Cosmetology State Board Pennsylvania Complete Study Guide Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2026/2025 Latest Release

Cosmetology State Board Pennsylvania Complete Study Guide Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2024/2025 Latest Release What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania? **ANS** 17 years old. What is the total number of hours required for cosmetology training in Pennsylvania? **ANS** 1,250 hours. Which organization is responsible for issuing cosmetology licenses in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Pennsylvania Department of State. What type of exam must candidates pass to obtain a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania? **ANS** A written and practical exam. Is continuing education required for cosmetologists in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, 4 hours every two years. What is the main purpose of the Pennsylvania Cosmetology State Board? **ANS** To protect public health and safety through licensing and regulation. Can cosmetologists in Pennsylvania provide services in clients' homes? **ANS** Yes, with proper licensing and insurance. 1 What is a common violation that can lead to disciplinary action by the Pennsylvania Cosmetology State Board? **ANS** Practicing without a valid license. What must cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania be approved by? **ANS** The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. How often must cosmetologists renew their licenses in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Every two years. Are there specific sanitation and safety regulations that cosmetologists must follow in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, strict sanitation and safety regulations are mandated. What is the required passing score for the written portion of the cosmetology exam in Pennsylvania? **ANS** 75%. Can a cosmetology license be transferred from another state to Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, under certain conditions. What happens if a cosmetologist's license is expired in Pennsylvania? **ANS** They may not practice until the license is renewed. Are there specific age restrictions for students attending cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, students must be at least 16 years old. What must cosmetology schools provide in their curriculum to meet state requirements? **ANS** Theory and practical application of cosmetology skills. How can a cosmetologist in Pennsylvania stay updated with changes in state regulations? 2 **ANS** By subscribing to the Pennsylvania State Board's newsletters and updates. Is a separate license required for nail technicians in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, a separate nail technician license is required. What type of insurance is recommended for cosmetologists practicing in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Professional liability insurance. Can cosmetologists perform services without a client consultation in Pennsylvania? **ANS** No, a consultation is required before services. What is the penalty for practicing cosmetology without a license in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Fines and possible criminal charges. Are apprenticeships allowed in Pennsylvania for cosmetology training? **ANS** Yes, apprenticeships are permitted under state regulations. What must be displayed at a cosmetology practice in Pennsylvania? **ANS** A valid cosmetology license. What type of training is required for a school instructor in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Additional training and certification specific to teaching. What document must clients sign before certain cosmetic procedures in Pennsylvania? **ANS** A consent form. Is it legal for cosmetologists in Pennsylvania to use home-based salons? **ANS** Yes, as long as they comply with local regulations. 3 How does the Pennsylvania Cosmetology State Board handle complaints against licensed cosmetologists? **ANS** Complaints are investigated and may lead to disciplinary action. What type of skills are tested during the practical portion of the cosmetology exam in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Hair cutting, coloring, styling, and sanitation practices. Can a cosmetology license be reinstated after being revoked in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, under specific circumstances. What is the procedure for changing a name on a cosmetology license in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Submit a request with legal documentation of the name change. Are there age requirements for models used during the practical exam? **ANS** Yes, models must be at least 16 years old. What should a cosmetology student do if they fail the state exam? **ANS** They can retake the exam after a waiting period. What type of equipment must cosmetologists maintain in a sanitary condition? **ANS** All tools and equipment used for services. Are there specific guidelines for using chemical treatments in Pennsylvania salons? **ANS** Yes, specific safety guidelines must be followed. What kind of documentation is required for a cosmetology school to maintain its approval status? **ANS** Regular reports and compliance with state standards. Can cosmetologists provide makeup services in addition to hair services in Pennsylvania? 4 **ANS** Yes, as part of their licensed services. What is the role of the cosmetology board member in Pennsylvania? **ANS** To oversee and regulate the cosmetology profession. What are the consequences of repeated violations of cosmetology regulations in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Increased penalties, including possible license suspension or revocation. Can a cosmetology student work in a salon before completing their training in Pennsylvania? **ANS** Yes, as an apprentice under a licensed cosmetologist. What is the importance of sanitation in cosmetology practices in Pennsylvania? **ANS** To prevent the spread of infections and ensure client safety. The muscle that covers the front lower leg and bends the foot up and in is called? **Ans**Tibialis Anterior What yellowish fluid in the blood consists of approximately 90% water? **Ans**Plasma Which part of the cell contains food substances for cellular growth and repair? **Ans**Cytoplasm Which branch of the 5th cranial nerve consists of the lower 1/2 of the face and head? **Ans**Mandibular What eye muscle allows eyelids to open and close? **Ans**Orbicularis Oculi What is another name for the constructive stage of metabolism? **Ans**Anabolism What type of nerve brings and sends messages to the central nervous system? **Ans**Mixed 5 What part of the hand is best used for massage? **Ans**Cushions of fingertips The nerve that carries impulses along the top of the foot to the skin is called? **Ans**Dorsal nerve Where is the location of the ear muscle auricularis anterior? **Ans**Front of the ear Which nerve is located on the little finger side of the arm, extending into the palm of the hand? **Ans**Ulnar nerve Which end of the muscle is attached to an immovable section of skeleton? **Ans**Origin What is produced when a motor nerve point is included in massage? **Ans**Relaxation The muscles in the hand that draw the fingers together are called? **Ans**Adductor Which artery delivers blood to the upper eyelids and forehead? **Ans**Frontal artery Which type of muscle is smooth and responsible for involuntary movements? **Ans**Non-striated muscle The muscle that is situated on the sides of the head and assists in chewing is called? **Ans**Temporalis muscle The direction of massage should start with _____. **Ans**Insertion What blood vessels are seen near the surface of the skin? **Ans**Veins A mass of blood and nerves located directly under the hollowed area of the hair bulb is? **Ans**Papilla 6 What is considered to be the normal amount of hair to shed daily? **Ans**30 to 50 strands A furuncle appears within the hair follicle and appears as a ______. **Ans**Boil The tough outer protective covering of hair is? **Ans**Cuticle What is the average growth of hair per month? **Ans**1/2 inch A patchy loss of hair occurring on the scalp is called _____. **Ans**Alopecia Areata What is the pocket that surrounds the hair root called? **Ans**Follicle What is the term used for yellow to red hair pigments? **Ans**Pheomelanin Pityriasis is the technical term for _______. **Ans**Dandruff A tuft of hair that is directed straight out of the scalp is called? **Ans**Cowlick What is the name of the coloring matter that provides natural color to hair and skin? **Ans**Melanin Which type of porosity has scales lying flat allowing minimal absorption? **Ans**Resistant What is tinea? **Ans**Ringworm What is required from both sides of the family for a woman to inherit baldness? **Ans**One gene each Which animal parasite burrows under the skin? **Ans**Itch mites What is the technical term for split hair ends? **Ans**Trichoptilosis 7 What is the stage referred to when the hair continues to grow and survive? **Ans**Anagen How far can dry, healthy hair be stretched without breaking? **Ans**1/2 of it's length How many genes does a male need to inherit from either side of the family to inherit baldness? **Ans**One Which layer of hair is responsible for the elasticity in the hair? **Ans**Cortex At what stage of growth does the hair stop growing and begin to disconnect from the follicle? **Ans**Catagen What is the average number of hair on the scalp? **Ans**100,000 What is the soft, white, downy hair found on almost any area of the body? **Ans**Lanugo Which hair follicle shape produces naturally curly hair? **Ans**Narrow oval What is the average life expectancy of hair in the anagen stage? **Ans**2 to 6 years What is the technical term for gray hair? **Ans**Canities Which layer of hair contains melanin? **Ans**Cortex In the composition of hair, 11 buncles of protofibrils will produce a _______. **Ans**Microfibril Which hair loss treatment surgically removes the entire hair loss area? **Ans**Alopecia reduction 8 What amount of pigment does gray hair have? **Ans**Gradual reduction of melanin What area of the body grows no hair? **Ans**The palms of hangs and soles of feet What is the hair referred to that grows under the arms, on t he legs, or in the ears and nose? **Ans**Terminal What is the name for excessive hair growth above a woman's lips and/or underneath the chin? **Ans**Hypertrichosis Which structure located along the hair root causes a "goosebump" skin appearance? **Ans**Arrector pili muscle What rate of tempo is cased by slow rate of motion or speed? **Ans**Decelerated Which body type has a straight, slender frame consisting of long narrow bones? **Ans**Ectomorph What does the facial feature zone one consist of? **Ans**Forehead An adult's average height is equivalent to how many head lengths? **Ans**7 to 8 Which law of motion states that in every movement there is a second opposite movement? **Ans**Law 3 What is the characteristic of a concave profile? **Ans**Protruding chin a forehead What do blue-based colors evoke? **Ans**Coolness Which facial zone has the eyes are as the focal point of the overall design? **Ans**Zone 2 9 When using the "Golden Ratio" and graceful proportion, the face is divided into? **Ans**Thirds What are the 3 areas of the cranial division? **Ans**Facial, Parietal, Occipital Which profile has a receding chin and high hairline? **Ans**Convex In which body type will the shoulders be typically wider than a person's hips? **Ans**Mesomorph What do red based colors create in a hair design? **Ans**Vibrancy Which face shape is ideally balanced? **Ans**Oval How many zones are the facial features divided into? **Ans**3 What is the jar sanitizer where tools are completely immersed? **Ans**Wet disinfection system The pH measurement of 0 to 6.9 is considered? **Ans**Acid At what angle is the brush held to insert bristles at the underside of the section of hair nearest the scalp? **Ans**135 degrees Define chemical draping. **Ans**Neckstrip, towel, cape, towel The potential amount of hydrogen ions in a water-based solution is referred to as? **Ans**pH Which shampoo contains an anti-microbic ingredient to remedy dandruff or other scalp conditions? **Ans**Medicated Which type of surfectant is inexpensive, but has great deep cleansing abilities? **Ans**Anionic 10 The lipophilic, or tail end of the surfectant molecule is attracted to? **Ans**Dirt What do acidic solutions do to the hair? **Ans**Harden it What type of conditioner is generally lightweight and left on the hair? **Ans**Leave in treatment What is the natural pH level for hair, skin, and nails? **Ans**4.5 to 5.5 The pH measurement of 7.1 to 14 is considered? **Ans**Alkaline Which surfectant is excellent for deep cleansing and oil removal from the scalp? **Ans**Nonionic The hydrophillic or head end of the surfectant molecule is attracted to ______. **Ans**Water What do alkaline solutions do to the hair? **Ans**Soften cuticle Which water based processing system softens water by infiltrating it through a layer of sodium covered resin beads? **Ans**Ion Exchange What is the most "universal" solvent? **Ans**Water Which category of conditioners is deep penetrating and left on the hair for an average of 10-20 minutes? **Ans**Reconstructors What constitutes the highest dollar expenditure in hair-care products? **Ans**Shampoo Which type of conditioner is applied to hair, combed through, and rinsed immediately? **Ans**Instant Conditioner 11 Which cross bond is the strongest and can only be broken by a chemical solution? **Ans**Disulfide What substance of the universe can exist in a solid, liquid, or gas? **Ans**Matter Which type of relaxer has the strongest ingredient used in straightening the hair? **Ans**Sodium Hydroxide The cortical layer for one strand of hair consists of spiraling ______ ________. **Ans**Polypeptide chains What is created when 2 or more types of matter are blended together with no chemical altering? **Ans**Mixture The type of permanent wave that is process with heat, has a pH of ________ to ________. **Ans**8.5 to 9.5 What are the atoms called that have an excess amount of electrons in their orbiting paths? **Ans**Ions What occurs in the permanent waving step when the neutralizer is applied to the hair? **Ans**Disulfide bonds reform Glycerol monothioglycolate is the main ingredient in what type of permanent wave? **Ans**Acid What are the 5 elements that make up hair? **Ans**Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Sulfur What is a mixture of 2 or more immiscible substances that are dispensed throughout liquid? **Ans**Emulsion What is keratin? **Ans**Protein What is the main ingredient in an alkaline permanent wave? **Ans**Thioglycolate Acid 12 What is the basic unit of all matter that cannot be broken down? **Ans**Element Which bond is broken when hair is shampooed and wrapped around perm rods? **Ans**Hydrogen Which type of permanent wave is referred to as a cold wave and requires no application of heat? **Ans**Alkaline The 3 methods of relaxer application are? **Ans**Brush, Shampoo/tailcomb, fingers The 5 areas of analysis performed during the consultation are? **Ans**Scalp condition, density, elasticity, texture, porosity Which electrode is typically applied during a facial treatment? **Ans**Mushroom In which method of electrotherapy does the professional place the electrode directly on the skin or scalp? **Ans**Direct The law that relates voltage (V) current (I), and resistance (R) is? **Ans**Ohms Law In which method of electrotherapy does only the client hold the electrode? **Ans**General Which form of electrical therapy uses glass electrodes? **Ans**High frequency Which form of light therapy causes aging? **Ans**UVA What is placed over the client's eyes when using an infrared lamp? **Ans**Safety Goggles How many hours are required to be an Esthetician? **Ans**300 13 (True or False?) A salon must have adequate lavatories on the premises. **Ans**True (True or False?) A school shall have separate lavatories on the premises for male and female students. **Ans**True. (True or False?) Services outside a salon must be within the permission of the employing salon to a person at their residences and to the person who are confined to institutions. **Ans**True (It is unlawful to practice cosmetology for pay outside of a salon, however, you must have the permission of the salon to render a service and keep records) (True or False?) Students are required to keep their stations clean and to assist in general clean up and other duties. **Ans**True What are the requirements for a Cosmetology Teacher's Exam? **Ans**-18 years of age or older -Completed 12th grade education -Possess cosmetology license -Complete 500 hours of instruction in a teacher curriculum in a licensed school of cosmetology What are the requirements of a cosmetologist's exam? **Ans**-16 years of age or older -Good moral character -Completed 10th grade education or equivalent -Completed 1250 hours of education -10th grade education is not required if veteran or 35 years of age -Completed hours must not be less than 8 consecutive months as a daytime student and not less than 15 consecutive months for a nighttime student What is the ratio of student to teacher in the classroom for PA cosmetology schools? **Ans**25 students to 1 teacher How many hours are required to become a nail technician? **Ans**200 14 How many hours may daytime students earn? **Ans**-8 hours a day -Max of 40 hours per week -A student cannot earn more than 8 hours in one day Can a booth be rented in Pennsylvania? **Ans**No Can hours be transferred from another school? **Ans**Yes (True or False?) A client may not be left unattended during any chemical service. **Ans**True (True or False?) Electrical appliances shall be installed properly and grounded? **Ans**True (True of False?) Entrance to a salon that is in a private home shall permit clients to enter the salon through the house? **Ans**False Follow _____ and the regulations and instructions of the Federal Food and Drug Administration that appear on the chemical package. **Ans**Manufacturer's Directions (MSDS) How long can a license be in escrow? **Ans**Less than 5 years How long after you finish your schooling do you have to take your theory and practical exams? **Ans**One year How long do you have before you have to renew your license? **Ans**2 years How long is a temporary license valid? **Ans**9 months How many apprentices per salon is allowed? **Ans**2 15 How many hours are apprentices required to complete? **Ans**2,000 How many hours can a nighttime student earn? **Ans**4 hours per night A max of 20 hours per week How many hours of credit do barbers need to be licensed? **Ans**550 How many hours of instruction are required to be a natural hair braider? **Ans**300 How must sharp implements be stored? **Ans**Upright with the points down or in a protective case (True or False?) A salon does not have to display a sign that is a visible indication to the public that it is a cosmetology salon. **Ans**False What are the 5 types of individual licenses? **Ans**-Teacher -Cosmetologist -Esthetician -Nail Tech -Natural Hair Braider What is the distance of the physical area that surrounds you and exists between other people? **Ans**0 to 18 inches Which anatomy system does the condition osteoporosis affect? **Ans**Skeleton What is the recommended amount of daily calories needed to maintain proper nutrition? **Ans**2,000 What is it called when you rephrase what the speaker told you? **Ans**Paraphrasing 16 The 4 steps of active listening are focus, sense, understand, and _______. **Ans**Paraphrase Which postural defect is referred to as swayback, an exaggerated inward curvature of the lower back? **Ans**Lordosis The scientific design method of safety, productivity and comfort in a workplace is called? **Ans**Ergonomics What occurs when the upper spine degenerates and is associated with osteoporosis? **Ans**Dowager's hump Which vitamin aids in food absorption, promotes energy and maintains metabolism? **Ans**Vitamin B When the listener focuses on what the speaker is saying it is considered? **Ans**Active listening How you professionally present yourself both physically and emotionally within a business setting is referred to as? **Ans**Image The social interaction between you and all people with whom you come in contact is referred to as? **Ans**People skills The 5 signs of an infection are? (HARPS) **Ans**-Heat -Ache -Redness -Pus -Swelling Which bacteria cause boils and pustules? **Ans**Staphylococci In what type of environment do bacteria grow and reproduce? **Ans**Warm and dirty 17 To dispense products from large containers use a ______. **Ans**Spatula What aids in the movement of both the bacilli and spirilla bacteria? **Ans**Flagella The first step in a blood spill procedure is ______. **Ans**Stop performing the service Which chemical can be safely used on the skin? **Ans**Antiseptic Which type of bacteria produces strep throat? **Ans**Cocci What animal parasite burrows under the skin? **Ans**Itch mite What is the strong outer casing that covers some bacteria? **Ans**Spore What form is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for every chemical used within a salon/spa? **Ans**MSDS The disease pediculosis comes from the animal parasite called? **Ans**Head louse Which type of bacteria has a spiral shape? **Ans**Spirilla How much bacteria is possibly destroyed when disinfecting surfaces and/or implements? **Ans**Most What happens to the bacterial cell in the reproduction phase? **Ans**Divides in half Any tool or material dropped on the floor is to be disinfected or _______. **Ans**Discarded How can bacteria enter the body? **Ans**Through the mouth and ears 18 Which virus attacks the liver? **Ans**Hepatitus How many seconds do you wash yours hands for effective bacteria and dirt removal? **Ans**20 seconds What does an antiseptic do to the growth of bacteria? **Ans**Decreases it What happens to the bacterial cell in the active stage? **Ans**Reproduces Which level of controlling infection does not kill bacteria? **Ans**Sanitation Which type of bacteria is considered harmful? **Ans**Pathogenic Which parasite is considered a plant parasite? **Ans**Ringworm Sodium hypochlorite is a disinfectant commonly known as ______. **Ans**Bleach Pathogenic bacteria are also referred to as germs or ______. **Ans**Microbes When a wound occurs within the salon, the professional term used is ______ _______. **Ans**Blood spill The early warnings of product over-exposure are _____, _____, and ______. **Ans**-Sore throat -Itchy eyes -Congested nose What is applied to the blood spill wound for treatment? **Ans**Styptic cream The muscles in the hand that separate or spread the fingers are called ______. **Ans**Abductor 19 What bone is the longest and strongest bone of the face? **Ans**Mandible The muscle located at the center of the chin is referred to as ________. **Ans**Mentalis What type of blood vessels carry purified blood away from the heart? **Ans**Arteries How many ounces does the brain generally weigh? **Ans**44 to 48 What type of manipulation consists of deep rubbing, rolling or wringing? **Ans**Friction What part of the nerve cell sends impulses outward to other muscles or glands? **Ans**Axon Which facial nerve contains the risorius muscle? **Ans**Mouth What part of the blood has tiny color-free particles that are responsible for clotting? **Ans**Platelets Which bone forms the forehead? **Ans**Frontal Which type of manipulation consists of kneading, lifting, or grasping? **Ans**Petrissage What are bones called that form the wrist? **Ans**Carpals What appears as red patches covered with silvery-white scales or crusts? **Ans**Psoriasis What is the result of whiteheads, blackheads and papules that become infected? **Ans**Acne What is commonly called a callus, a thickened or hardened area of the skin? **Ans**Keratoma 20 What is created when a scar is thick and slightly raised as a result of excessive skin growth? **Ans**Keloid What is a chronic skin disorder with dilation of tiny blood vessels on the nose and cheeks? **Ans**Rosacea What consists of 5 layers and is known as the cuticle portion of the skin? **Ans**Epidermis Which is the epidermal layer that is made up of clear cells found on palms of hands? **Ans**Stratum lucidum Which portion of the nails plate is hidden under a fold of skin? **Ans**Nail root What is the scientific term for nail? **Ans**Onyx What is the medical term for ingrown nail? **Ans**Onychocryptosis The part of the nail bed the extends below the root and is responsible for the growth of the nail is _______. **Ans**Matrix What color on the nail indicates possible nicotine use? **Ans**Brown What part of the nail is also referred to as the nail body? **Ans**Nail plate The half-moon located at the base of the nail plate is called _____. **Ans**Lunula The medical term for bitten nails is ________. **Ans**Onychophagy What is the small portion of nail that rests upon the base of the nail plate? **Ans**Cuticle 21 What are the tracks on each side of the nail plate? **Ans**Nail grooves The medical term for brittle nails is? **Ans**Onychorrhexis The portion of skin to which the nail plate is attached and rests upon is _____ ______. **Ans**Nail bed What nail disorder is characterized by an excessive amount of cuticle moving forward onto the nail plate? **Ans**Pterygium Ringworm is a contagious disease cause by a plant parasite, which is a _______. **Ans**Fungus A fungal infection between the fingers and on the palms of the hands is called ______ ______. **Ans**Tinea manus The medical term for athlete's foot is ____ _____ **Ans**Tinea pedis What occurs when the professional advises the client to receive additional beauty services? **Ans**Upselling 22