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GHABA National Proficiency I Examination (Hairdressing & Beauty), Ghana

Practice Questions100 questions

Sample GHABA Proficiency II Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the GHABA Proficiency II exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A client wants a permanent shade two levels lighter than her natural level 5 brown using a single-process oxidative tint. Which developer strength is the correct choice to achieve roughly two levels of lift while depositing colour?

A.10 volume (3%)

B.20 volume (6%)

C.30 volume (9%)

D.40 volume (12%)

Explanation: 20 volume developer contains 6% hydrogen peroxide and is the standard strength for single-process colour that lifts about one to two levels while depositing the new tone. Two levels of lift on a level 5 base is comfortably within its range.

2When natural dark hair is decolourised (bleached), the pigment passes through a predictable sequence of exposed undertones as melanin breaks down. What is the correct order from least to most lift?

A.Yellow, orange, red, pale yellow

B.Red, orange, yellow, pale yellow

C.Pale yellow, yellow, orange, red

D.Orange, red, yellow, pale yellow

Explanation: As dark hair lifts, the warm pigment is exposed in the order red, then orange, then yellow, and finally pale yellow as it approaches the lightest stage. Recognising the current stage tells the colourist how much further lift is needed and which toner to apply.

3A blonde client's hair has lifted to a level 9 but shows an unwanted brassy yellow tone. Based on colour-wheel neutralisation, which toner base will best cancel the yellow?

A.Green

B.Violet

C.Orange

D.Red

Explanation: Violet sits opposite yellow on the colour wheel, so a violet (purple) toner or shampoo neutralises unwanted yellow brassiness. This is why purple toning products are used to keep lifted blonde hair cool and clean.

4In a cold (alkaline) permanent wave, what is the chemical role of the reducing agent ammonium thioglycolate applied as the waving lotion?

A.It reforms disulfide bonds in their new shape

B.It breaks disulfide bonds by reduction so the hair can be re-formed

C.It raises the hair's natural pigment for lightening

D.It hardens the keratin to lock the existing shape

Explanation: The waving lotion's reducing agent, ammonium thioglycolate, breaks (reduces) the disulfide cross-links in the keratin by adding hydrogen to the sulfur atoms. This softens the hair so it can take the shape of the rod before the bonds are re-set.

5After processing a cold wave, the stylist applies the neutraliser. Which chemical reaction does the neutraliser perform to make the new curl permanent?

A.Reduction that breaks the remaining bonds

B.Oxidation that reforms the disulfide bonds in their new positions

C.Hydrolysis that dissolves the cuticle

D.Saponification that emulsifies sebum

Explanation: The neutraliser is an oxidising agent, usually dilute hydrogen peroxide, that reforms the disulfide bonds while the hair is curled around the rod. Oxidation locks the keratin into its new curled configuration, making the wave permanent.

6A client requests a true acid permanent wave instead of a cold wave. Which statement correctly describes a true acid wave?

A.It uses sodium hydroxide at pH above 12

B.It works in the pH 4 to 7 range and usually requires added heat

C.It is the strongest, fastest wave producing the firmest curl

D.It needs no neutralising step

Explanation: A true acid wave operates in roughly the pH 4 to 7 range, processes more slowly than an alkaline cold wave, and usually requires the addition of heat. It is gentler on fragile or tinted hair but produces a softer curl.

7Hydroxide (lye) relaxers and thioglycolate (thio) relaxers straighten hair differently. What is the key chemical difference in how a sodium hydroxide relaxer permanently straightens the hair?

A.It only coats the hair shaft with a film

B.It converts disulfide bonds into lanthionine bonds, which cannot be reformed

C.It oxidises melanin to soften the hair

D.It is neutralised with hydrogen peroxide like a thio relaxer

Explanation: A sodium hydroxide (lye) relaxer removes a sulfur atom from a disulfide bond and converts it into a single lanthionine bond. This change is permanent and is why hydroxide relaxers are not neutralised by oxidation; the bond cannot be reformed.

8A no-lye relaxer kit instructs the user to mix a cream activator into the base before use. Which hydroxide is typically generated by this mixing process?

A.Sodium hydroxide

B.Guanidine hydroxide

C.Ammonium thioglycolate

D.Hydrogen peroxide

Explanation: No-lye relaxers commonly mix calcium hydroxide with guanidine carbonate just before use to form guanidine hydroxide, the active straightening agent. This on-the-spot activation is why no-lye kits require mixing two components.

9Before any chemical relaxer service, why should a strand test and scalp examination be carried out?

A.To choose the salon's retail products

B.To assess hair strength, porosity and detect scalp abrasions that contraindicate the service

C.To decide the client's hairstyle for the day

D.To measure the client's hair length for pricing

Explanation: A strand test gauges how the hair will react and how long to process, while the scalp examination checks for cuts, abrasions or disease. Open lesions or very weak hair contraindicate a caustic relaxer, so this safety check protects the client.

10An advanced layered cut requires the hair to be lifted to a high angle from the head. Which elevation produces the most graduation and shortest layers compared with the interior length?

A.0 degrees (no elevation)

B.45 degrees

C.90 degrees and above

D.Negative elevation below the natural fall

Explanation: Elevating sections to 90 degrees and above removes weight and creates layered, lighter shapes; the higher the elevation, the more layering and graduation. At 0 degrees the hair stays one length, so high elevation is what builds advanced layers.

About the GHABA Proficiency II Exam

GHABA National Proficiency II is the advanced (second-level) hairdressing and beauty qualification of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association, set above Proficiency I. It tests advanced practical skill and the underpinning theory of chemical services, colouring and bleaching, trichology, advanced skin and nail work, makeup, salon safety and management.

Exam sponsor: Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The GHABA Proficiency II assessment is an advanced-level qualification combining a written/theory component (multiple-choice and short written items) with a practical examination. This free bank focuses on the theory knowledge with 100 single-best-answer MCQs.

Time Limit

Set by GHABA and the examining centre; practise full sets under timed conditions.

Passing Score

GHABA does not publish a single fixed national pass mark; candidates must demonstrate competence across theory and practical work. Aim to score consistently above 70% in practice.

Exam / Certification Fees

Examination and certification fees are set locally by GHABA branches and training centres and are not published as one fixed national figure. Confirm the current Proficiency II fee with your branch.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

16%

Chemical Services (Relaxing and Perming)

Hydroxide vs thio relaxers, pH, disulfide-bond chemistry, neutralising, retouch technique, perm processing and incompatibilities.

14%

Trichology and Hair/Scalp Disorders

Alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, tinea capitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, hair structure and contraindications for referral.

13%

Advanced Nail Technology

Acrylic and UV/LED gel enhancements, nail anatomy, onychomycosis and other nail conditions, and safe application.

12%

Hair Colouring and Bleaching

Developer volumes and peroxide strength, the level system, underlying pigment, colour-wheel neutralisation, toning and pre-lightening.

11%

Advanced Skin and Facial Treatments

Skin anatomy, skin-type analysis, facial procedures and contraindications such as active herpes simplex.

Advanced Cutting and Styling

Elevation and graduation, thinning and texturising, thermal styling and the bonds reshaped during setting.

Makeup Artistry

Colour correction, long-wear bridal and photographic technique, and hygienic use of brushes and sponges.

Sanitation and Infection Control

Cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, the autoclave, decontamination order and prevention of cross-infection.

Salon Management

Client record cards, stock control and professional salon operations.

Client Consultation

Needs assessment, porosity and elasticity tests, patch testing and agreeing realistic results.

Preparing for the GHABA Proficiency II Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: GHABA does not publish a single fixed national pass mark; candidates must demonstrate competence across theory and practical work. Aim to score consistently above 70% in practice.
Assessment: The GHABA Proficiency II assessment is an advanced-level qualification combining a written/theory component (multiple-choice and short written items) with a practical examination. This free bank focuses on the theory knowledge with 100 single-best-answer MCQs.
Time limit: Set by GHABA and the examining centre; practise full sets under timed conditions.
Exam / certification fees: Examination and certification fees are set locally by GHABA branches and training centres and are not published as one fixed national figure. Confirm the current Proficiency II fee with your branch. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GHABA Proficiency II: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the chemistry first: learn developer volumes (10 vol = 3%, 20 vol = 6%, 30 vol = 9%, 40 vol = 12%), the level and underlying-pigment system, and the difference between hydroxide and thio relaxers, as these reward exam questions.

2Learn to recognise hair and scalp disorders such as alopecia areata, tinea capitis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, and know which conditions are contraindications that require you to decline the service and refer the client.

3Do not neglect sterilisation, infection control and consultation; questions on the autoclave, decontamination order, patch tests and contraindications are reliable marks if revised, and they protect you and your clients in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GHABA National Proficiency II Examination?

It is the advanced (second-level) hairdressing and beauty qualification awarded by the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), set above Proficiency I. It assesses both advanced practical skill and the supporting theory across chemical services, colouring, trichology, skin, nail and makeup work, and salon safety and management.

How is Proficiency II different from Proficiency I?

Proficiency II is the advanced level. It goes beyond foundation hairdressing into advanced cutting and graduation, hair colouring and bleaching chemistry, chemical relaxing and perming, trichology and scalp disorders, and advanced skin, facial and nail services, requiring deeper theory and more demanding practical work.

What topics does the GHABA Proficiency II theory cover?

Core areas include chemical relaxing and perming, hair colouring and bleaching, trichology and hair and scalp disorders, advanced skin and facial treatments, makeup, advanced nail technology, sterilisation and infection control, client consultation, and salon management. This free bank gives 100 practice questions across these areas.

Is there an official pass mark and fee for the GHABA exam?

GHABA does not publish a single fixed national pass mark or fee; assessment requires demonstrating competence in both theory and practical work, and fees are set locally by branches and training centres. Confirm the current standard and fee with your GHABA branch, and aim to score above 70% in practice.