COSMETOLOGY STATE BOARD EXAM
EXAM SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
◉ Decolorizing the hair's natural pigment allows the colorist to create
the exact degree of Answer: contributing pigment
◉ Hair that grows below the parietal ridge, or crest, hangs because of
Answer: gravity
◉ All of the following can be a side effect of crash dieting and anorexia
EXCEPT Answer: lucent hair
◉ What is the process that destroys all microbial life, including spores?
Answer: sterilization
◉ All of the following are permanent treatments for abnormal hair
growth except Answer: epilation
◉ To provide a buffer for the skin when using a brushing machine,
apply a thick layer of cleaner or Answer: Moisturizer
◉ When are scalp treatments performed Answer: Before or during the
shampoo
,◉ Which of the following is the least critical part of a hair color
consultation Answer: Look at the client through the mirror
◉ Arc base pin curls are also known as half-moon or ____ base curls
Answer: C-shaped base curls
◉ All of the following would be appropriate for a graduated cut except
Answer: Cutting at a zero degree elevation
◉ The three types of straight lines in haircutting include horizontal,
vertical, and Answer: Diagonal
◉ The nail tip adhesive used to secure the nail tip to a natural nail is also
called a(n) Answer: bonding agent
◉ The two methods of wrapping the hair around a perm rod are Answer:
croquignole and spiral
◉ All of the following are true of the telogen phase of hair growth
EXCEPT Answer: It signal the end of the anagen phase
◉ When applying color for a single-process retouch application, the
color should be applied to the new growth using Answer: ¼-inch
partings
,◉ _____ is another version of point cutting, in which a more aggressive
technique is used to create a chunkier effect Answer: Notching
◉ What type of epilator may cause an allergic reaction and should be
patch tested on the client before use? Answer: Soft wax
◉ An important element in creating a strong foundation and consistency
in haircutting and creating shapes is the use of Answer: angles
◉ Which of the following is a sterilizer approved for salon use? Answer:
Autoclave
◉ Which is the only method that kills bacterial spores Answer:
Sterilization
◉ What cosmetic is used to darken, define, and thicken the eyelashes?
Answer: Mascara
◉ Which pin curls are fastened to the head in a standing position to
create height in the hair design? Answer: Cascade curls
◉ Deep-conditioning treatments penetrate which layer of the hair?
Answer: Cuticle
◉ The small, involuntary muscle fiber in the base of the hair follicle is
the Answer: arrector pili
, ◉ A lengthwise section of hair shows that cuticle scales overlap and
each individual cuticle scale is attached to the Answer: Cortex
◉ For which purpose would the hospital grade disinfectant be
appropriate? Answer: To clean blood and bodily fluid off surfaces
◉ Which of the following causes grayish build up on the hair? Answer:
Gradual color
◉ Bactericidal, Virucidal, Fungicidal Answer: bactericidal, virucidal,
and fungicidal
◉ Which of the following BEST describes the substance in conditions
that absorbs moisture and promotes the retention of moisture? Answer:
Humectants
◉ All of the following are examples of mixtures EXCEPT Answer: All
of the following are examples of mixtures EXCEPT
◉ Why do tuberculocidal disinfectants require special handling?
Answer: They require special method of disposal
◉ What technique allows you to cut hair very close to the scalp and
create a flat top or square
shape? Answer: Clipper-under-comb
EXAM SCRIPT 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
◉ Decolorizing the hair's natural pigment allows the colorist to create
the exact degree of Answer: contributing pigment
◉ Hair that grows below the parietal ridge, or crest, hangs because of
Answer: gravity
◉ All of the following can be a side effect of crash dieting and anorexia
EXCEPT Answer: lucent hair
◉ What is the process that destroys all microbial life, including spores?
Answer: sterilization
◉ All of the following are permanent treatments for abnormal hair
growth except Answer: epilation
◉ To provide a buffer for the skin when using a brushing machine,
apply a thick layer of cleaner or Answer: Moisturizer
◉ When are scalp treatments performed Answer: Before or during the
shampoo
,◉ Which of the following is the least critical part of a hair color
consultation Answer: Look at the client through the mirror
◉ Arc base pin curls are also known as half-moon or ____ base curls
Answer: C-shaped base curls
◉ All of the following would be appropriate for a graduated cut except
Answer: Cutting at a zero degree elevation
◉ The three types of straight lines in haircutting include horizontal,
vertical, and Answer: Diagonal
◉ The nail tip adhesive used to secure the nail tip to a natural nail is also
called a(n) Answer: bonding agent
◉ The two methods of wrapping the hair around a perm rod are Answer:
croquignole and spiral
◉ All of the following are true of the telogen phase of hair growth
EXCEPT Answer: It signal the end of the anagen phase
◉ When applying color for a single-process retouch application, the
color should be applied to the new growth using Answer: ¼-inch
partings
,◉ _____ is another version of point cutting, in which a more aggressive
technique is used to create a chunkier effect Answer: Notching
◉ What type of epilator may cause an allergic reaction and should be
patch tested on the client before use? Answer: Soft wax
◉ An important element in creating a strong foundation and consistency
in haircutting and creating shapes is the use of Answer: angles
◉ Which of the following is a sterilizer approved for salon use? Answer:
Autoclave
◉ Which is the only method that kills bacterial spores Answer:
Sterilization
◉ What cosmetic is used to darken, define, and thicken the eyelashes?
Answer: Mascara
◉ Which pin curls are fastened to the head in a standing position to
create height in the hair design? Answer: Cascade curls
◉ Deep-conditioning treatments penetrate which layer of the hair?
Answer: Cuticle
◉ The small, involuntary muscle fiber in the base of the hair follicle is
the Answer: arrector pili
, ◉ A lengthwise section of hair shows that cuticle scales overlap and
each individual cuticle scale is attached to the Answer: Cortex
◉ For which purpose would the hospital grade disinfectant be
appropriate? Answer: To clean blood and bodily fluid off surfaces
◉ Which of the following causes grayish build up on the hair? Answer:
Gradual color
◉ Bactericidal, Virucidal, Fungicidal Answer: bactericidal, virucidal,
and fungicidal
◉ Which of the following BEST describes the substance in conditions
that absorbs moisture and promotes the retention of moisture? Answer:
Humectants
◉ All of the following are examples of mixtures EXCEPT Answer: All
of the following are examples of mixtures EXCEPT
◉ Why do tuberculocidal disinfectants require special handling?
Answer: They require special method of disposal
◉ What technique allows you to cut hair very close to the scalp and
create a flat top or square
shape? Answer: Clipper-under-comb
