MILADY COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARD
WRITTEN EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the outermost layer of the hair?
a. Medulla
b. Cortex
c. Cuticle
d. Follicle
The cuticle is the tough, outermost layer that protects the inner layers of the
hair shaft.
2. What is the main purpose of a shampoo service?
a. To style the hair
b. To cleanse the scalp and hair
c. To remove split ends
d. To dry the hair faster
Shampooing removes dirt, oils, and product buildup from the scalp and hair.
,3. Which type of bacteria causes abscesses, pustules, and boils?
a. Staphylococci
b. Diplococci
c. Bacilli
d. Spirilla
Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters and can cause
localized infections.
4. What is the most common ingredient in most disinfectants used in salons?
a. Ammonia
b. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
c. Hydrogen peroxide
d. Alcohol
Quats are effective disinfectants used in salons to clean tools and surfaces.
5. What is the natural arch of the eyebrow determined by?
a. The nose
b. The bone structure
c. The client’s preference
d. The hair color
The bone structure determines the natural shape and arch of the brow.
6. What is another name for the stratum corneum?
a. Spiny layer
b. Basal layer
c. Horny layer
d. Papillary layer
, The stratum corneum is also known as the horny layer, composed of dead skin
cells.
7. Which massage movement is characterized by a light, continuous stroking
motion?
a. Petrissage
b. Effleurage
c. Tapotement
d. Vibration
Effleurage involves soft, gliding strokes used to relax and warm up muscles.
8. How often should towels and linens be laundered?
a. Weekly
b. Every three days
c. After each client
d. At the end of each day
Towels and linens must be laundered after each client to prevent cross-
contamination.
9. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
a. Epidermis
b. Dermis
c. Stratum lucidum
d. Keratin layer
The dermis is the inner layer of skin that supports blood vessels, nerves, and hair
follicles.
WRITTEN EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the outermost layer of the hair?
a. Medulla
b. Cortex
c. Cuticle
d. Follicle
The cuticle is the tough, outermost layer that protects the inner layers of the
hair shaft.
2. What is the main purpose of a shampoo service?
a. To style the hair
b. To cleanse the scalp and hair
c. To remove split ends
d. To dry the hair faster
Shampooing removes dirt, oils, and product buildup from the scalp and hair.
,3. Which type of bacteria causes abscesses, pustules, and boils?
a. Staphylococci
b. Diplococci
c. Bacilli
d. Spirilla
Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters and can cause
localized infections.
4. What is the most common ingredient in most disinfectants used in salons?
a. Ammonia
b. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
c. Hydrogen peroxide
d. Alcohol
Quats are effective disinfectants used in salons to clean tools and surfaces.
5. What is the natural arch of the eyebrow determined by?
a. The nose
b. The bone structure
c. The client’s preference
d. The hair color
The bone structure determines the natural shape and arch of the brow.
6. What is another name for the stratum corneum?
a. Spiny layer
b. Basal layer
c. Horny layer
d. Papillary layer
, The stratum corneum is also known as the horny layer, composed of dead skin
cells.
7. Which massage movement is characterized by a light, continuous stroking
motion?
a. Petrissage
b. Effleurage
c. Tapotement
d. Vibration
Effleurage involves soft, gliding strokes used to relax and warm up muscles.
8. How often should towels and linens be laundered?
a. Weekly
b. Every three days
c. After each client
d. At the end of each day
Towels and linens must be laundered after each client to prevent cross-
contamination.
9. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
a. Epidermis
b. Dermis
c. Stratum lucidum
d. Keratin layer
The dermis is the inner layer of skin that supports blood vessels, nerves, and hair
follicles.
