• Cosmetology Safety & Sanitation January/February 2026 State
Board Exam Prep Memo | Infection Control Laws, Disinfection
Procedures, Blood-Spill Protocols, OSHA & State Regulations, Client
Safety Standards, Written Exam Questions & Answers, Complete
Cosmetology Hygiene Study Guide
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in cosmetology?
A) To enhance the appearance of clients
B) To prevent the spread of disease
C) To create a pleasant atmosphere
D) To increase product sales
Correct Option: B) To prevent the spread of disease
Rationale: Sanitation practices in cosmetology are essential to eliminate pathogens
and prevent infections, ensuring a safe environment for clients and practitioners.
Question 2
Which of the following items must be disinfected after each use on clients?
A) Hairbrushes
B) Disposable gloves
C) Capes
D) All of the above
Correct Option: A) Hairbrushes
Rationale: Hairbrushes, along with any reusable tools, must be disinfected after each
use to ensure they are free from contaminants. Disposable gloves and capes should be
disposed of or laundered after each client.
Question 3
What is the minimum requirement for hand washing before starting a service?
A) Rinse hands in water for 5 seconds
B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C) Use hand sanitizer only
D) Wipe hands with a disinfecting wipe
Correct Option: B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Proper hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds effectively
removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses.
Question 4
,In the case of a blood spill, what should be the first step taken?
A) Leave it for cleaning later
B) Call for help
C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
D) Inform the client
Correct Option: C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
Rationale: The correct procedure is to put on gloves to protect yourself and then clean
up the spill immediately to prevent further contamination.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a standard practice for disinfecting tools?
A) Immersing tools in a proper disinfectant
B) Allowing tools to air dry after disinfection
C) Wiping tools with a dry cloth
D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Correct Option: D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Rationale: It's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for
disinfectant use; using expired products can reduce effectiveness and fail to eliminate
pathogens.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in cosmetology?
A) To enhance the appearance of clients
B) To prevent the spread of disease
C) To create a pleasant atmosphere
D) To increase product sales
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Sanitation practices are essential for eliminating pathogens and preventing
infections.
Question 2
Which of the following items must be disinfected after each use on clients?
A) Hairbrushes
B) Disposable gloves
C) Capes
D) All of the above
,Correct Option: A
Rationale: Hairbrushes and reusable tools must be disinfected to ensure a hygienic
environment.
Question 3
What is the minimum requirement for hand washing before starting a service?
A) Rinse hands in water for 5 seconds
B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C) Use hand sanitizer only
D) Wipe hands with a disinfecting wipe
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Proper hand washing removes dirt and pathogens.
Question 4
In the case of a blood spill, what should be the first step taken?
A) Leave it for cleaning later
B) Call for help
C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
D) Inform the client
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Immediate action minimizes contamination risks.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a standard practice for disinfecting tools?
A) Immersing tools in a proper disinfectant
B) Allowing tools to air dry after disinfection
C) Wiping tools with a dry cloth
D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Using expired disinfectants can compromise safety.
Question 6
What type of bacteria is responsible for most skin infections?
, A) Bacilli
B) Cocci
C) Spirilla
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Various forms of bacteria can cause skin infections; knowing all types is
important.
Question 7
Which of the following is a key element of personal hygiene for cosmetologists?
A) Wearing heavy fragrance
B) Regular hand washing
C) Wearing long jewelry
D) Sharing personal items
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Regular hand washing is essential for preventing contamination.
Question 8
What is "cross-contamination"?
A) Transferring bacteria from one surface to another
B) Mixing different products
C) Using the same tools on different clients
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Cross-contamination can occur in multiple ways, emphasizing the need for
proper sanitation.
Question 9
Which type of disinfectant is safe for use on non-porous surfaces?
A) Alcohol-based
B) Phenolic
C) Soap and water
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: All these disinfectants are suitable for non-porous surfaces but serve
specific purposes.
Board Exam Prep Memo | Infection Control Laws, Disinfection
Procedures, Blood-Spill Protocols, OSHA & State Regulations, Client
Safety Standards, Written Exam Questions & Answers, Complete
Cosmetology Hygiene Study Guide
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in cosmetology?
A) To enhance the appearance of clients
B) To prevent the spread of disease
C) To create a pleasant atmosphere
D) To increase product sales
Correct Option: B) To prevent the spread of disease
Rationale: Sanitation practices in cosmetology are essential to eliminate pathogens
and prevent infections, ensuring a safe environment for clients and practitioners.
Question 2
Which of the following items must be disinfected after each use on clients?
A) Hairbrushes
B) Disposable gloves
C) Capes
D) All of the above
Correct Option: A) Hairbrushes
Rationale: Hairbrushes, along with any reusable tools, must be disinfected after each
use to ensure they are free from contaminants. Disposable gloves and capes should be
disposed of or laundered after each client.
Question 3
What is the minimum requirement for hand washing before starting a service?
A) Rinse hands in water for 5 seconds
B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C) Use hand sanitizer only
D) Wipe hands with a disinfecting wipe
Correct Option: B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Proper hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds effectively
removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses.
Question 4
,In the case of a blood spill, what should be the first step taken?
A) Leave it for cleaning later
B) Call for help
C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
D) Inform the client
Correct Option: C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
Rationale: The correct procedure is to put on gloves to protect yourself and then clean
up the spill immediately to prevent further contamination.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a standard practice for disinfecting tools?
A) Immersing tools in a proper disinfectant
B) Allowing tools to air dry after disinfection
C) Wiping tools with a dry cloth
D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Correct Option: D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Rationale: It's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for
disinfectant use; using expired products can reduce effectiveness and fail to eliminate
pathogens.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of sanitation in cosmetology?
A) To enhance the appearance of clients
B) To prevent the spread of disease
C) To create a pleasant atmosphere
D) To increase product sales
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Sanitation practices are essential for eliminating pathogens and preventing
infections.
Question 2
Which of the following items must be disinfected after each use on clients?
A) Hairbrushes
B) Disposable gloves
C) Capes
D) All of the above
,Correct Option: A
Rationale: Hairbrushes and reusable tools must be disinfected to ensure a hygienic
environment.
Question 3
What is the minimum requirement for hand washing before starting a service?
A) Rinse hands in water for 5 seconds
B) Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C) Use hand sanitizer only
D) Wipe hands with a disinfecting wipe
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Proper hand washing removes dirt and pathogens.
Question 4
In the case of a blood spill, what should be the first step taken?
A) Leave it for cleaning later
B) Call for help
C) Put on gloves and clean the spill
D) Inform the client
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Immediate action minimizes contamination risks.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a standard practice for disinfecting tools?
A) Immersing tools in a proper disinfectant
B) Allowing tools to air dry after disinfection
C) Wiping tools with a dry cloth
D) Using the same disinfectant beyond its recommended lifespan
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Using expired disinfectants can compromise safety.
Question 6
What type of bacteria is responsible for most skin infections?
, A) Bacilli
B) Cocci
C) Spirilla
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Various forms of bacteria can cause skin infections; knowing all types is
important.
Question 7
Which of the following is a key element of personal hygiene for cosmetologists?
A) Wearing heavy fragrance
B) Regular hand washing
C) Wearing long jewelry
D) Sharing personal items
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Regular hand washing is essential for preventing contamination.
Question 8
What is "cross-contamination"?
A) Transferring bacteria from one surface to another
B) Mixing different products
C) Using the same tools on different clients
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Cross-contamination can occur in multiple ways, emphasizing the need for
proper sanitation.
Question 9
Which type of disinfectant is safe for use on non-porous surfaces?
A) Alcohol-based
B) Phenolic
C) Soap and water
D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: All these disinfectants are suitable for non-porous surfaces but serve
specific purposes.
