ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
The growth rate on the ___is typically slower - ANSWERS-Thumb
The nail has a water content between: - ANSWERS-15 and 25 percent
The matrix contains: - ANSWERS-nerves, lymph, and blood vessels
Tissue that adheres directly to the natural nail plate but which can be
removed with gentle scraping - ANSWERS-Cuticle
Cosmetologists are allowed to ___________ the eponychium. -
ANSWERS-Push back
Cuticle moisturizers, softeners, and conditioners are actually designed
for the eponychium, ___________________, and hyponychium. -
ANSWERS-Lateral Sidewalls
Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails are not _________ periodically. -
ANSWERS-Shed
END OF
PAGE
1
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
It takes about__ for toenails to be fully replaced - ANSWERS-nine to
six months
Living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix
area - ANSWERS-Eponychium
Thin layer of tissue that attaches the nail plate and the nail bed -
ANSWERS-Bed epithelium
The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies beneath the free edge of the
nail plate. - ANSWERS-Hyponychium
The separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed -
ANSWERS-Onychomadesis
Tiny pits or severe roughness on the surface of the nail plate -
ANSWERS-Nail psoriasis
Any deformity or disease of the natural nail. - ANSWERS-Onychosis
END OF
PAGE
2
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
Noticeably thin, white nail plates that are more flexible than normal and
can curve over the free edge. - ANSWERS-Eggshell nails
Which of the following is a common cause of surfaced stains on nails -
ANSWERS-Smoking
Also known as agnail; a condition in which the living tissue surrounding
the nail plate splits or tears. - ANSWERS-Hangnail
Lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed without shedding, usually
beginning at the free edge and continuing toward the lunula area. -
ANSWERS-Onycholysis
Darkening of the fingernails or toenails - ANSWERS-Melanoychia
when increased crosswise curvature throughout the nail plate results in
the free edge pinching the sidewalls into a deep curve. - ANSWERS-
Trumpet nail
END OF
PAGE
3
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
Visible depressions running across the width of the natural nail plate -
ANSWERS-Beaus lines
Blue fingernails are usually caused by a lack of ___________ in the red
blood cells. - ANSWERS-Circulating oxygen
Koilonychia are soft spoon nails with a____shape - ANSWERS-
Concave
Also known as white spots; whitish discolorations of the nails, usually
caused by injury to the matrix area; not related to the body's health or
vitamin deficiencies. - ANSWERS-Leukonychia spots
Also known as bitten nails; result of a habit of chewing the nail or
chewing the hardened skin surrounding the nail plate. - ANSWERS-
Onychophagy
Abnormal condition that occurs when the skin is stretched by the nail
plate; usually caused by serious injury, such as burns, or an adverse skin
END OF
PAGE
4
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
The growth rate on the ___is typically slower - ANSWERS-Thumb
The nail has a water content between: - ANSWERS-15 and 25 percent
The matrix contains: - ANSWERS-nerves, lymph, and blood vessels
Tissue that adheres directly to the natural nail plate but which can be
removed with gentle scraping - ANSWERS-Cuticle
Cosmetologists are allowed to ___________ the eponychium. -
ANSWERS-Push back
Cuticle moisturizers, softeners, and conditioners are actually designed
for the eponychium, ___________________, and hyponychium. -
ANSWERS-Lateral Sidewalls
Unlike healthy hair, healthy nails are not _________ periodically. -
ANSWERS-Shed
END OF
PAGE
1
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
It takes about__ for toenails to be fully replaced - ANSWERS-nine to
six months
Living skin at the base of the natural nail plate that covers the matrix
area - ANSWERS-Eponychium
Thin layer of tissue that attaches the nail plate and the nail bed -
ANSWERS-Bed epithelium
The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies beneath the free edge of the
nail plate. - ANSWERS-Hyponychium
The separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed -
ANSWERS-Onychomadesis
Tiny pits or severe roughness on the surface of the nail plate -
ANSWERS-Nail psoriasis
Any deformity or disease of the natural nail. - ANSWERS-Onychosis
END OF
PAGE
2
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
Noticeably thin, white nail plates that are more flexible than normal and
can curve over the free edge. - ANSWERS-Eggshell nails
Which of the following is a common cause of surfaced stains on nails -
ANSWERS-Smoking
Also known as agnail; a condition in which the living tissue surrounding
the nail plate splits or tears. - ANSWERS-Hangnail
Lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed without shedding, usually
beginning at the free edge and continuing toward the lunula area. -
ANSWERS-Onycholysis
Darkening of the fingernails or toenails - ANSWERS-Melanoychia
when increased crosswise curvature throughout the nail plate results in
the free edge pinching the sidewalls into a deep curve. - ANSWERS-
Trumpet nail
END OF
PAGE
3
, ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF LATEST
COSMETOLOGY THEORY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 -
2027
Visible depressions running across the width of the natural nail plate -
ANSWERS-Beaus lines
Blue fingernails are usually caused by a lack of ___________ in the red
blood cells. - ANSWERS-Circulating oxygen
Koilonychia are soft spoon nails with a____shape - ANSWERS-
Concave
Also known as white spots; whitish discolorations of the nails, usually
caused by injury to the matrix area; not related to the body's health or
vitamin deficiencies. - ANSWERS-Leukonychia spots
Also known as bitten nails; result of a habit of chewing the nail or
chewing the hardened skin surrounding the nail plate. - ANSWERS-
Onychophagy
Abnormal condition that occurs when the skin is stretched by the nail
plate; usually caused by serious injury, such as burns, or an adverse skin
END OF
PAGE
4
