Key Takeaways
- Practice questions covering all exam topics help identify knowledge gaps and build confidence.
- Scientific concepts (infection control, anatomy, chemistry) make up about 35% of the exam.
- Hair services (cutting, coloring, chemical) account for approximately 45% of exam content.
- Understanding the "why" behind each answer is more valuable than memorizing answers.
- Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to deepen understanding.
Comprehensive Practice Questions
This section contains practice questions covering all major topics on the cosmetology state board exam. Work through these questions to assess your readiness and identify areas that need additional study.
How to Use This Section
- Simulate exam conditions - Set a timer, no notes
- Answer all questions - Don't skip any
- Review every explanation - Even for questions you got right
- Track your results - Note topics where you struggle
- Study weak areas - Then return and retake
Topic Coverage
These practice questions cover:
| Topic Area | Number of Questions | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Infection Control & Safety | 5 questions | ~15% |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 4 questions | ~10% |
| Chemistry | 3 questions | ~10% |
| Hair Cutting | 4 questions | ~15% |
| Hair Coloring | 4 questions | ~15% |
| Chemical Services | 4 questions | ~15% |
| Skin Care | 3 questions | ~10% |
| Nail Care | 3 questions | ~5% |
| Total | 30 questions | ~100% |
What is the MINIMUM contact time required for most EPA-registered disinfectants to be effective?
Which type of hepatitis is most easily transmitted through contaminated blood in the salon?
What is the correct procedure if you accidentally cut a client during a service?
Which of the following is the highest level of decontamination?
An EPA-registered disinfectant must be effective against which of the following at minimum?
The hair growth cycle phase where the hair is actively growing is called:
Which layer of the hair is responsible for the hair's strength and elasticity?
The muscle attached to the hair follicle that causes goosebumps is the:
Which skin layer contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and hair follicles?
A pH of 7 indicates a substance that is:
Hair's natural pH ranges from approximately:
Which type of bond in the cortex is broken by water and heat?
When performing a 45-degree elevation haircut, where do you direct the hair?
Which cutting technique removes bulk and weight from thick hair without changing the length?
The guideline used to create uniform layers that fall to the same length is called:
For a solid-form (one-length) haircut, what elevation should be used?
Natural hair color level is determined by the amount of:
What underlying pigment is revealed when lifting level 5 (light brown) hair?
A client with level 4 hair wants to go to level 8. How many levels of lift are needed?
Which color would you use to neutralize unwanted orange tones in hair?
In a permanent wave, which chemical breaks the disulfide bonds?
How long should a patch test be performed before a chemical service?
What determines the size and tightness of curl in a permanent wave?
Chemical hair relaxers work by breaking which type of bond?
The Fitzpatrick Scale is used to classify:
Which of the following is a contraindication for waxing services?
During a facial, in what direction should massage movements generally flow?
The natural nail is primarily made of:
The living tissue under the nail that supplies blood is called the:
What is the proper angle for holding a nail file when shaping natural nails?