Cosmetology Comprehensive Exam Questions and Answers: 130 Essential
Practice Questions for Certification and Licensing
Question 1: What part of the hair provides strength and elasticity?
Answer 1:
The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains fibrous proteins and melanin. It
provides strength, elasticity, and natural color to the hair.
Question 2: When should a patch test be performed before hair coloring?
Answer 2:
A patch test should be performed 24 to 48 hours prior to applying permanent hair color to
check for allergic reactions.
Question 3: What layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
Answer 3:
The stratum germinativum (basal layer) contains melanocytes which produce melanin, the
pigment responsible for skin color.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a nail dehydrator?
Answer 4:
A nail dehydrator removes excess moisture and oils from the nail plate, helping enhancements
adhere better.
Question 5: Which of the following is a single-use tool in cosmetology?
,Answer 5:
Wooden orangewood sticks are single-use because they are porous and cannot be properly
disinfected.
Question 6: What is hair porosity?
Answer 6:
Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture or chemical treatments.
Question 7: What is the function of the hair follicle?
Answer 7:
The hair follicle anchors the hair into the scalp and acts as the living root structure that
nourishes the growing hair.
Question 8: How should soiled towels be stored in a salon?
Answer 8:
Soiled towels should be stored in a closed, labeled container to prevent contamination and
maintain hygiene.
Question 9: What is tinea pedis?
Answer 9:
Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection characterized by itching, peeling, and cracked
skin between the toes.
Question 10: What role does the nail cuticle play?
, Answer 10:
The cuticle acts as a protective seal between the skin and the nail plate, preventing infection.
Question 11: Why is sanitation critical in cosmetology?
Answer 11:
Sanitation reduces dirt and germs to prevent spreading infections between clients and maintain
a safe work environment.
Question 12: What is the difference between sanitation and sterilization?
Answer 12:
Sanitation lowers germs to safe levels; sterilization completely kills all microbial life.
Question 13: How do chemical relaxers work on hair?
Answer 13:
Chemical relaxers break disulfide bonds in the hair cortex to permanently straighten curly or
wavy hair.
Question 14: What safety precautions are necessary during chemical treatments?
Answer 14:
Wear gloves, perform patch tests, ensure good ventilation, and follow manufacturer
instructions.
Question 15: What are the three stages of hair growth?
Practice Questions for Certification and Licensing
Question 1: What part of the hair provides strength and elasticity?
Answer 1:
The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains fibrous proteins and melanin. It
provides strength, elasticity, and natural color to the hair.
Question 2: When should a patch test be performed before hair coloring?
Answer 2:
A patch test should be performed 24 to 48 hours prior to applying permanent hair color to
check for allergic reactions.
Question 3: What layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
Answer 3:
The stratum germinativum (basal layer) contains melanocytes which produce melanin, the
pigment responsible for skin color.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a nail dehydrator?
Answer 4:
A nail dehydrator removes excess moisture and oils from the nail plate, helping enhancements
adhere better.
Question 5: Which of the following is a single-use tool in cosmetology?
,Answer 5:
Wooden orangewood sticks are single-use because they are porous and cannot be properly
disinfected.
Question 6: What is hair porosity?
Answer 6:
Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture or chemical treatments.
Question 7: What is the function of the hair follicle?
Answer 7:
The hair follicle anchors the hair into the scalp and acts as the living root structure that
nourishes the growing hair.
Question 8: How should soiled towels be stored in a salon?
Answer 8:
Soiled towels should be stored in a closed, labeled container to prevent contamination and
maintain hygiene.
Question 9: What is tinea pedis?
Answer 9:
Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection characterized by itching, peeling, and cracked
skin between the toes.
Question 10: What role does the nail cuticle play?
, Answer 10:
The cuticle acts as a protective seal between the skin and the nail plate, preventing infection.
Question 11: Why is sanitation critical in cosmetology?
Answer 11:
Sanitation reduces dirt and germs to prevent spreading infections between clients and maintain
a safe work environment.
Question 12: What is the difference between sanitation and sterilization?
Answer 12:
Sanitation lowers germs to safe levels; sterilization completely kills all microbial life.
Question 13: How do chemical relaxers work on hair?
Answer 13:
Chemical relaxers break disulfide bonds in the hair cortex to permanently straighten curly or
wavy hair.
Question 14: What safety precautions are necessary during chemical treatments?
Answer 14:
Wear gloves, perform patch tests, ensure good ventilation, and follow manufacturer
instructions.
Question 15: What are the three stages of hair growth?
