Delaware Barber Licensing Examination
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified An
1. A barber in Delaware is preparing to perform a chemical hair relaxer service on a
client with a history of scalp psoriasis. Which of the following client assessment
findings would most strongly contraindicate the service?
A. Presence of fine, silvery scales on the scalp without erythema or broken skin
B. Active pustules and weeping lesions along the hairline
C. Client reports a mild tingling sensation during previous relaxer application
D. Scalp appears oily with no visible irritation
Answer: B. Active pustules and weeping lesions along the hairline
Rationale: Active pustules and weeping lesions indicate a disrupted skin barrier and
possible infection, making chemical exposure dangerous; psoriasis with intact scaling may
be manageable with precautions. The other options do not present the same level of risk for
chemical burns or infection.
2. During a permanent wave service, the barber must monitor the waving lotion's
processing time. Which factor most significantly accelerates the chemical reaction of
the reducing agent on the hair?
A. Increased hair porosity
B. Lower room temperature
C. Higher pH of the waving lotion
D. Presence of a conditioner applied before the service
Answer: C. Higher pH of the waving lotion
Rationale: The alkalinity (pH) of the waving lotion directly influences the swelling of the
hair and the speed of disulfide bond reduction; higher pH accelerates processing. Porosity
affects uptake but not the reaction rate as directly, while lower temperature and
conditioner residue slow or impede the process.
Page 1 of 81
,3. A barber is reviewing Delaware Board regulations regarding the disposal of
chemical waste. Which of the following actions complies with current environmental
and licensing standards?
A. Pouring leftover relaxer neutralizer down the sink with running water
B. Storing all chemical waste in a sealed container for licensed hazardous waste pickup
C. Placing unused hair dye in regular trash after solidifying with kitty litter
D. Rinsing chemical containers and reusing them for client beverages
Answer: B. Storing all chemical waste in a sealed container for licensed hazardous
waste pickup
Rationale: Delaware follows EPA guidelines that classify many salon chemicals as
hazardous waste, requiring proper containment and licensed disposal. Pouring chemicals
down drains or into regular trash may violate environmental regulations, and reusing
containers for food is a health code violation.
4. Which anatomical layer of the hair shaft is primarily responsible for the hair's
tensile strength and elasticity, and is the target of chemical relaxers?
A. Cuticle
B. Cortex
C. Medulla
D. Follicle
Answer: B. Cortex
Rationale: The cortex contains the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity;
chemical relaxers break these bonds to straighten hair. The cuticle is the protective outer
layer, the medulla is the innermost core, and the follicle is the living structure beneath the
skin.
Page 2 of 81
,5. A client requests a razor fade with a straight razor. To minimize the risk of
pseudofolliculitis barbae, which shaving technique should the barber employ?
A. Shaving against the grain with a sharp blade and no skin tension
B. Shaving with the grain using light pressure and skin tension
C. Shaving against the grain after applying a thick layer of shaving cream
D. Shaving with the grain using heavy pressure and multiple passes
Answer: B. Shaving with the grain using light pressure and skin tension
Rationale: Shaving with the grain and using light pressure with skin tension reduces the
likelihood of hair retracting beneath the skin and causing ingrown hairs. Shaving against
the grain or using heavy pressure increases the risk of irritation and pseudofolliculitis.
6. In the context of Delaware barbering law, which of the following constitutes
unprofessional conduct that could result in license suspension or revocation?
A. Using a disinfectant that is EPA-registered but not specifically labeled for barbering
B. Failing to wear gloves during a haircut
C. Advertising services in a language other than English
D. Refusing to serve a client based on their sexual orientation
Answer: D. Refusing to serve a client based on their sexual orientation
Rationale: Discrimination based on protected characteristics such as sexual orientation
violates Delaware's anti-discrimination laws and the Board's professional conduct rules.
The other actions may be inadvisable but do not automatically constitute unprofessional
conduct under the barbering statute.
Page 3 of 81
, 7. A barber is mixing a lightener for a client with dark hair. Which chemical reaction
occurs when the lightener is applied to the hair?
A. Oxidation of melanin, resulting in a lighter color
B. Reduction of disulfide bonds, resulting in straightening
C. Hydrolysis of keratin, resulting in softening
D. Polymerization of amino acids, resulting in strengthening
Answer: A. Oxidation of melanin, resulting in a lighter color
Rationale: Lighteners contain oxidizing agents that decolorize melanin through oxidation,
making hair lighter. Reduction is used in relaxers, hydrolysis in depilatories, and
polymerization is not a standard reaction in hair lightening.
8. Which of the following statements about the structure and function of the arrector
pili muscle is correct?
A. It contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing hair to stand erect
B. It controls the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous gland
C. It is responsible for hair color and texture
D. It anchors the hair follicle to the dermis
Answer: A. It contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing hair to stand erect
Rationale: The arrector pili is a tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle that contracts
involuntarily, causing goosebumps. Sebum secretion is regulated by hormones, hair color
by melanocytes, and anchoring is done by connective tissue.
Page 4 of 81
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified An
1. A barber in Delaware is preparing to perform a chemical hair relaxer service on a
client with a history of scalp psoriasis. Which of the following client assessment
findings would most strongly contraindicate the service?
A. Presence of fine, silvery scales on the scalp without erythema or broken skin
B. Active pustules and weeping lesions along the hairline
C. Client reports a mild tingling sensation during previous relaxer application
D. Scalp appears oily with no visible irritation
Answer: B. Active pustules and weeping lesions along the hairline
Rationale: Active pustules and weeping lesions indicate a disrupted skin barrier and
possible infection, making chemical exposure dangerous; psoriasis with intact scaling may
be manageable with precautions. The other options do not present the same level of risk for
chemical burns or infection.
2. During a permanent wave service, the barber must monitor the waving lotion's
processing time. Which factor most significantly accelerates the chemical reaction of
the reducing agent on the hair?
A. Increased hair porosity
B. Lower room temperature
C. Higher pH of the waving lotion
D. Presence of a conditioner applied before the service
Answer: C. Higher pH of the waving lotion
Rationale: The alkalinity (pH) of the waving lotion directly influences the swelling of the
hair and the speed of disulfide bond reduction; higher pH accelerates processing. Porosity
affects uptake but not the reaction rate as directly, while lower temperature and
conditioner residue slow or impede the process.
Page 1 of 81
,3. A barber is reviewing Delaware Board regulations regarding the disposal of
chemical waste. Which of the following actions complies with current environmental
and licensing standards?
A. Pouring leftover relaxer neutralizer down the sink with running water
B. Storing all chemical waste in a sealed container for licensed hazardous waste pickup
C. Placing unused hair dye in regular trash after solidifying with kitty litter
D. Rinsing chemical containers and reusing them for client beverages
Answer: B. Storing all chemical waste in a sealed container for licensed hazardous
waste pickup
Rationale: Delaware follows EPA guidelines that classify many salon chemicals as
hazardous waste, requiring proper containment and licensed disposal. Pouring chemicals
down drains or into regular trash may violate environmental regulations, and reusing
containers for food is a health code violation.
4. Which anatomical layer of the hair shaft is primarily responsible for the hair's
tensile strength and elasticity, and is the target of chemical relaxers?
A. Cuticle
B. Cortex
C. Medulla
D. Follicle
Answer: B. Cortex
Rationale: The cortex contains the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity;
chemical relaxers break these bonds to straighten hair. The cuticle is the protective outer
layer, the medulla is the innermost core, and the follicle is the living structure beneath the
skin.
Page 2 of 81
,5. A client requests a razor fade with a straight razor. To minimize the risk of
pseudofolliculitis barbae, which shaving technique should the barber employ?
A. Shaving against the grain with a sharp blade and no skin tension
B. Shaving with the grain using light pressure and skin tension
C. Shaving against the grain after applying a thick layer of shaving cream
D. Shaving with the grain using heavy pressure and multiple passes
Answer: B. Shaving with the grain using light pressure and skin tension
Rationale: Shaving with the grain and using light pressure with skin tension reduces the
likelihood of hair retracting beneath the skin and causing ingrown hairs. Shaving against
the grain or using heavy pressure increases the risk of irritation and pseudofolliculitis.
6. In the context of Delaware barbering law, which of the following constitutes
unprofessional conduct that could result in license suspension or revocation?
A. Using a disinfectant that is EPA-registered but not specifically labeled for barbering
B. Failing to wear gloves during a haircut
C. Advertising services in a language other than English
D. Refusing to serve a client based on their sexual orientation
Answer: D. Refusing to serve a client based on their sexual orientation
Rationale: Discrimination based on protected characteristics such as sexual orientation
violates Delaware's anti-discrimination laws and the Board's professional conduct rules.
The other actions may be inadvisable but do not automatically constitute unprofessional
conduct under the barbering statute.
Page 3 of 81
, 7. A barber is mixing a lightener for a client with dark hair. Which chemical reaction
occurs when the lightener is applied to the hair?
A. Oxidation of melanin, resulting in a lighter color
B. Reduction of disulfide bonds, resulting in straightening
C. Hydrolysis of keratin, resulting in softening
D. Polymerization of amino acids, resulting in strengthening
Answer: A. Oxidation of melanin, resulting in a lighter color
Rationale: Lighteners contain oxidizing agents that decolorize melanin through oxidation,
making hair lighter. Reduction is used in relaxers, hydrolysis in depilatories, and
polymerization is not a standard reaction in hair lightening.
8. Which of the following statements about the structure and function of the arrector
pili muscle is correct?
A. It contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing hair to stand erect
B. It controls the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous gland
C. It is responsible for hair color and texture
D. It anchors the hair follicle to the dermis
Answer: A. It contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing hair to stand erect
Rationale: The arrector pili is a tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle that contracts
involuntarily, causing goosebumps. Sebum secretion is regulated by hormones, hair color
by melanocytes, and anchoring is done by connective tissue.
Page 4 of 81
