salon fundamentals final review| 280
questions| with complete solutions
Course
PSI Cosmetology
✅ 1. Which layer of the hair contains the pigment that gives hair its natural
color?
A. Cuticle
B. Medulla
C. Cortex
D. Follicle
Answer: C – Cortex
Explanation:
The cortex is the thickest hair layer and houses melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.
✅ 2. What is the proper way to disinfect metal salon tools like shears or cuticle
pushers?
A. Wash with soap and water only
B. Place them in a UV sterilizer overnight
C. Immerse them in an EPA-registered disinfectant after cleaning
D. Spray them with alcohol and air-dry
Answer: C – Immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant
Explanation:
After cleaning with soap and water, tools must be completely immersed in an EPA-approved
disinfectant for the time specified by the manufacturer.
✅ 3. Which of the following skin conditions is a contraindication for a facial?
A. Dehydrated skin
B. Open sores or lesions
C. Oily T-zone
D. Mild pigmentation
Answer: B – Open sores or lesions
,Explanation:
Broken skin, infections, or open wounds are contraindications because treatments could
worsen the condition or spread infection.
✅ 4. Which of the following best defines the anagen phase of hair growth?
A. Hair begins to fall out
B. Hair is actively growing
C. Hair follicle shrinks
D. Hair remains dormant
Answer: B – Hair is actively growing
Explanation:
The anagen phase is the active growth stage, lasting 2–6 years and determining hair length.
✅ 5. What should a cosmetologist do first if a client experiences a minor cut
during a service?
A. Apply a bandage immediately
B. Ask the client to leave
C. Stop the service and apply gloves
D. Use the same tool and finish quickly
Answer: C – Stop the service and apply gloves
Explanation:
Always stop the service, put on gloves, then clean and dress the wound using first-aid
procedures. Continue only if safe and allowed.
✅ 6. Which nail structure contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels?
A. Nail bed
B. Free edge
C. Lunula
D. Cuticle
Answer: A – Nail bed
,Explanation:
The nail bed supports the nail plate and contains nerves and blood vessels, vital for nail health.
✅ 7. What pH level describes most professional shampoos formulated for daily
use?
A. 2.0–3.0
B. 4.5–5.5
C. 6.5–7.5
D. 8.0–9.0
Answer: B – 4.5–5.5
Explanation:
Daily-use shampoos are pH-balanced (4.5–5.5) to match natural scalp and hair acidity,
preventing dryness or damage.
✅ 8. During a chemical texture service, what is the function of a neutralizer?
A. Opens the hair cuticle
B. Adds shine to the hair
C. Rehardens and reforms hair bonds
D. Increases processing time
Answer: C – Rehardens and reforms hair bonds
Explanation:
The neutralizer (often hydrogen peroxide) halts processing and locks the new shape by
reforming disulfide bonds in the cortex.
✅ 9. Which term describes a client’s ability to make informed decisions
regarding services?
A. Sanitation compliance
B. Informed consent
C. Personal preference
D. Consultation form
Answer: B – Informed consent
, Explanation:
Informed consent is when clients understand risks, benefits, and procedures before agreeing
to a service.
✅ 10. What is the main purpose of a client consultation before beginning a
service?
A. To sell retail products
B. To style faster
C. To understand client needs, preferences, and potential contraindications
D. To demonstrate technical skills
Answer: C – Understand client needs, preferences, and contraindications
Explanation:
Consultations help build trust, tailor services to client goals, and identify any safety concerns.
✅ 11. What layer of the skin contains collagen and elastin?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Subcutaneous layer
Answer: B – Dermis
Explanation:
The dermis (middle layer of skin) contains collagen and elastin, which give skin strength and
elasticity.
✅ 12. Which hair type tends to be the most fragile and prone to breakage?
A. Straight coarse
B. Wavy medium
C. Curly fine
D. Straight medium
Answer: C – Curly fine
Explanation:
Curly fine hair has fewer cuticle layers, bends more easily, and is most vulnerable to damage
and dryness.
questions| with complete solutions
Course
PSI Cosmetology
✅ 1. Which layer of the hair contains the pigment that gives hair its natural
color?
A. Cuticle
B. Medulla
C. Cortex
D. Follicle
Answer: C – Cortex
Explanation:
The cortex is the thickest hair layer and houses melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.
✅ 2. What is the proper way to disinfect metal salon tools like shears or cuticle
pushers?
A. Wash with soap and water only
B. Place them in a UV sterilizer overnight
C. Immerse them in an EPA-registered disinfectant after cleaning
D. Spray them with alcohol and air-dry
Answer: C – Immerse in EPA-registered disinfectant
Explanation:
After cleaning with soap and water, tools must be completely immersed in an EPA-approved
disinfectant for the time specified by the manufacturer.
✅ 3. Which of the following skin conditions is a contraindication for a facial?
A. Dehydrated skin
B. Open sores or lesions
C. Oily T-zone
D. Mild pigmentation
Answer: B – Open sores or lesions
,Explanation:
Broken skin, infections, or open wounds are contraindications because treatments could
worsen the condition or spread infection.
✅ 4. Which of the following best defines the anagen phase of hair growth?
A. Hair begins to fall out
B. Hair is actively growing
C. Hair follicle shrinks
D. Hair remains dormant
Answer: B – Hair is actively growing
Explanation:
The anagen phase is the active growth stage, lasting 2–6 years and determining hair length.
✅ 5. What should a cosmetologist do first if a client experiences a minor cut
during a service?
A. Apply a bandage immediately
B. Ask the client to leave
C. Stop the service and apply gloves
D. Use the same tool and finish quickly
Answer: C – Stop the service and apply gloves
Explanation:
Always stop the service, put on gloves, then clean and dress the wound using first-aid
procedures. Continue only if safe and allowed.
✅ 6. Which nail structure contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels?
A. Nail bed
B. Free edge
C. Lunula
D. Cuticle
Answer: A – Nail bed
,Explanation:
The nail bed supports the nail plate and contains nerves and blood vessels, vital for nail health.
✅ 7. What pH level describes most professional shampoos formulated for daily
use?
A. 2.0–3.0
B. 4.5–5.5
C. 6.5–7.5
D. 8.0–9.0
Answer: B – 4.5–5.5
Explanation:
Daily-use shampoos are pH-balanced (4.5–5.5) to match natural scalp and hair acidity,
preventing dryness or damage.
✅ 8. During a chemical texture service, what is the function of a neutralizer?
A. Opens the hair cuticle
B. Adds shine to the hair
C. Rehardens and reforms hair bonds
D. Increases processing time
Answer: C – Rehardens and reforms hair bonds
Explanation:
The neutralizer (often hydrogen peroxide) halts processing and locks the new shape by
reforming disulfide bonds in the cortex.
✅ 9. Which term describes a client’s ability to make informed decisions
regarding services?
A. Sanitation compliance
B. Informed consent
C. Personal preference
D. Consultation form
Answer: B – Informed consent
, Explanation:
Informed consent is when clients understand risks, benefits, and procedures before agreeing
to a service.
✅ 10. What is the main purpose of a client consultation before beginning a
service?
A. To sell retail products
B. To style faster
C. To understand client needs, preferences, and potential contraindications
D. To demonstrate technical skills
Answer: C – Understand client needs, preferences, and contraindications
Explanation:
Consultations help build trust, tailor services to client goals, and identify any safety concerns.
✅ 11. What layer of the skin contains collagen and elastin?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Subcutaneous layer
Answer: B – Dermis
Explanation:
The dermis (middle layer of skin) contains collagen and elastin, which give skin strength and
elasticity.
✅ 12. Which hair type tends to be the most fragile and prone to breakage?
A. Straight coarse
B. Wavy medium
C. Curly fine
D. Straight medium
Answer: C – Curly fine
Explanation:
Curly fine hair has fewer cuticle layers, bends more easily, and is most vulnerable to damage
and dryness.
