FLORIDA COSMETOLOGY CLINICAL
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. What is the standard pH range of a permanent wave solution that is alkaline?
A. 4.5 to 5.5
B. 6.0 to 7.0
C. 9.0 to 9.6
D. 12.5 to 13.5
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Alkaline perms, also known as cold waves, typically have a pH
between 9.0 and 9.6, with ammonium thioglycolate as the main ingredient.
2. When performing a chemical hair relaxing service, where should the relaxer be applied
first?
A. The hairline
B. The most resistant area, usually the back of the head
C. The ends of the hair
D. The scalp
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Application usually starts in the most resistant area (the nape or
back of the head) because this area takes the longest to process.
3. Which of the following is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is appropriate for salon use?
A. Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
B. Isopropyl alcohol
C. Hydrogen peroxide 3%
D. Witch hazel
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Quats are standard EPA-registered disinfectants used in salons
for non-porous tools and surfaces.
4. A predisposition test, also known as a patch test, must be given how many hours before a
hair color service?
A. 24 to 48 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 1 to 2 hours
D. Exactly 72 hours
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Standard safety protocol requires a patch test 24 to 48 hours
before an aniline derivative tint is applied to check for allergies.
5. Which layer of the hair is responsible for its strength and contains melanin?
A. Cuticle
B. Follicle
C. Medulla
D. Cortex
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft that provides
strength, elasticity, and contains natural pigment.
6. What type of elevation is used to create a one-length, solid-form haircut?
A. 0 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 180 degrees
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A 0-degree elevation, also called blunt or one-length, keeps all
hair at the same level without layering.
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. What is the standard pH range of a permanent wave solution that is alkaline?
A. 4.5 to 5.5
B. 6.0 to 7.0
C. 9.0 to 9.6
D. 12.5 to 13.5
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Alkaline perms, also known as cold waves, typically have a pH
between 9.0 and 9.6, with ammonium thioglycolate as the main ingredient.
2. When performing a chemical hair relaxing service, where should the relaxer be applied
first?
A. The hairline
B. The most resistant area, usually the back of the head
C. The ends of the hair
D. The scalp
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Application usually starts in the most resistant area (the nape or
back of the head) because this area takes the longest to process.
3. Which of the following is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is appropriate for salon use?
A. Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
B. Isopropyl alcohol
C. Hydrogen peroxide 3%
D. Witch hazel
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Quats are standard EPA-registered disinfectants used in salons
for non-porous tools and surfaces.
4. A predisposition test, also known as a patch test, must be given how many hours before a
hair color service?
A. 24 to 48 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 1 to 2 hours
D. Exactly 72 hours
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Standard safety protocol requires a patch test 24 to 48 hours
before an aniline derivative tint is applied to check for allergies.
5. Which layer of the hair is responsible for its strength and contains melanin?
A. Cuticle
B. Follicle
C. Medulla
D. Cortex
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft that provides
strength, elasticity, and contains natural pigment.
6. What type of elevation is used to create a one-length, solid-form haircut?
A. 0 degrees
B. 45 degrees
C. 90 degrees
D. 180 degrees
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A 0-degree elevation, also called blunt or one-length, keeps all
hair at the same level without layering.
