WASHINGTON STATE
COSMETOLOGY BOARDS
PRACTICAL STEPS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
COMPLETE EXAM PREP WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ Cocci bacteria.
Answer: Round.
◉ HIV.
Answer: Attacks the immune system.
◉ MSDS or SDS.
Answer: Provides safety information about products, including hazards
and first aid.
◉ Disinfecting metal tools.
Answer: Clean with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA-registered
disinfectant.
◉ Disinfectant required in Washington salons.
Answer: EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant.
, ◉ pH scale range.
Answer: 0 to 14.
◉ Neutral pH.
Answer: 7
◉ Overly alkaline hair.
Answer: It can swell and become damaged.
◉ Three layers of the hair shaft.
Answer: Cuticle, cortex, and medulla.
◉ Hair texture.
Answer: Determined by the diameter of the hair strand.
◉ Porosity.
Answer: The hair's ability to absorb moisture.
◉ Natural hair growth cycle.
Answer: Anagen, catagen, telogen.
◉ Contraindication for scalp treatment.
Answer: Open wounds or contagious conditions.
COSMETOLOGY BOARDS
PRACTICAL STEPS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
COMPLETE EXAM PREP WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
◉ Cocci bacteria.
Answer: Round.
◉ HIV.
Answer: Attacks the immune system.
◉ MSDS or SDS.
Answer: Provides safety information about products, including hazards
and first aid.
◉ Disinfecting metal tools.
Answer: Clean with soap and water, then immerse in an EPA-registered
disinfectant.
◉ Disinfectant required in Washington salons.
Answer: EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant.
, ◉ pH scale range.
Answer: 0 to 14.
◉ Neutral pH.
Answer: 7
◉ Overly alkaline hair.
Answer: It can swell and become damaged.
◉ Three layers of the hair shaft.
Answer: Cuticle, cortex, and medulla.
◉ Hair texture.
Answer: Determined by the diameter of the hair strand.
◉ Porosity.
Answer: The hair's ability to absorb moisture.
◉ Natural hair growth cycle.
Answer: Anagen, catagen, telogen.
◉ Contraindication for scalp treatment.
Answer: Open wounds or contagious conditions.