Washington Cosmetology
Written State Exam –
Complete Study Guide
1. What is the most effective method of sterilizing metal implements in a salon?
A. Ultraviolet light
B. Boiling water
C. Autoclave
D. Quaternary ammonium compounds
Answer: C. Autoclave
Rationale: Autoclaves use high-pressure steam to completely sterilize instruments.
2. When should hands be washed in a salon setting?
A. Only before starting work
B. Before and after every client
C. Once every hour
D. Only if visibly dirty
Answer: B. Before and after every client
Rationale: This prevents the spread of bacteria and infection between clients.
3. Implements that come into contact with blood must be:
A. Rinsed and reused
B. Disposed of in a closed trash can
C. Disinfected with soap and water
,D. Cleaned and then sterilized
Answer: D. Cleaned and then sterilized
Rationale: Bloodborne pathogens require a higher level of sanitation.
4. What is the first step if a client begins bleeding during a service?
A. Call 911 immediately
B. Apply a tourniquet
C. Stop the service and put on gloves
D. Continue working carefully
Answer: C. Stop the service and put on gloves
Rationale: Safety protocols require you to protect yourself and the client first.
5. Washington state requires that all disinfectants used in salons must be:
A. EPA registered
B. FDA approved
C. OSHA certified
D. MSDS registered
Answer: A. EPA registered
Rationale: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates disinfectants for salon
use.
Section 2: Hair Care & Chemical Services
6. Which layer of the hair is primarily responsible for strength and elasticity?
A. Cuticle
B. Cortex
C. Medulla
D. Follicle
, Answer: B. Cortex
Rationale: The cortex contains the protein chains that give hair strength and
elasticity.
7. Which type of hair color is designed to last through several shampoos but does
not penetrate the cortex?
A. Temporary
B. Semi-permanent
C. Demi-permanent
D. Permanent
Answer: B. Semi-permanent
Rationale: Semi-permanent color coats the cuticle but doesn’t fully penetrate the
cortex.
8. When performing a chemical relaxer service, which test determines if the hair has
been sufficiently straightened?
A. Patch test
B. Strand test
C. Elasticity test
D. Comb test
Answer: D. Comb test
Rationale: The comb test checks if hair can be smoothed easily without resistance.
9. What is the correct sequence when performing a permanent wave?
A. Apply neutralizer → Shampoo → Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion
B. Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Process → Rinse → Apply neutralizer
C. Shampoo → Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Neutralizer
D. Wrap rods → Shampoo → Process → Apply neutralizer
Answer: B. Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Process → Rinse → Apply neutralizer
Written State Exam –
Complete Study Guide
1. What is the most effective method of sterilizing metal implements in a salon?
A. Ultraviolet light
B. Boiling water
C. Autoclave
D. Quaternary ammonium compounds
Answer: C. Autoclave
Rationale: Autoclaves use high-pressure steam to completely sterilize instruments.
2. When should hands be washed in a salon setting?
A. Only before starting work
B. Before and after every client
C. Once every hour
D. Only if visibly dirty
Answer: B. Before and after every client
Rationale: This prevents the spread of bacteria and infection between clients.
3. Implements that come into contact with blood must be:
A. Rinsed and reused
B. Disposed of in a closed trash can
C. Disinfected with soap and water
,D. Cleaned and then sterilized
Answer: D. Cleaned and then sterilized
Rationale: Bloodborne pathogens require a higher level of sanitation.
4. What is the first step if a client begins bleeding during a service?
A. Call 911 immediately
B. Apply a tourniquet
C. Stop the service and put on gloves
D. Continue working carefully
Answer: C. Stop the service and put on gloves
Rationale: Safety protocols require you to protect yourself and the client first.
5. Washington state requires that all disinfectants used in salons must be:
A. EPA registered
B. FDA approved
C. OSHA certified
D. MSDS registered
Answer: A. EPA registered
Rationale: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates disinfectants for salon
use.
Section 2: Hair Care & Chemical Services
6. Which layer of the hair is primarily responsible for strength and elasticity?
A. Cuticle
B. Cortex
C. Medulla
D. Follicle
, Answer: B. Cortex
Rationale: The cortex contains the protein chains that give hair strength and
elasticity.
7. Which type of hair color is designed to last through several shampoos but does
not penetrate the cortex?
A. Temporary
B. Semi-permanent
C. Demi-permanent
D. Permanent
Answer: B. Semi-permanent
Rationale: Semi-permanent color coats the cuticle but doesn’t fully penetrate the
cortex.
8. When performing a chemical relaxer service, which test determines if the hair has
been sufficiently straightened?
A. Patch test
B. Strand test
C. Elasticity test
D. Comb test
Answer: D. Comb test
Rationale: The comb test checks if hair can be smoothed easily without resistance.
9. What is the correct sequence when performing a permanent wave?
A. Apply neutralizer → Shampoo → Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion
B. Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Process → Rinse → Apply neutralizer
C. Shampoo → Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Neutralizer
D. Wrap rods → Shampoo → Process → Apply neutralizer
Answer: B. Wrap rods → Apply waving lotion → Process → Rinse → Apply neutralizer
