NY Practical Exam

The New York Cosmetology Practical Examination tests your hands-on skills through a series of procedures performed on a mannequin. This 3.5-hour exam requires careful preparation and proper supplies.

Exam Structure

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Mannequin Requirements

Your mannequin MUST meet these specific requirements:

IMPORTANT: Candidates who arrive with mannequins that do not meet these requirements will NOT be admitted to the exam and will forfeit the exam fee.

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Procedures & Scoring Breakdown

Note: Chemical services (perm, relaxer, color, foiling) = 46% of total exam!

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Detailed Procedure Requirements

1. Haircutting Techniques (15% - 50 minutes)

Requirements:

• Use scissors to demonstrate 90-degree layered haircutting
• First establish perimeter using zero-degree guideline
• Front will be angled
• Perform layered cut without bangs
• Use vertical partings to establish 90-degree elevation
• Demonstrate one or two sections using a razor
• Demonstrate removal of excess bulk using implement of choice
• Four or five sections allowable

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2. Blow-Dry Styling (5% - 15 minutes)

Requirements:

• Demonstrate proper blow-drying techniques
• Show volume and direction control
• Use appropriate tools and products

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3. Thermal Curling/Curling Iron (12% - 15 minutes)

Requirements:

• Demonstrate proper thermal curling technique
• Show temperature control awareness
• Create consistent curl pattern

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4. Roller Placement (6% - 10 minutes)

Requirements:

• Place three full-size 1 1/8" diameter rollers on top section
• Start at front hairline, all rolled away from face
• First roller: on base and secured
• Second roller: 1/2 off base and secured
• Third roller: off base and secured
• Rollers may be beige colored

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5. Permanent Waving (15% - 10 minutes)

Requirements:

• Perform on left side of head
• Place at least 5 perm rods (more if needed to complete panel)
• Apply protective cream (gel) and cotton coil to face area or entire block
• When prompted by examiner, demonstrate:
  • Application of permanent waving lotion
  • Performing a test curl

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6. Pin Curl Wave/C-Shaping (10% - 10 minutes)

Requirements:

• Perform on right side of head
• Create diagonal pin curl wave pattern
• Demonstrate C-shaping technique
• Show proper securing methods

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7. Finger Waving (6% - 10 minutes)

Requirements:

• Perform on back of head
• Create traditional finger wave pattern
• Demonstrate proper ridge formation
• Show correct tool usage

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8. Foiling Simulation - Virgin (10% - 15 minutes)

Requirements:

• Perform on right front of head
• Use 1/4 inch subsections
• Angular and parallel sub-sectioning acceptable
• May start at top or bottom of section
• NO back-to-back foils (virgin hair must be left between foils)
• NO control boards/backboards or preformed weaving combs

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9. Hair Color Retouch Simulation (9% - 10 minutes)

Requirements:

• Perform on right back of head
• Demonstrate retouch application technique
• Simulated product used (handled as if real)
• Show proper sectioning and application

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10. Chemical Relaxing Simulation (12% - 25 minutes)

Requirements:

• Virgin application on left front of head
• Retouch application on left back of head
• Demonstrate without rods
• Show proper product handling and timing

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Required Supplies

General Supplies (for setup)

• Pre-mixed surface sanitizing solution
• Plastic bag for disposables
• Container for blood contamination
• Hand sanitizer (no aerosols)
• Disinfectant wipes (no sprays)
• Counter-top clamp for mannequin
• Proper draping materials

Task-Specific Supplies

You must bring all supplies needed for each procedure. Common items include:

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Important Rules

DO's

• Sanitize hands before starting
• Secure mannequin with counter-top clamp
• Drape mannequin properly
• Follow all timing instructions
• Treat simulated products as if they were real
• Complete each procedure before time is called

DON'Ts

• NO aerosols or disinfectant sprays
• NO talking with other candidates
• NO starting procedures before instructed
• NO using control boards/backboards for foiling
• NO preformed weaving combs
• NO mannequins with snap-on or fastened hair

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong mannequin - Must be new, unprocessed, 8" minimum hair
2. Missing supplies - Bring everything on the supply list
3. Improper sanitation - Follow Section 404 requirements
4. Time management - Practice timing at home
5. Forgetting steps - Follow the sequence for each procedure
6. Talking - Communication between candidates is prohibited
7. Starting early - Wait for examiner instructions

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Exam Day Checklist

Before your exam date, verify:

• Mannequin meets ALL requirements
• All supplies on official list obtained
• Supplies labeled and organized in task bags
• Pre-mixed sanitizing solution prepared
• Valid photo ID ready (name must match registration)
• Exam confirmation printed
• Exam location and time confirmed
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early

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Key Takeaways

• 3.5-hour exam testing 10 different procedures
• Chemical services (perm, relaxer, color, foiling) = 46% of score
• Mannequin must be NEW with minimum 8-inch unprocessed human hair
• NO aerosols or disinfectant sprays allowed
• 70% passing score required
• Study the official NY DOS procedure guide thoroughly
• Practice timing - each procedure has specific time limits