PA Cosmetology Correctly Solved Exam |100% Correct Answers| 2025/2026

PA Cosmetology Correctly Solved Exam |100% Correct Answers| 2024/2025 What is the primary purpose of a patch test in cosmetology? **ANS** To determine if a client has an allergic reaction to a product. Which type of hair color involves a chemical reaction to lighten hair? **ANS** Permanent hair color. What is the ideal pH range for hair products? **ANS** 4.5 to 5.5. What is the process of removing hair using a heated wax? **ANS** Waxing. What should be done before performing a chemical treatment on hair? **ANS** Conduct a patch test. What is the main ingredient in most hair relaxers? **ANS** Sodium hydroxide. What is the primary function of a conditioner? **ANS** To moisturize and detangle hair. What is the purpose of using a base coat in nail services? **ANS** To protect the nail and enhance polish adhesion. What are the characteristics of Type 1 hair? **ANS** Straight and fine texture. How often should salon tools and equipment be sanitized? **ANS** After each use. What does the term "hair porosity" refer to? **ANS** The hair's ability to absorb moisture. Which skin type is characterized by excess oil production? **ANS** Oily skin. 1 What is the correct way to dispose of single-use items in a salon? **ANS** In a designated biohazard container. What is the role of the cuticle in nail health? **ANS** To protect the nail matrix. Which type of chemical curl is considered the most gentle? **ANS** Soft curl perm. What should be done to prevent cross-contamination in a salon? **ANS** Use disposable tools and sanitize equipment. What is the primary function of a toner in hair coloring? **ANS** To neutralize unwanted tones. How should you treat a client with a sensitive scalp? **ANS** Use gentle, hypoallergenic products. What is the main advantage of using organic hair products? **ANS** They are generally free from harsh chemicals. What type of massage technique is commonly used in facials? **ANS** Effleurage. What is the purpose of a facial mask? **ANS** To hydrate, purify, or exfoliate the skin. What does the term "ventilation" refer to in a salon? **ANS** The circulation of fresh air to reduce fumes and odors. What is the best way to protect the skin during a chemical peel? **ANS** Apply a barrier cream. What is the purpose of using a disinfectant in the salon? **ANS** To kill harmful bacteria and viruses. What is the ideal temperature for a hot towel treatment? **ANS** Approximately 160°F (71°C). 2 How often should a scalp massage be performed during a shampoo? **ANS** Every shampoo service. What are the effects of over-processing hair? **ANS** Dryness, breakage, and loss of elasticity. What is the most common form of hair removal used in salons? **ANS** Waxing. What is the purpose of the first aid kit in a salon? **ANS** To provide immediate care for injuries or emergencies. What is the primary benefit of using a deep conditioning treatment? **ANS** To restore moisture and repair damage. How can you determine a client's skin type? **ANS** By assessing their skin's oiliness, dryness, and sensitivity. What is the role of a licensed cosmetologist in client education? **ANS** To inform clients about proper care and product usage. What is the purpose of a skin analysis? **ANS** To assess skin condition and determine appropriate treatments. Which ingredient is commonly used in anti-aging products? **ANS** Retinol. What is the main benefit of using essential oils in cosmetology? **ANS** They can enhance relaxation and improve skin health. What is a key consideration when selecting a hair color for a client? **ANS** The client's natural undertone. What should be done if a client shows signs of allergic reaction during a service? **ANS** Stop the service immediately and provide first aid. 3 What is the primary purpose of using gloves during a service? **ANS** To protect the skin from chemicals and maintain hygiene. What type of brush is best for smoothing out hair during blow-drying? **ANS** A round brush. What is the benefit of performing a strand test before coloring hair? **ANS** To assess the hair's reaction to the color. What is the main reason for performing regular salon cleaning and maintenance? **ANS** To ensure a safe and hygienic environment. What does "bleaching" hair do to its color? **ANS** It removes pigment from the hair. What is the typical shelf life of most opened skincare products? **ANS** 6 to 12 months. What is the function of an emollient in skincare? **ANS** To soften and soothe the skin. What should you do if a client arrives with a service-related complaint? **ANS** Listen to their concerns and address the issue professionally. What is the role of the cuticle in hair growth? **ANS** To protect the inner layers of the hair shaft. Under-processing is caused by **Ans**insufficient processing time Which of the following guidelines is true if your client has a round facial shape? **Ans**add height at the crown A client as a level 7 red-orange brassy looking hair. What is the best choice for neutralizing this color? **Ans**level 6 blue-green 4 Do NOT give a permanent wave if what exists? **Ans**scalp abrasions The chemical often required in addition to the chemical relaxer is **Ans**stabilizer .6) Which of the following is considered a cool color? A. blue B. brown C. red D. yellow **Ans**A. blue Q.7) You should apply waving lotion to the A. top of each rod only B. top and bottom of each rod C. area between the rods D. top hairline and allow it to drip down **Ans**B. top and bottom of each rod Which statement about hair lightening is CORRECT? A. very dark hair may be damaged by extreme lightening B. hair lighteners are used as preliminary treatments, never by themselves C. lighteners are not effective in removing undesirable off-shades D. lightening has no effect on hair's porosity **Ans**A. very dark hair may be damaged by extreme lightening ) Which bonds are individually very weak? A. hydrogen B. salt C. disulfide D. both A and B **Ans**D. both A and B 5 The relaxer cream is applied near the scalp last because processing is accelerated in this area by A. your speed in application B. the sebaceous glands C. body heat D. perspiration **Ans**C. body heat The haircut with a constant elevation of 90 degrees will result in A. a blunt cut with no layers B. graduation with added fullness at the crown C. layers that are all the same length D. layers with shorter lengths at the crown **Ans**C. layers that are all the same length Nail polish should be applied A. from the free edge to the base B. using light, sweeping strokes C. on the sides first D. all of the above **Ans**B. using light, sweeping strokes Hot oil manicures are partially effective on A. soft nails B. diseased nails C. brittle nails D. none of the above **Ans**C. brittle nails After rinsing the waving lotion from the hair, you should A. apply the neutralizer B. blow dry the hair C. set and style the hair 6 D. blot off excess water **Ans**D. blot off excess water Your client will most likely accept suggestions about hair color services when you A. begin by explaining the prices of all your services B. base your suggestions on the client's needs and lifestyle C. carefully explain the underlying chemistry of hair coloring D. show the client color photos of movie stars with the same color **Ans**B. base your suggestions on the client's needs and lifestyle A client requests a style with no laters, but angled toward her face. Which elevation would you use? A. 180 degrees B. 90 degrees C. 45 degrees D. 0 degrees **Ans**D. 0 degrees Sebaceous glands are NOT found in which of the following areas of the skin A. forehead B. groin C. palms D. scalp **Ans**C. palms When you chemically relax a client's hair with a "no base" relaxer, you should always A. apply a protective cream to the entire scalp B. apply a protective cream to the hairline and ears C. make sure the hair is wet before beginning the procedure D. part the hair into no more than three sections **Ans**B. apply a protective cream to the hairline and ears ) Which is an INCORRECT statement about head lice? A. lice can be seen as small white eggs or nits 7 B. lice can be treated safely in the salon C. lice can be treated with medicated shampoos D. lice can be spread through contact with infested combs **Ans**B. lice can be treated safely in the salon Which layer of the skin contains the melanocytes that give skin its color? A. dermis B. reticular layer C. stratum germivatium layer D. subcutaneous layer **Ans**C. stratum germivatium layer What is the pH range of a sodium hydroxide relaxer? A. 3 to 5 B. 5 to 8 C. 8 to 12 D. 12 to 14 **Ans**D. 12 to 14 Grasping a single strand of hair securely in one hand and then sliding the thumb and forefinger of the other hand down the strand toward the scalp is used to test the hair for A. density B. elasticity C. fragility D. porosity **Ans**D. porosity The pH scale is a unit of measurement that indicates whether a substance is A. acidic B. alkaline C. neutral D. all of the above **Ans**D. all of the above 8 A towel or neck strip is placed under the cape when draping a client: A. to prevent itching B. to keep the client cool C. for sanitary reasons D. for beauty **Ans**C. for sanitary reasons When retouching a client's hair with a sodium hydroxide relaxer, you should A. relax the entire head again B. relax only the curliest part of the hair C. wait at least 6 months between treatments D. relax the new growth only **Ans**D. relax the new growth only Trichology is the study of A. skin B. nails C. hair D. muscles **Ans**C. hair Which face shape looks good with almost any hairstyle? A. round B. square C. oval D. oblong **Ans**C. oval What happens to each individual hair strand when an aniline derivative (oxidation) tint is mixed with hydrogen peroxide and applied to the hair? A. heat is created causing the hair to soften and absorb color B. the cortex swells allowing pigment molecules to enter 9 C. the H-bonds and S-bonds are broken, changing the hair's shape D. the disulfide bonds are rebonded in waving lines **Ans**B. the cortex swells allowing pigment molecules to enter ) What is the cell reproducer of the nail? A. lunula B. matrix C. nail bed D. nerves **Ans**B. matrix In order the raise a client's head so you can shampoo the back of the head, you should A. ask the client to support his/her head B. ask the client to turn around C. support the client's head with your hand D. ask another stylist to support the client's head **Ans**C. support the client's head with your hand Which of the following problems is due to an over-production of sebum? A. asteatosis B. anhydrosis C. psoriasis D. seborrhea **Ans**D. seborrhea Which is the chemical symbol for hydrogen peroxide? A. H2O B. H2O2 C. H2SO4 D. NaOH **Ans**B. H2O2 Another term for thermal waving is 10 A. finger waving B. roller setting C. dry hairstyling D. marcel waving **Ans**D. marcel waving Warm toned colors are made primarily of A. blues and greens B. reds and yellows C. black and white D. shades of gray **Ans**B. reds and yellows Wet hair stretches what percent of its lenggth? A. 20 to 30 B. 40 to 50 C. 60 to 70 D. 10 to 15 **Ans**B. 40 to 50 You should hold both the comb and shears in your dominant hand while A. styling hair B. blow-drying hair C. combing hair D. cutting hair **Ans**C. combing hair Which statement about the use of a razor for haircutting is INCORRECT? A. the razor guard should face you, the cosmetologist, while you use the razor B. the razor can be used for thinning as well as for haircutting C. when combing the hair, put the razor down and hold the comb in your dominant hand D. keep the hair damp while working to prevent dulling the blade of the razor **Ans**C. when combing the hair, put the razor down and hold the comb in your dominant hand 11 On which type of hair should you use and acid-balanced perm? A. coarse, resistant hair B. highlighted or tinted hair C. normal hair D. fine, resistant hair **Ans**B. highlighted or tinted hair The action of sodium hydroxide relaxer causes the hair to A. soften and swell B. expand and harden C. harden and set D. shrink **Ans**A. soften and swell When giving a soft-curl perm, you should take a test curl frequently in order to ensure A. the hair id not becoming too curly B. the hair is curling properly but not becoming damaged C. the client's skin is not becoming irritated D. the heat is not too great for the client to tolerate **Ans**B. the hair is curling properly but not becoming damaged When giving a soft-curl perm, apply thio until hair on all rods is thoroughly saturated, then A. mist with water B. rinse excess thio C. drape the client D. replace saturated cotton **Ans**D. replace saturated cotton Texturizing is also referred to as A. thinning B. cross-checking 12 C. sectioning D. parting **Ans**A. thinning The main active ingredient in an alkaline perm is A. hydrogen peroxide B. ammonium thioglycolate C. glycerol D. potassium bromate **Ans**B. ammonium thioglycolate Relaxers with ammonium thioglycolate differ from relaxers with sodium hydroxide because thio is A. milder B. quicker C. more dangerous D. hotter **Ans**A. milder Texturizing can A. reduce bulk and create support B. create visual texture C. create fullness and mobility D. all of the above **Ans**D. all of the above The technical name for the nail is A. onyx B. cuticle C. mantle D. lunula **Ans**A. onyx While shampooing, protect the client's face and ears from water spray with 13 A. your hand B. the cape C. a neck strip D. an apron **Ans**A. your hand The occipital bone forms the back and base of the A. neck B. cranium C. upper jaw D. forehead **Ans**B. cranium Overgrown cuticles are referred to as A. onychophagy B. agnails C. leucoychia D. pterygium **Ans**D. pterygium Whichh is the quickest way to lighten hair? A. tint remover B. oil bleach C. powder or paste bleach D. pre-softener **Ans**C. powder or paste bleach If a client has a nail __________, nail services must NOT be performed. A. disease B. condition C. disorder D. all of the above **Ans**A. disease 14 A good haircut is A. the foundation for all salon hair services B. the best way to judge a salon's services C. not important to successful hairstyling D. a reason to charge more for all other services **Ans**A. the foundation for all salon hair services Why is it important for today's cosmetologists to learn finger waving? A. clients frequently ask for it B. it is useful training for other hairstyling techniques C. it is a very difficult skill and therefore is useful in landing a job D. it helps the salon retain old clients **Ans**B. it is useful training for other hairstyling techniques Before lightening a client's hair, you should do all of the following EXCEPT A. perform a strand test B. analyze the hair and scalp C. brush the hair vigorously D. put protective cream around the neckline **Ans**C. brush the hair vigorously What is the purpose of end papers? A. maintain proper moisture in the ends B. minimize hair breakage C. provide better grip on the hair D. smooth out split ends **Ans**B. minimize hair breakage The nail is mainly composed of A. melanin B. soft keratin C. hard keratin D. blood **Ans**C. hard keratin 15 Manicuring implements must be disinfected or discarded A. once a day B. once in the morning C. after every service D. on a weekly basis **Ans**C. after every service The primary reason to know the laws of color is so you can A. match a client's original hair color B. formulate the client's desired color C. lighten a client's hair without removing highlights D. enhance a client's natural eye and skin color **Ans**B. formulate the client's desired color What is the percentage of curl removed by a soft press? A. 30 to 40 percent B. 50 to 60 percent C. 40 to 50 percent D. 60 to 70 percent **Ans**B. 50 to 60 percent Which layer of the skin contains the nerve endings responsible for the sense of touch (heat, cold, pressure, pain)? A. papillary B. reticular C. stratum corneum D. stratum lucidum **Ans**A. papillary The hair cuticle is the A. outside layer composed of overlapping sheets of transparent protective cells B. middle pigmented layer composed of fibrous material C. innermost layer 16 D. follicle from which the hair shaft emerges **Ans**A. outside layer composed of overlapping sheets of transparent protective cells The free edge of the nail is filed in what direction? A. left to right B. right to left C. center to corner D. corner to center **Ans**D. corner to center Where is the first cut made when low-elevation haircutting with shears? A. above the eyebrows B. at the nape C. under/by the client's left ear D. under/by the client's right ear **Ans**B. at the nape Hair's ability to absorb moisture is called A. porosity B. elasticity C. viscosity D. pigmentation **Ans**A. porosity When thinning hair, what determines where you should start (distance from scalp)? A. condition of the hair B. density of the hair C. length of the hair D. texture of the hair **Ans**D. texture of the hair Which layer of the hair contains color pigment? A. cortex 17 B. cuticle C. medulla D. melanin **Ans**A. cortex Proper conduct in relationships with employers, coworkers, and clients is referred to as A. personal hygiene B. public hygiene C. public relations D. professional ethics **Ans**D. professional ethics Why might hair need pre-lightening prior to applying a tint or toner? A. no reason -- pre-lightening is not necessary B. to achieve the porosity needed to accept the toner or tint C. to remove any residual natural color D. to remove the yellowing common in gray hair **Ans**C. to remove any residual natural color The moveable attachment of the muscle is called E. insertion of muscle F. origin of muscle G. body of muscle H. aponeurosis **Ans**E. insertion of muscle The pH of skin, hair, and scalp is in the range A. 4.5 to 5.5 B. 5.5 to 7.5 C. 7.5 to 10.5 D. 10.5 to 12 **Ans**A. 4.5 to 5.5 18 Backcombing is used to A. remove tangles from the hair B. add volume to a hairstyle C. hide the roots of tinted hair D. smooth out curl patterns **Ans**B. add volume to a hairstyle What should you put on resistant hair before you apply permanent color? A. pre-softener B. cream bleach C. oil bleach D. water **Ans**A. pre-softener The medical term for dandruff is A. pitiriasis B. pediculosis C. tinea D. monilethrix **Ans**A. pitiriasis The study of the structure, functions, and diseases of the muscles is called A. striation B. myology C. mentalis D. osteology **Ans**B. myology The exchange of thoughts, ideas, or feelings with someone is called A. public relations B. personality C. communication D. language **Ans**C. communication 19 In which situation must you refuse to chemically relax hair? A. the hair has been colored with aniline hair colors B. the hair has been colored with metallic dyes C. the has has been permed D. the hair is very fine **Ans**C. the has has been permed The outermost and thinnest layer of the skin is the A. dermis B. epidermis C. papillary layer D. subcutaneous layer **Ans**B. epidermis Which finger(s) control the cutting movement of the thinning shears? A. all of them B. the thumb C. the thumb and index finger D. the thumb and little finger **Ans**B. the thumb Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin? A. protection B. sensation C. excretion D. digestion **Ans**D. digestion What massage movement is also called the headache movement? A. circular movement over the forehead B. finger-tapping forehead and cheeks C. linear movement on the forehead 20 D. stroking movement on the forehead **Ans**D. stroking movement on the forehead When blocking the hair, how big must the sections be? A. 1/2 the diameter of the rod B. the diameter of the rod C. 2 times the diameter of the rod D. none of the above **Ans**B. the diameter of the rod The main active ingredient in acid-balanced waving lotions is A. ammonium thioglycolate B. hydrogen peroxide C. hydrogen disulfide D. glycerol monothioglycolate **Ans**D. glycerol monothioglycolate People in what hair color category do NOT have red/orange undertones in their hair? A. black-dark brown hair B. light brown C. red D. warm brown **Ans**D. warm brown How do you determine which products to use for a facial? A. analyze the client's skin B. ask the client what he/she prefers C. review the ingredients lists of the products supplied by your salon D. review the client's treatment history **Ans**A. analyze the client's skin To be a good communicator, you also have to be A. a good listener B. a good story teller 21 C. able to stretch the truth D. all of the above **Ans**A. a good listener The method of cleaning instruments that kills all microorganisms including bacterial spores is A. decontamination B. sanitation C. sterilization D. washing **Ans**C. sterilization The most natural and attractive shape of the eyebrow is A. an arch the follows the curved shape of the eye socket B. an arch just below the curve of the eye socket C. a straight line that follows the top of the eye socket D. a straight line just below the top of the eye socket **Ans**A. an arch the follows the curved shape of the eye socket The most stimulating massage movement is A. petrissage B. friction C. effleurage D. percussion **Ans**D. percussion A projection angle of 45 degrees is considered what type of elevation? A. low B. medium C. high D. very high **Ans**B. medium Hair is primarily composed of A. keratin 22 B. trace minerals C. protons D. electrons **Ans**A. keratin A kneading movement used in massage is A. petrissage B. friction C. effleurage D. percussion **Ans**A. petrissage In a salon, contagious disease may be spread through direct contact betwen people or through the use of A. very hot or very cold water B. unsanitary tools and supplies C. infection control procedures D. nonpathogenic bacteria **Ans**B. unsanitary tools and supplies When using _____ elevation, the hair is held straight out from the head while cutting A. low B. medium C. high D. very high **Ans**C. high Processing for a waving lotion depends on the hair's A. porosity and texture B. texture and elasticity C. elasticity and density D. density and length **Ans**A. porosity and texture 23 When sitting in a chair, it is to A. sit well back B. sit forward C. keep feet apart D. keep knees apart **Ans**A. sit well back What action of the cosmetologist is required by Federal Law prior to a color treatment? A. collection of sales tax B. maintenance of client records C. purchase of malpractice insurance D. predisposition (patch) test **Ans**D. predisposition (patch) test The Material Safety Data Sheet for a disinfectant will tell you A. why it is necessary to use disinfectants B. how to market the products to your clients C. whether it is safe to use the product on your skin D. how to use and store the product **Ans**D. how to use and store the product The purpose of universal sanitation is to A. create a safe environment B. prevent the spread of AIDS C. prevent lawsuits D. create the impression that the salon is clean **Ans**A. create a safe environment When using hot wax, you should test the temperature by A. inserting the top of a fever thermometer into the container B. spreading a small amount of wax on your arm C. asking the client to put her hand into the container 24 D. putting your hand into the container **Ans**B. spreading a small amount of wax on your arm Face powder serves all of the following functions EXCEPT to A. take the place of foundation B. conceal minor blemishes C. make the skin smooth and soft D. help set the makeup in place **Ans**A. take the place of foundation 25