Maryland Cosmetology Practice PSI
Exam Questions and Verified Answers,
With rationales 2026\2027 update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified rationales
Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
,───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
What is the most common cause of hair loss due to follicle damage
from repeated tight styling?
A) Alopecia areata
B) Traction alopecia
C) Androgenic alopecia
D) Alopecia totalis
Answer: B) Traction alopecia
Rationale: Traction alopecia occurs from prolonged tension on the
hair, such as tight braiding or ponytails, which damages the follicles
over time.
Which type of shampoo is specifically formulated to remove excess
oils and product buildup?
A) Conditioning shampoo
B) Clarifying shampoo
C) Medicated shampoo
D) Balancing shampoo
Answer: B) Clarifying shampoo
Rationale: Clarifying shampoos contain strong detergents designed
to strip away heavy buildup of styling products, minerals, and
excess sebum.
The living layer of the hair shaft that contains melanin is the:
A) Cuticle
B) Cortex
C) Medulla
D) Follicle
Answer: B) Cortex
, Rationale: The cortex is the middle layer of the hair, containing
melanin for color and determining the hair's strength and elasticity.
In Maryland, a cosmetology license must be renewed every:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 4 years
Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: The Maryland Board of Cosmetologists requires
practitioners to renew their licenses biennially (every two years).
Which of the following is a single-use, disposable item that cannot
be disinfected?
A) Hair clips
B) Combs
C) Neck strips
D) Metal shears
Answer: C) Neck strips
Rationale: Neck strips are porous single-use items designed to
create a barrier between the client and the cape, preventing cross-
contamination.
The normal pH range of human hair and skin is:
A) 2.5 to 3.5
B) 4.5 to 5.5
C) 6.5 to 7.5
D) 8.5 to 9.5
Answer: B) 4.5 to 5.5
Rationale: The natural acid mantle of the skin and hair sits slightly
acidic on the pH scale, between 4.5 and 5.5, to protect against
bacteria.
Exam Questions and Verified Answers,
With rationales 2026\2027 update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified rationales
Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
,───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
What is the most common cause of hair loss due to follicle damage
from repeated tight styling?
A) Alopecia areata
B) Traction alopecia
C) Androgenic alopecia
D) Alopecia totalis
Answer: B) Traction alopecia
Rationale: Traction alopecia occurs from prolonged tension on the
hair, such as tight braiding or ponytails, which damages the follicles
over time.
Which type of shampoo is specifically formulated to remove excess
oils and product buildup?
A) Conditioning shampoo
B) Clarifying shampoo
C) Medicated shampoo
D) Balancing shampoo
Answer: B) Clarifying shampoo
Rationale: Clarifying shampoos contain strong detergents designed
to strip away heavy buildup of styling products, minerals, and
excess sebum.
The living layer of the hair shaft that contains melanin is the:
A) Cuticle
B) Cortex
C) Medulla
D) Follicle
Answer: B) Cortex
, Rationale: The cortex is the middle layer of the hair, containing
melanin for color and determining the hair's strength and elasticity.
In Maryland, a cosmetology license must be renewed every:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 4 years
Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: The Maryland Board of Cosmetologists requires
practitioners to renew their licenses biennially (every two years).
Which of the following is a single-use, disposable item that cannot
be disinfected?
A) Hair clips
B) Combs
C) Neck strips
D) Metal shears
Answer: C) Neck strips
Rationale: Neck strips are porous single-use items designed to
create a barrier between the client and the cape, preventing cross-
contamination.
The normal pH range of human hair and skin is:
A) 2.5 to 3.5
B) 4.5 to 5.5
C) 6.5 to 7.5
D) 8.5 to 9.5
Answer: B) 4.5 to 5.5
Rationale: The natural acid mantle of the skin and hair sits slightly
acidic on the pH scale, between 4.5 and 5.5, to protect against
bacteria.
