Texas Cosmetology State Board Exam 2026–2027 | Official TDLR & PSI
Written Licensing Test Questions and Correct Answers | Real Exam-Style
Q&A Covering Sanitation, Hair, Skin, Nails, Texas Laws, Safety Procedures
& Professional Practice
Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail application?
A) To protect the natural nail
B) To provide color
C) To harden the nail
D) To enhance shine
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The primary purpose of a base coat is to protect the natural nail by providing
a barrier between the nail and the polish.
Question 2:
What is the most important step before applying any chemical service?
A) Sectioning the hair
B) Performing a patch test
C) Washing the hair
D) Blow-drying the hair
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Performing a patch test is crucial to ensure that the client does not have an
allergic reaction to the chemicals being used.
Question 3:
Which of the following hair colors will lighten the hair?
A) Permanent hair color
B) Semi-permanent hair color
C) Demi-permanent hair color
D) All of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Permanent hair color is designed to lighten the hair due to its ability to
penetrate the hair shaft and alter its color.
Question 4:
What is the ideal pH level for hair products?
A) 3-4
B) 4-5
,C) 5-6
D) 7-8
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The ideal pH level for hair products is 4-5, which helps maintain the hair's
natural moisture and prevents it from becoming dry or damaged.
Question 5:
What tool is primarily used for blending hair extensions?
A) Razor
B) Scissor
C) Thinning Shears
D) Comb
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Thinning shears are used to blend extensions with natural hair effectively,
allowing for a more seamless look.
Question 6:
What is the primary function of a hair conditioner?
A) To color the hair
B) To hydrate and strengthen hair
C) To sanitize tools
D) To remove dirt
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hair conditioners are designed to hydrate, strengthen, and improve the
overall appearance of hair.
Question 7:
During a manicure, cuticle nippers are used to:
A) Remove excess cuticle tissue
B) Shape the nails
C) Polish the nails
D) Apply nail polish
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Cuticle nippers are specifically designed to trim and remove excess cuticle
tissue around the nails.
Question 8:
What is the main ingredient in most hair relaxers?
,A) Hydroxy acid
B) Ammonium thioglycolate
C) Sodium hydroxide
D) Hydrogen peroxide
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Sodium hydroxide is a common ingredient in many hair relaxers, as it
effectively breaks down the hair's protein structure.
Question 9:
Which type of hair is most susceptible to damage from chemical treatments?
A) Fine hair
B) Thick hair
C) Curly hair
D) Coarse hair
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Fine hair is generally more susceptible to damage because it is thinner and
weaker than other hair types.
Question 10:
When performing a chemical perm, what role does the rod size play?
A) It affects the hair's moisture
B) It determines the style's tightness or looseness
C) It changes the hair's color
D) It creates a protective barrier
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The size of the perm rod determines how tight or loose the curls will be, with
smaller rods creating tighter curls and larger rods producing looser waves.
Question 11:
What is the effect of over-processing hair with bleach?
A) Increased shine
B) Strengthened cuticle
C) Breakage and damage
D) Enhanced elasticity
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Over-processing with bleach can lead to significant hair breakage and
damage due to the removal of essential proteins and moisture.
, Question 12:
Which of the following is not a type of hair extension?
A) Clip-in
B) Tape-in
C) Sew-in
D) Wax-in
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Wax-in is not a recognized type of hair extension; common types include
clip-in, tape-in, and sew-in extensions.
Question 13:
How often should a salon's tools be disinfected?
A) Once a week
B) After each use
C) Every month
D) Only when visibly dirty
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Tools should be disinfected after each use to ensure hygiene and prevent the
spread of infections.
Question 14:
What does the term "alopecia" refer to?
A) Hair loss
B) Oily scalp
C) Dry hair
D) Dandruff
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can occur in various forms and may affect
the scalp or body.
Question 15:
Which of the following is a contraindication for performing a facial?
A) Mild acne
B) Sensitive skin
C) Skin infections
D) Normal skin
Written Licensing Test Questions and Correct Answers | Real Exam-Style
Q&A Covering Sanitation, Hair, Skin, Nails, Texas Laws, Safety Procedures
& Professional Practice
Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a base coat in nail application?
A) To protect the natural nail
B) To provide color
C) To harden the nail
D) To enhance shine
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The primary purpose of a base coat is to protect the natural nail by providing
a barrier between the nail and the polish.
Question 2:
What is the most important step before applying any chemical service?
A) Sectioning the hair
B) Performing a patch test
C) Washing the hair
D) Blow-drying the hair
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Performing a patch test is crucial to ensure that the client does not have an
allergic reaction to the chemicals being used.
Question 3:
Which of the following hair colors will lighten the hair?
A) Permanent hair color
B) Semi-permanent hair color
C) Demi-permanent hair color
D) All of the above
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Permanent hair color is designed to lighten the hair due to its ability to
penetrate the hair shaft and alter its color.
Question 4:
What is the ideal pH level for hair products?
A) 3-4
B) 4-5
,C) 5-6
D) 7-8
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The ideal pH level for hair products is 4-5, which helps maintain the hair's
natural moisture and prevents it from becoming dry or damaged.
Question 5:
What tool is primarily used for blending hair extensions?
A) Razor
B) Scissor
C) Thinning Shears
D) Comb
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Thinning shears are used to blend extensions with natural hair effectively,
allowing for a more seamless look.
Question 6:
What is the primary function of a hair conditioner?
A) To color the hair
B) To hydrate and strengthen hair
C) To sanitize tools
D) To remove dirt
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Hair conditioners are designed to hydrate, strengthen, and improve the
overall appearance of hair.
Question 7:
During a manicure, cuticle nippers are used to:
A) Remove excess cuticle tissue
B) Shape the nails
C) Polish the nails
D) Apply nail polish
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Cuticle nippers are specifically designed to trim and remove excess cuticle
tissue around the nails.
Question 8:
What is the main ingredient in most hair relaxers?
,A) Hydroxy acid
B) Ammonium thioglycolate
C) Sodium hydroxide
D) Hydrogen peroxide
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Sodium hydroxide is a common ingredient in many hair relaxers, as it
effectively breaks down the hair's protein structure.
Question 9:
Which type of hair is most susceptible to damage from chemical treatments?
A) Fine hair
B) Thick hair
C) Curly hair
D) Coarse hair
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Fine hair is generally more susceptible to damage because it is thinner and
weaker than other hair types.
Question 10:
When performing a chemical perm, what role does the rod size play?
A) It affects the hair's moisture
B) It determines the style's tightness or looseness
C) It changes the hair's color
D) It creates a protective barrier
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The size of the perm rod determines how tight or loose the curls will be, with
smaller rods creating tighter curls and larger rods producing looser waves.
Question 11:
What is the effect of over-processing hair with bleach?
A) Increased shine
B) Strengthened cuticle
C) Breakage and damage
D) Enhanced elasticity
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Over-processing with bleach can lead to significant hair breakage and
damage due to the removal of essential proteins and moisture.
, Question 12:
Which of the following is not a type of hair extension?
A) Clip-in
B) Tape-in
C) Sew-in
D) Wax-in
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Wax-in is not a recognized type of hair extension; common types include
clip-in, tape-in, and sew-in extensions.
Question 13:
How often should a salon's tools be disinfected?
A) Once a week
B) After each use
C) Every month
D) Only when visibly dirty
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Tools should be disinfected after each use to ensure hygiene and prevent the
spread of infections.
Question 14:
What does the term "alopecia" refer to?
A) Hair loss
B) Oily scalp
C) Dry hair
D) Dandruff
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can occur in various forms and may affect
the scalp or body.
Question 15:
Which of the following is a contraindication for performing a facial?
A) Mild acne
B) Sensitive skin
C) Skin infections
D) Normal skin
