Hawaii State Board of Cosmetology and
Barber Exam Practice Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) with
Rationales 2025
Part 1: Cosmetology – Theory and Law
1. What is the primary purpose of the Hawaii State Board of Barbering and
Cosmetology?
A. To train students in cosmetology
B. To protect the health and safety of the public
C. To promote beauty product sales
D. To issue fines to salons
Rationale: The Board's main role is to ensure public safety through licensing and
regulation.
2. How often must a cosmetology license be renewed in Hawaii?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
, C. Every odd-numbered year
D. Every five years
Rationale: Hawaii requires license renewal biennially on odd-numbered years.
3. Which of the following is not required to obtain a cosmetology license in
Hawaii?
A. Completion of required training hours
B. Passing the state board exam
C. A four-year college degree
D. Meeting age and education requirements
Rationale: A college degree is not a requirement for licensing.
4. How many training hours are required in Hawaii to sit for the cosmetology
license exam?
A. 1,200 hours
B. 1,800 hours
C. 1,800 hours or 3,600 apprenticeship hours
D. 2,000 hours
Rationale: Hawaii allows applicants to qualify through 1,800 school hours or
3,600 apprenticeship hours.
5. What should a cosmetologist do if a client shows signs of a contagious skin
disease?
A. Cover the area with makeup
, B. Refuse the service and refer to a physician
C. Proceed carefully
D. Disinfect the area and continue
Rationale: Clients with contagious conditions must be referred to a physician to
prevent spreading disease.
Part 2: Sanitation and Infection Control
6. What is the first step in the decontamination process?
A. Cleaning with soap and water
B. Immersing tools in disinfectant
C. Autoclaving
D. Drying tools
Rationale: You must remove debris and clean tools before disinfecting or
sterilizing.
7. Which disinfectant is recommended for use in salons and barbershops in
Hawaii?
A. Alcohol
B. EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
C. Hand sanitizer
D. Bleach only
Rationale: State law requires the use of EPA-registered disinfectants to meet
safety standards.
, 8. Implements that cannot be disinfected must be:
A. Rinsed and reused
B. Stored in a separate container
C. Discarded immediately after use
D. Boiled for 10 minutes
Rationale: Single-use items like emery boards or wooden sticks must be
discarded after one use.
Part 3: Hair and Scalp Care
9. What is the natural pH of hair and scalp?
A. 9.0
B. 4.5 to 5.5
C. 2.0
D. 7.5
Rationale: Hair and scalp are slightly acidic, which helps keep the cuticle closed
and healthy.
10. What structure in the hair follicle is responsible for hair growth?
A. Sebaceous gland
B. Dermal papilla
C. Arrector pili
D. Cuticle
Rationale: The dermal papilla supplies nutrients and signals hair growth.
Barber Exam Practice Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) with
Rationales 2025
Part 1: Cosmetology – Theory and Law
1. What is the primary purpose of the Hawaii State Board of Barbering and
Cosmetology?
A. To train students in cosmetology
B. To protect the health and safety of the public
C. To promote beauty product sales
D. To issue fines to salons
Rationale: The Board's main role is to ensure public safety through licensing and
regulation.
2. How often must a cosmetology license be renewed in Hawaii?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
, C. Every odd-numbered year
D. Every five years
Rationale: Hawaii requires license renewal biennially on odd-numbered years.
3. Which of the following is not required to obtain a cosmetology license in
Hawaii?
A. Completion of required training hours
B. Passing the state board exam
C. A four-year college degree
D. Meeting age and education requirements
Rationale: A college degree is not a requirement for licensing.
4. How many training hours are required in Hawaii to sit for the cosmetology
license exam?
A. 1,200 hours
B. 1,800 hours
C. 1,800 hours or 3,600 apprenticeship hours
D. 2,000 hours
Rationale: Hawaii allows applicants to qualify through 1,800 school hours or
3,600 apprenticeship hours.
5. What should a cosmetologist do if a client shows signs of a contagious skin
disease?
A. Cover the area with makeup
, B. Refuse the service and refer to a physician
C. Proceed carefully
D. Disinfect the area and continue
Rationale: Clients with contagious conditions must be referred to a physician to
prevent spreading disease.
Part 2: Sanitation and Infection Control
6. What is the first step in the decontamination process?
A. Cleaning with soap and water
B. Immersing tools in disinfectant
C. Autoclaving
D. Drying tools
Rationale: You must remove debris and clean tools before disinfecting or
sterilizing.
7. Which disinfectant is recommended for use in salons and barbershops in
Hawaii?
A. Alcohol
B. EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
C. Hand sanitizer
D. Bleach only
Rationale: State law requires the use of EPA-registered disinfectants to meet
safety standards.
, 8. Implements that cannot be disinfected must be:
A. Rinsed and reused
B. Stored in a separate container
C. Discarded immediately after use
D. Boiled for 10 minutes
Rationale: Single-use items like emery boards or wooden sticks must be
discarded after one use.
Part 3: Hair and Scalp Care
9. What is the natural pH of hair and scalp?
A. 9.0
B. 4.5 to 5.5
C. 2.0
D. 7.5
Rationale: Hair and scalp are slightly acidic, which helps keep the cuticle closed
and healthy.
10. What structure in the hair follicle is responsible for hair growth?
A. Sebaceous gland
B. Dermal papilla
C. Arrector pili
D. Cuticle
Rationale: The dermal papilla supplies nutrients and signals hair growth.
