COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARD EXAM 2026
BANK 2 VERSIONS AND STUDY GUIDE
CURRENTLY TESTING EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH EXPERTLY DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS (100% CORRECT ANSWERS)
/ALREADY GRADED A+
Outline the steps of a preliminary strand test to a single
process? - ....ANSWER...-clean area, dry
-mix product
-apply small amount to area
-leave unbothered 24-48hrs
What does the preliminary test determine? -
....ANSWER...the preliminary strand test to determine the
correct processing time, the hair's condition after
lightening, and the end results, begin the first step of pre-
lightening.
Explain the special haircoloring technique for gray hair? -
....ANSWER...-Do a complete analysis of the client's hair
- Estimate the total percentage of gray hair and identifying
1
,areas where gray hair is concentrated
- pretreating gray hair and then adjusting your color
formulas to provide the desired coverage.
Problem: Damaged hair - ....ANSWER...Solution: -Use a
penetrating conditioner that can deposit protein, oils, and
moisture-rich ingredients.
-Complete each chemical service by normalizing the pH
with an acidic finishing rinse to restore the cuticle's ability
to protect the hair.
-Postpone any further chemical services until the hair is
reconditioned.
Problem: Fading is a common problem with color-treated
red hair - ....ANSWER...Solution: -To create warm coppery
reds, use a red-orange or red-gold base color (e.g., RO, RG).
-To create neutral to cool reds, use a true red, intense red,
or red-violet base color (e.g., R, RR, RV).
Problem: Brunette shades must be expertly formulated to
2
,enhance wanted tones and minimize unwanted tones -
....ANSWER...Solution: -To avoid orange or brassy
tones when lifting brown hair with permanent color,
always use a cool blue or green base.
-To avoid unwanted brassy tones, do not lighten
more than two levels above the natural color.
-For natural highlights in brunette hair, the
highlighted pieces should be no more than two levels
lighter than the balance of the hair.
Problem: Neutralize Green Cast (client's hair has mineral
buildup from well water or chlorine) -
....ANSWER...Solution: purify the hair with a
product designed to remove mineral buildup.
Apply a demipermanent color to neutralize any
unwanted color that remains in the hair.
Problem: to correct over-lightened hair caused by the
formula you used or sun fade - ....ANSWER...Solution:
apply a demipermanent color that is one to two levels
darker than the previous formula. Consider a
conditioning filler to even porosity and prevent
fading.
3
, Problem: To remove dye pigments - ....ANSWER...use a
hair color remover designed to remove artificial color
from the hair; Only apply to the areas that need
lightening.
Problem: Restoring a client's blonde hair back to its
natural darker color - ....ANSWER...Solution: -Evaluate
the hair's condition, including porosity, elasticity, and
visible damage.
-Evaluate the existing color in terms of level, tone
(warm, neutral or cool), and color balance.
-Place targeted haircolor swatches on the client's
existing blonde hair to visibly demonstrate the
difference in level and color. (It is common for clients
to decide that their requested color is too dark.)
-Follow all the color consultation steps outlined in this
chapter. Shortcuts are never recommended when
performing color services.
What are the safety precautions for haircoloring? -
....ANSWER...-Perform a patch test 24 to 48 hours
before each application of aniline-derivative
haircolor. -Apply haircolor only if the patch test is
4
BANK 2 VERSIONS AND STUDY GUIDE
CURRENTLY TESTING EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH EXPERTLY DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS (100% CORRECT ANSWERS)
/ALREADY GRADED A+
Outline the steps of a preliminary strand test to a single
process? - ....ANSWER...-clean area, dry
-mix product
-apply small amount to area
-leave unbothered 24-48hrs
What does the preliminary test determine? -
....ANSWER...the preliminary strand test to determine the
correct processing time, the hair's condition after
lightening, and the end results, begin the first step of pre-
lightening.
Explain the special haircoloring technique for gray hair? -
....ANSWER...-Do a complete analysis of the client's hair
- Estimate the total percentage of gray hair and identifying
1
,areas where gray hair is concentrated
- pretreating gray hair and then adjusting your color
formulas to provide the desired coverage.
Problem: Damaged hair - ....ANSWER...Solution: -Use a
penetrating conditioner that can deposit protein, oils, and
moisture-rich ingredients.
-Complete each chemical service by normalizing the pH
with an acidic finishing rinse to restore the cuticle's ability
to protect the hair.
-Postpone any further chemical services until the hair is
reconditioned.
Problem: Fading is a common problem with color-treated
red hair - ....ANSWER...Solution: -To create warm coppery
reds, use a red-orange or red-gold base color (e.g., RO, RG).
-To create neutral to cool reds, use a true red, intense red,
or red-violet base color (e.g., R, RR, RV).
Problem: Brunette shades must be expertly formulated to
2
,enhance wanted tones and minimize unwanted tones -
....ANSWER...Solution: -To avoid orange or brassy
tones when lifting brown hair with permanent color,
always use a cool blue or green base.
-To avoid unwanted brassy tones, do not lighten
more than two levels above the natural color.
-For natural highlights in brunette hair, the
highlighted pieces should be no more than two levels
lighter than the balance of the hair.
Problem: Neutralize Green Cast (client's hair has mineral
buildup from well water or chlorine) -
....ANSWER...Solution: purify the hair with a
product designed to remove mineral buildup.
Apply a demipermanent color to neutralize any
unwanted color that remains in the hair.
Problem: to correct over-lightened hair caused by the
formula you used or sun fade - ....ANSWER...Solution:
apply a demipermanent color that is one to two levels
darker than the previous formula. Consider a
conditioning filler to even porosity and prevent
fading.
3
, Problem: To remove dye pigments - ....ANSWER...use a
hair color remover designed to remove artificial color
from the hair; Only apply to the areas that need
lightening.
Problem: Restoring a client's blonde hair back to its
natural darker color - ....ANSWER...Solution: -Evaluate
the hair's condition, including porosity, elasticity, and
visible damage.
-Evaluate the existing color in terms of level, tone
(warm, neutral or cool), and color balance.
-Place targeted haircolor swatches on the client's
existing blonde hair to visibly demonstrate the
difference in level and color. (It is common for clients
to decide that their requested color is too dark.)
-Follow all the color consultation steps outlined in this
chapter. Shortcuts are never recommended when
performing color services.
What are the safety precautions for haircoloring? -
....ANSWER...-Perform a patch test 24 to 48 hours
before each application of aniline-derivative
haircolor. -Apply haircolor only if the patch test is
4
