MARYL AND BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY · THEORY E XAM
Maryland Cosmetology
Theory
Practice Question Bank
Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Cosmetology Theory — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Cosmetology Theory 2
Maryland Board of Cosmetology · Theory Exam Page 1
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY THEORY PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect the Maryland Cosmetology Theory Exam
style and content.
Category: Cosmetology Theory — Maryland Board
1 The scientific study of the structure, function, and pathology of the nervous system is
called:
A Neurology
B Dermatology
C Trichology
D Myology
Why A is correct: Neurology is the scientific study of the structure, function, and pathology
of the nervous system.
B — Dermatology is the study of the skin.
C — Trichology is the study of hair.
D — Myology is the study of muscles.
, 2 The main active ingredient in true acid and acid-balanced waving lotions is:
A GMTG
B Ammonium thioglycolate
C Sodium hydroxide
D Hydrogen peroxide
Why A is correct: The main active ingredient in true acid and acid-balanced waving lotions
is GMTG (glyceryl monothioglycolate).
B — Ammonium thioglycolate is the active ingredient in alkaline perms.
C — Sodium hydroxide is used in chemical relaxers.
D — Hydrogen peroxide is used in hair color.
3 The five basic elements of design are:
A Space, line, shape, texture, color
B Line, form, texture, color, balance
C Shape, space, line, rhythm, balance
D Color, texture, line, balance, proportion
Why A is correct: The five basic elements of design are space, line, shape, texture, and
color.
B — Balance is a principle of design, not an element.
C — Rhythm and balance are principles, not elements.
D — Balance and proportion are principles, not elements.
Maryland Cosmetology
Theory
Practice Question Bank
Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Cosmetology Theory — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — Cosmetology Theory 2
Maryland Board of Cosmetology · Theory Exam Page 1
,MARYLAND COSMETOLOGY THEORY PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect the Maryland Cosmetology Theory Exam
style and content.
Category: Cosmetology Theory — Maryland Board
1 The scientific study of the structure, function, and pathology of the nervous system is
called:
A Neurology
B Dermatology
C Trichology
D Myology
Why A is correct: Neurology is the scientific study of the structure, function, and pathology
of the nervous system.
B — Dermatology is the study of the skin.
C — Trichology is the study of hair.
D — Myology is the study of muscles.
, 2 The main active ingredient in true acid and acid-balanced waving lotions is:
A GMTG
B Ammonium thioglycolate
C Sodium hydroxide
D Hydrogen peroxide
Why A is correct: The main active ingredient in true acid and acid-balanced waving lotions
is GMTG (glyceryl monothioglycolate).
B — Ammonium thioglycolate is the active ingredient in alkaline perms.
C — Sodium hydroxide is used in chemical relaxers.
D — Hydrogen peroxide is used in hair color.
3 The five basic elements of design are:
A Space, line, shape, texture, color
B Line, form, texture, color, balance
C Shape, space, line, rhythm, balance
D Color, texture, line, balance, proportion
Why A is correct: The five basic elements of design are space, line, shape, texture, and
color.
B — Balance is a principle of design, not an element.
C — Rhythm and balance are principles, not elements.
D — Balance and proportion are principles, not elements.
