Page 1 of 51
TEXAS BARBER ACTUAL EXAM PREP
2026 ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES ALREADY A GRADED
WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |
CURRENTLY TESTING |NEW AND
REVISED
1. Which of the following is the single most important action to
prevent transmission of infectious agents in the barbershop?
A. Wearing gloves for every service
B. Using disposable towels for every client
C. Performing hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol rub)
between clients
D. Disinfecting the floor nightly
Rationale: Hand hygiene interrupts transmission of microbes
between clients and surfaces and is the primary infection-control
measure.
2. Which EPA-registered product characteristic is most important
when selecting a disinfectant for nonporous barber tools?
A. Pleasant scent
B. Fast drying time only
C. Label claim for tuberculocidal or broad-spectrum
virucidal/bactericidal activity and contact time
D. Low price
Rationale: Choose disinfectants with label claims and required
contact times for effective microbial kill.
,Page 2 of 51
3. For a blood exposure during a shave (minor nick), what is the
correct immediate sequence?
A. Ignore, finish service
B. Rinse with water, then continue
C. Stop service, apply direct pressure, clean wound, dispose of
contaminated materials, wash hands, and follow shop blood-
exposure protocol
D. Cover with barber cape and continue next steps later
Rationale: Immediate first aid and proper disposal/cleaning
protect client and staff, following the exposure control plan.
4. Which tool should be sterilized (or single-use) rather than only
disinfected between clients?
A. Comb
B. Neck strip
C. Razor blade
D. Capes
Rationale: Items that penetrate the skin (e.g., razor blades)
require single-use or sterilization to prevent bloodborne pathogen
transmission.
5. When performing a barber shave, the blade should be held at
approximately which angle to the skin for an efficient close shave?
A. 0° (flat)
B. 30°–45°
C. 30° (roughly one-third of full angle)
D. 90°
Rationale: A shallow angle (~30°) allows cutting hair close while
minimizing skin abrasion.
6. A client with suspicious, non-healing scalp lesion that bleeds easily
should be:
A. Treated with over-the-counter ointment by the barber
B. Ignored and proceed with haircut
C. Referred to a medical professional and services avoided
until cleared
D. Covered with heavy makeup to conceal it
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Rationale: Potentially malignant or infectious lesions require
medical evaluation; avoid services that may worsen condition.
7. Which haircutting technique creates the softest, most graduated
blend between lengths?
A. Hard line scissor-over-comb at zero elevation
B. Shear-over-comb with gradual elevation and blending
C. Chunking with thinning shears only
D. Clipper with a single guard only
Rationale: Scissor-over-comb with progressive elevation
produces smooth graduation and control.
8. Which PPE is required when mixing permanent hair color or
chemical relaxers to protect the skin and eyes?
A. No PPE needed
B. Only an apron
C. Gloves and safety goggles (or protective eyewear)
D. Earplugs
Rationale: Gloves protect skin; goggles protect eyes from
splashes of caustic chemicals.
9. A patch test (skin sensitivity test) for hair color should be
performed:
A. Only if client requests it
B. Before the first color service or if client history suggests
sensitivity
C. After applying color to full head
D. Never — it's unnecessary
Rationale: Patch tests identify allergic sensitivity to dye agents
before full application to prevent severe reactions.
10. Which of the following federal/state documents gives
guidance on hazardous chemicals and employee safety in the shop
(labeling, SDS)?
A. Local business permit
B. Barber license
C. Material Safety Data Sheets / Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
D. Tax code
, Page 4 of 51
Rationale: SDS and hazard-communication rules specify
handling, PPE, and first-aid for hazardous products.
11. When using electric clippers, the correct maintenance routine
to ensure longevity and safety includes:
A. Using water for cleaning the motor
B. Oiling and cleaning blades after each use, and checking
cord/charger integrity regularly
C. Never oiling to avoid residue
D. Submerging in disinfectant
Rationale: Regular cleaning and oiling plus cord inspection
prevent overheating and maintain performance.
12. Which ingredient in some hair relaxers presents a higher risk
of chemical burns if improperly applied?
A. Water
B. Natural oils
C. Sodium hydroxide (lye)
D. Fragrance
Rationale: Lye relaxers are highly alkaline and can burn if left
on too long or applied to compromised skin.
13. A barber in Texas must display which document prominently
in the shop?
A. Daily schedule
B. Employee lunch menu
C. Current barber shop license/certification per state
regulations (per local board rules)
D. Personal credentials only
Rationale: State or local regulations commonly require the
display of licenses/permits — follow Texas licensing board rules
for exact placement.
14. When performing a face shave, the barber should shave in
what direction relative to hair growth for the first pass?
A. Against the grain only always
B. With the grain (direction of growth) on the first pass to reduce
irritation
C. Diagonal only
TEXAS BARBER ACTUAL EXAM PREP
2026 ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES ALREADY A GRADED
WITH EXPERT FEEDBACK |
CURRENTLY TESTING |NEW AND
REVISED
1. Which of the following is the single most important action to
prevent transmission of infectious agents in the barbershop?
A. Wearing gloves for every service
B. Using disposable towels for every client
C. Performing hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol rub)
between clients
D. Disinfecting the floor nightly
Rationale: Hand hygiene interrupts transmission of microbes
between clients and surfaces and is the primary infection-control
measure.
2. Which EPA-registered product characteristic is most important
when selecting a disinfectant for nonporous barber tools?
A. Pleasant scent
B. Fast drying time only
C. Label claim for tuberculocidal or broad-spectrum
virucidal/bactericidal activity and contact time
D. Low price
Rationale: Choose disinfectants with label claims and required
contact times for effective microbial kill.
,Page 2 of 51
3. For a blood exposure during a shave (minor nick), what is the
correct immediate sequence?
A. Ignore, finish service
B. Rinse with water, then continue
C. Stop service, apply direct pressure, clean wound, dispose of
contaminated materials, wash hands, and follow shop blood-
exposure protocol
D. Cover with barber cape and continue next steps later
Rationale: Immediate first aid and proper disposal/cleaning
protect client and staff, following the exposure control plan.
4. Which tool should be sterilized (or single-use) rather than only
disinfected between clients?
A. Comb
B. Neck strip
C. Razor blade
D. Capes
Rationale: Items that penetrate the skin (e.g., razor blades)
require single-use or sterilization to prevent bloodborne pathogen
transmission.
5. When performing a barber shave, the blade should be held at
approximately which angle to the skin for an efficient close shave?
A. 0° (flat)
B. 30°–45°
C. 30° (roughly one-third of full angle)
D. 90°
Rationale: A shallow angle (~30°) allows cutting hair close while
minimizing skin abrasion.
6. A client with suspicious, non-healing scalp lesion that bleeds easily
should be:
A. Treated with over-the-counter ointment by the barber
B. Ignored and proceed with haircut
C. Referred to a medical professional and services avoided
until cleared
D. Covered with heavy makeup to conceal it
,Page 3 of 51
Rationale: Potentially malignant or infectious lesions require
medical evaluation; avoid services that may worsen condition.
7. Which haircutting technique creates the softest, most graduated
blend between lengths?
A. Hard line scissor-over-comb at zero elevation
B. Shear-over-comb with gradual elevation and blending
C. Chunking with thinning shears only
D. Clipper with a single guard only
Rationale: Scissor-over-comb with progressive elevation
produces smooth graduation and control.
8. Which PPE is required when mixing permanent hair color or
chemical relaxers to protect the skin and eyes?
A. No PPE needed
B. Only an apron
C. Gloves and safety goggles (or protective eyewear)
D. Earplugs
Rationale: Gloves protect skin; goggles protect eyes from
splashes of caustic chemicals.
9. A patch test (skin sensitivity test) for hair color should be
performed:
A. Only if client requests it
B. Before the first color service or if client history suggests
sensitivity
C. After applying color to full head
D. Never — it's unnecessary
Rationale: Patch tests identify allergic sensitivity to dye agents
before full application to prevent severe reactions.
10. Which of the following federal/state documents gives
guidance on hazardous chemicals and employee safety in the shop
(labeling, SDS)?
A. Local business permit
B. Barber license
C. Material Safety Data Sheets / Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
D. Tax code
, Page 4 of 51
Rationale: SDS and hazard-communication rules specify
handling, PPE, and first-aid for hazardous products.
11. When using electric clippers, the correct maintenance routine
to ensure longevity and safety includes:
A. Using water for cleaning the motor
B. Oiling and cleaning blades after each use, and checking
cord/charger integrity regularly
C. Never oiling to avoid residue
D. Submerging in disinfectant
Rationale: Regular cleaning and oiling plus cord inspection
prevent overheating and maintain performance.
12. Which ingredient in some hair relaxers presents a higher risk
of chemical burns if improperly applied?
A. Water
B. Natural oils
C. Sodium hydroxide (lye)
D. Fragrance
Rationale: Lye relaxers are highly alkaline and can burn if left
on too long or applied to compromised skin.
13. A barber in Texas must display which document prominently
in the shop?
A. Daily schedule
B. Employee lunch menu
C. Current barber shop license/certification per state
regulations (per local board rules)
D. Personal credentials only
Rationale: State or local regulations commonly require the
display of licenses/permits — follow Texas licensing board rules
for exact placement.
14. When performing a face shave, the barber should shave in
what direction relative to hair growth for the first pass?
A. Against the grain only always
B. With the grain (direction of growth) on the first pass to reduce
irritation
C. Diagonal only
