Cosmetology STATE BOARD Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
Describe the technique for highlights? - Correct Answer -partial lightening or
coloring, coloring some of the hair strands lighter than the natural color to add a
variety of lighter shades and the illusion of depth
Outline principles of hair design as applied to sideburns. - Correct Answer -
Sideburns are a primary design element of shorter hair designs.
What is the principle that deals with the comparative relationship of one thing to
another in hair design? - Correct Answer -Proportion
Which principle in hair design relates to establishing equal or appropriate
proportions to create symmetry? - Correct Answer -Balance
What is the term for a regular pulsation or recurrent pattern of movement in a
design in hair styling? - Correct Answer -Rhythm
In hair design, what is the principle that refers to what draws the eye first in a
design? - Correct Answer -Emphasis
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,Which principle in hair design refers to a design's unity and is considered the most
important art principle? - Correct Answer -Harmony
Why do cosmetologist need a complete understanding of draping, basic scalp care,
& shampooing and conditioning. - Correct Answer -we must understand the
different types of shampoo & conditioning products available and what they offer
for various hair types, textures, and hair and scalp conditions.
Also, effective hair cleansing, rinsing, and conditioning provides a clean canvas for
styling and finishing.
Explain the benefits of the 3-part client service. - Correct Answer -It is easier to
keep track of what you are doing, remain organized, and give consistent service
What info should you ask your clients before shampoo and conditioning them? -
Correct Answer -medication, neck problems, when was your last shampoo?,
Demonstrate appropriate draping for a basic shampooing and conditioning service
& chemical. - Correct Answer -- Client must sit comfortably
- Place a towel across client's shoulders.
- Place shampoo cape over the towel and fasten securely in the back.
- Place another towel over the cape and secure
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Describe how to correctly brush hair & contribution to a healthy scalp - Correct
Answer -Correct hair brushing stimulates microcirculation to the scalp, helps
remove dust, dirt, and hairspray buildup from the hair, and gives it added shine.
Explain the benefits of scalp message. - Correct Answer -Benefits include
increasing scalp microcirculation and calming tenseness
What is balancing shampoo? - Correct Answer -Washes away excess oil while
preventing the hair from drying out
How is color enhancing shampoo created? - Correct Answer -is created by
combining the surfactant base with direct-dye color pigments.
What is dry shampoo? - Correct Answer -(powder shampoo) shampoo that cleanses
the hair without soap and water
What is the purpose of Conditioning shampoo? - Correct Answer -(moisturizing
shampoo) shampoo that makes the hair appear smooth and shiny and improves its
manageability
What is a medicated shampoo? - Correct Answer -shampoo containing special
ingredients that are very effective in reducing dandruff or relieving other scalp
conditions
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, What does oil shampoos include? - Correct Answer -it includes oil to soften and
hydrate dry, brittle hair.
What is clarifying shampoo? - Correct Answer -an alkaline shampoo containing an
active chelating agent that binds to metals (such as iron and copper), formulated
with a pH of 7 or higher.
What is the pH shampoo balanced to? - Correct Answer -shampoo that is balanced
to the pH of skin and hair (4.5 to 5.5)
What is the strengthening shampoo? - Correct Answer -shampoo containing
various strengthening and nourishing ingredients to add strength to weak, damaged
or brittle hair
What is Sulfate free shampoo? - Correct Answer -(soap-free shampoo) a shampoo
formulated with little to no alkaline soap base
What are rinse-out conditioners? - Correct Answer -these are finishing rinses or
cream rinses that are rinsed out after they are worked through the hair to detangle
and deposit moisturizing benefits.
What are treatment/ repair conditioners? - Correct Answer -Deep penetrating
conditioners restore protein and moisture
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Questions and Answers
Describe the technique for highlights? - Correct Answer -partial lightening or
coloring, coloring some of the hair strands lighter than the natural color to add a
variety of lighter shades and the illusion of depth
Outline principles of hair design as applied to sideburns. - Correct Answer -
Sideburns are a primary design element of shorter hair designs.
What is the principle that deals with the comparative relationship of one thing to
another in hair design? - Correct Answer -Proportion
Which principle in hair design relates to establishing equal or appropriate
proportions to create symmetry? - Correct Answer -Balance
What is the term for a regular pulsation or recurrent pattern of movement in a
design in hair styling? - Correct Answer -Rhythm
In hair design, what is the principle that refers to what draws the eye first in a
design? - Correct Answer -Emphasis
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Which principle in hair design refers to a design's unity and is considered the most
important art principle? - Correct Answer -Harmony
Why do cosmetologist need a complete understanding of draping, basic scalp care,
& shampooing and conditioning. - Correct Answer -we must understand the
different types of shampoo & conditioning products available and what they offer
for various hair types, textures, and hair and scalp conditions.
Also, effective hair cleansing, rinsing, and conditioning provides a clean canvas for
styling and finishing.
Explain the benefits of the 3-part client service. - Correct Answer -It is easier to
keep track of what you are doing, remain organized, and give consistent service
What info should you ask your clients before shampoo and conditioning them? -
Correct Answer -medication, neck problems, when was your last shampoo?,
Demonstrate appropriate draping for a basic shampooing and conditioning service
& chemical. - Correct Answer -- Client must sit comfortably
- Place a towel across client's shoulders.
- Place shampoo cape over the towel and fasten securely in the back.
- Place another towel over the cape and secure
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Describe how to correctly brush hair & contribution to a healthy scalp - Correct
Answer -Correct hair brushing stimulates microcirculation to the scalp, helps
remove dust, dirt, and hairspray buildup from the hair, and gives it added shine.
Explain the benefits of scalp message. - Correct Answer -Benefits include
increasing scalp microcirculation and calming tenseness
What is balancing shampoo? - Correct Answer -Washes away excess oil while
preventing the hair from drying out
How is color enhancing shampoo created? - Correct Answer -is created by
combining the surfactant base with direct-dye color pigments.
What is dry shampoo? - Correct Answer -(powder shampoo) shampoo that cleanses
the hair without soap and water
What is the purpose of Conditioning shampoo? - Correct Answer -(moisturizing
shampoo) shampoo that makes the hair appear smooth and shiny and improves its
manageability
What is a medicated shampoo? - Correct Answer -shampoo containing special
ingredients that are very effective in reducing dandruff or relieving other scalp
conditions
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, What does oil shampoos include? - Correct Answer -it includes oil to soften and
hydrate dry, brittle hair.
What is clarifying shampoo? - Correct Answer -an alkaline shampoo containing an
active chelating agent that binds to metals (such as iron and copper), formulated
with a pH of 7 or higher.
What is the pH shampoo balanced to? - Correct Answer -shampoo that is balanced
to the pH of skin and hair (4.5 to 5.5)
What is the strengthening shampoo? - Correct Answer -shampoo containing
various strengthening and nourishing ingredients to add strength to weak, damaged
or brittle hair
What is Sulfate free shampoo? - Correct Answer -(soap-free shampoo) a shampoo
formulated with little to no alkaline soap base
What are rinse-out conditioners? - Correct Answer -these are finishing rinses or
cream rinses that are rinsed out after they are worked through the hair to detangle
and deposit moisturizing benefits.
What are treatment/ repair conditioners? - Correct Answer -Deep penetrating
conditioners restore protein and moisture
©COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
