in barbering for hairline work.
8. What is the correct way to store used (soiled) implements in a barbershop?
A) In the same container as clean implements B) In a wet disinfectant solution immediately
C) In an open drawer D) On the countertop
Correct: B RATIONALE: Soiled implements must be placed in a disinfectant solution
immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination and meet Texas board sanitation standards.
9. What type of hair texture has the smallest diameter?
A) Coarse B) Medium C) Fine D) Wavy
Correct: C RATIONALE: Fine hair has the smallest individual strand diameter, making
it more delicate and prone to damage compared to medium or coarse textures.
10. What is the chemical process that permanently straightens hair?
A) Oxidation B) Relaxing C) Toning D) Glazing
, Correct: B RATIONALE: Relaxing uses chemicals (usually sodium hydroxide or
guanidine) to permanently break the disulfide bonds in hair, straightening its natural curl pattern.
11. What is "tinea capitis"?
A) A scalp fungal infection (ringworm of the scalp) B) A bacterial skin infection C) A viral
scalp condition D) A form of alopecia
Correct: A RATIONALE: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection (ringworm) affecting the
scalp and hair. Barbers must refuse service to clients with this contagious condition.
12. How long must implements be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant?
A) 1 minute B) 5 minutes C) 10 minutes D) 30 minutes
Correct: C RATIONALE: Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a minimum of 10
minutes of contact time to effectively kill pathogens on implements.
13. What is the term for the scientific study of the hair and scalp?
A) Dermatology B) Trichology C) Cosmetology D) Phlebology
Correct: B RATIONALE: Trichology is the branch of science that deals specifically with
the study of hair and scalp conditions, their diseases and treatments.
14. Which layer of the hair is the outermost?
A) Cortex B) Medulla C) Cuticle D) Papilla
Correct: C RATIONALE: The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of
overlapping scales that protect the inner layers and give hair its shine.
15. What does HIV stand for?
A) Human Immunity Virus B) Human Immunodeficiency Virus C) High Infection Virus D)
Hepatic Immunity Virus
, Correct: B RATIONALE: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is
transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and is a key reason for strict infection control in
barbershops.
16. A client arrives with pediculosis capitis. What should the barber do?
A) Proceed with the service wearing gloves B) Apply a special shampoo first C) Refuse service
and refer the client to a physician D) Use only clean implements
Correct: C RATIONALE: Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is a contagious parasitic
condition. The barber must refuse service to protect other clients and refer the person to medical
care.
17. What is the pH of healthy hair?
A) 3.0–4.0 B) 4.5–5.5 C) 6.0–7.0 D) 7.5–8.5
Correct: B RATIONALE: Healthy hair and scalp have a slightly acidic pH of 4.5–5.5,
which keeps the cuticle closed and protects hair from damage and microbial growth.
18. What type of razor is most commonly used for straight razor shaving in barbershops?
A) Safety razor B) Cartridge razor C) Straight razor (cut-throat razor) D) Electric razor
Correct: C RATIONALE: The straight razor (cut-throat razor) is the traditional and most
commonly used tool for professional shaving services in barbershops.
19. In Texas, how often must barbershop licenses be renewed?
A) Every year B) Every two years C) Every three years D) Every five years
Correct: A RATIONALE: In Texas, barbershop licenses must be renewed annually to
remain in compliance with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
20. Which muscle raises the eyebrows?
A) Zygomaticus B) Orbicularis oculi C) Frontalis D) Masseter
