BARBER LICENSE EXAM – PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the most important reason for using a disinfectant
in a barber shop?
A. To make tools shine
B. To protect tools from rust
C. To prevent the spread of infection
D. To reduce odors
Rationale: Disinfectants are used primarily to kill harmful
microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection between
clients.
2. How often should a barber wash their hands during
services?
A. Only at the start of the day
B. Before and after each client
C. Once every hour
D. Only if hands appear dirty
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene before and after each client
reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
,3. Which of the following is a common symptom of an allergic
reaction to hair dye?
A. Dandruff
B. Hair thinning
C. Redness, itching, or swelling of the skin
D. Dry scalp
Rationale: Allergic reactions often manifest as redness,
itching, or swelling where the product contacts the skin.
4. What is the proper way to clean a comb that has been used
on a client?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth
B. Spray with water
C. Wash with soap and water, then disinfect
D. Leave to air dry
Rationale: Combs must be washed and disinfected to remove
hair, oils, and microorganisms.
5. The hair shaft is made primarily of:
A. Keratin
B. Collagen
C. Protein
D. Melanin
Rationale: Hair is primarily composed of keratin, which is a
strong protein that provides structure.
,6. When giving a shave, the direction of the razor should be:
A. Against hair growth
B. With the grain of hair growth
C. In circular motions
D. Random directions
Rationale: Shaving with the grain reduces irritation and the
risk of cuts.
7. What is the purpose of a cape during a haircut?
A. To style hair
B. To protect the client’s clothing from hair and chemicals
C. To keep hair warm
D. To hold combs and scissors
Rationale: Capes prevent hair clippings and chemicals from
coming into contact with clothing.
8. A common bloodborne pathogen that barbers should be
aware of is:
A. Influenza
B. Rhinovirus
C. Hepatitis B
D. Measles
Rationale: Hepatitis B is a bloodborne pathogen that can be
transmitted through contaminated instruments.
9. What is the ideal method for sterilizing metal tools such as
scissors or clippers?
, A. Hot water soak
B. Autoclave or chemical disinfectant
C. Air drying
D. Alcohol wipe only
Rationale: Sterilization using an autoclave or EPA-registered
disinfectant ensures all microorganisms are killed.
10. Which type of hair texture tends to shrink when wet?
A. Straight
B. Wavy
C. Curly
D. Coarse
Rationale: Curly hair tends to contract or shrink when wet due
to its natural curl pattern.
11. What is a common cause of barber chair malfunctions?
A. Dirty tools
B. Overuse of disinfectant
C. Lack of maintenance and lubrication
D. Hair length
Rationale: Regular maintenance and lubrication prevent
mechanical issues in barber chairs.
12. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Subcutaneous tissue
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the most important reason for using a disinfectant
in a barber shop?
A. To make tools shine
B. To protect tools from rust
C. To prevent the spread of infection
D. To reduce odors
Rationale: Disinfectants are used primarily to kill harmful
microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection between
clients.
2. How often should a barber wash their hands during
services?
A. Only at the start of the day
B. Before and after each client
C. Once every hour
D. Only if hands appear dirty
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene before and after each client
reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
,3. Which of the following is a common symptom of an allergic
reaction to hair dye?
A. Dandruff
B. Hair thinning
C. Redness, itching, or swelling of the skin
D. Dry scalp
Rationale: Allergic reactions often manifest as redness,
itching, or swelling where the product contacts the skin.
4. What is the proper way to clean a comb that has been used
on a client?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth
B. Spray with water
C. Wash with soap and water, then disinfect
D. Leave to air dry
Rationale: Combs must be washed and disinfected to remove
hair, oils, and microorganisms.
5. The hair shaft is made primarily of:
A. Keratin
B. Collagen
C. Protein
D. Melanin
Rationale: Hair is primarily composed of keratin, which is a
strong protein that provides structure.
,6. When giving a shave, the direction of the razor should be:
A. Against hair growth
B. With the grain of hair growth
C. In circular motions
D. Random directions
Rationale: Shaving with the grain reduces irritation and the
risk of cuts.
7. What is the purpose of a cape during a haircut?
A. To style hair
B. To protect the client’s clothing from hair and chemicals
C. To keep hair warm
D. To hold combs and scissors
Rationale: Capes prevent hair clippings and chemicals from
coming into contact with clothing.
8. A common bloodborne pathogen that barbers should be
aware of is:
A. Influenza
B. Rhinovirus
C. Hepatitis B
D. Measles
Rationale: Hepatitis B is a bloodborne pathogen that can be
transmitted through contaminated instruments.
9. What is the ideal method for sterilizing metal tools such as
scissors or clippers?
, A. Hot water soak
B. Autoclave or chemical disinfectant
C. Air drying
D. Alcohol wipe only
Rationale: Sterilization using an autoclave or EPA-registered
disinfectant ensures all microorganisms are killed.
10. Which type of hair texture tends to shrink when wet?
A. Straight
B. Wavy
C. Curly
D. Coarse
Rationale: Curly hair tends to contract or shrink when wet due
to its natural curl pattern.
11. What is a common cause of barber chair malfunctions?
A. Dirty tools
B. Overuse of disinfectant
C. Lack of maintenance and lubrication
D. Hair length
Rationale: Regular maintenance and lubrication prevent
mechanical issues in barber chairs.
12. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Subcutaneous tissue
