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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Exam

3 Years

Program Duration

SOLAS

50%

Module Passing Score

QQI

€0

Apprentice Exam Fees

NHA

Level 6

QQI Award Level

NFQ Ireland

23%

Irish Retail VAT

Revenue Commissioners

13.5% / 9%

Salon Services VAT

Revenue Commissioners

HSA

Safety Regulator

HSA Ireland

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing is the national craft qualification in Ireland, typically completed as a 3-year apprenticeship. It costs €0 in fees for registered apprentices and requires a 50% passing score on theoretical and practical modules. The curriculum covers advanced color correction, chemical texturizing, hair/scalp science, Irish safety and GDPR regulations, and commercial/creative styling.

Sample ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A client presents with uneven, band-like pigment build-up from repeated home coloring and wants to transition to a uniform Level 7 copper blonde. Which advanced color correction process should be performed first?

A.Apply a Level 7 copper blonde tint with 20-volume developer directly over the bands

B.Perform a selective color reduction or gentle cleansing wash targeting the darker bands to lift the build-up

C.Apply a high-lift blonde tint across all hair from roots to ends to equalize the color

D.Perform a pre-pigmentation treatment using a Level 6 red-copper tone on the mid-lengths

Explanation: Selective color reduction or a cleansing wash is necessary to break down and lift the built-up artificial pigment bands before applying the target shade. Applying tint directly over artificial pigment will not lift it, as tint cannot lift tint. A high-lift tint is also ineffective on artificial pigment and will result in hot roots. Pre-pigmentation is only used when darkening hair, not when lifting build-up.

2When correcting hair that has been over-bleached to a pale Level 10 and needs to be returned to a Level 6 chocolate brown, why is a pre-pigmentation (filler) step essential?

A.To raise the pH of the hair cuticles so the permanent color can penetrate the cortex

B.To replace the missing warm red and orange underlying pigments that were stripped out during bleaching

C.To act as a barrier that prevents the target Level 6 shade from damaging the porous ends

D.To neutralize unwanted yellow tones still present in the lightened hair shaft

Explanation: Pre-pigmentation replaces the underlying warm pigments (red, copper, yellow) that are necessary to support the target darker shade. Without this step, the final brown color will look khaki, green, or muddy and will fade extremely quickly due to high porosity. Pre-pigmentation does not protect against damage or adjust cuticle pH in a structural way. Neutralizing yellow is done when toning to blonde, not when darkening.

3A senior colorist is diluting a 30-volume (9%) hydrogen peroxide solution to obtain a 20-volume (6%) solution. What is the correct mixing ratio of 30-volume peroxide to water?

A.1 part 30-volume peroxide to 1 part water

B.2 parts 30-volume peroxide to 1 part water

C.3 parts 30-volume peroxide to 1 part water

D.2 parts 30-volume peroxide to 2 parts water

Explanation: To dilute 30-volume peroxide to 20-volume, you use a ratio of 2 parts of 30-volume peroxide to 1 part of water. This mathematically reduces the concentration: (30 * 2/3) + (0 * 1/3) = 20. A 1:1 ratio would yield 15-volume, and a 3:1 ratio would yield 22.5-volume. Dilution calculations must be precise to ensure consistent lifting power in the salon.

4A client has hair that has lifted to a yellow-orange raw underlying pigment (Level 8). Which toner tone should be selected to neutralize this unwanted warmth and achieve a neutral beige blonde?

A.A violet-blue based toner

B.A yellow-green based toner

C.A red-violet based toner

D.A pure blue-based toner

Explanation: According to color theory, a violet-blue based toner neutralizes yellow-orange warmth because violet neutralizes yellow and blue neutralizes orange. Using a pure blue toner would leave yellow tones unchanged, creating green. A red-violet based toner would neutralize yellow but add red tones, making the hair look strawberry. Yellow-green would intensify yellow and create a muddy khaki green.

5Which type of hair color does not penetrate the cortex and only coats the outer cuticle layer, making it wash out in 1 to 2 shampoos?

A.Semi-permanent color

B.Temporary color

C.Demi-permanent color

D.Quasi-permanent color

Explanation: Temporary hair colors have large dye molecules that only coat the surface of the cuticle and cannot penetrate the hair shaft, meaning they wash out easily. Semi-permanent colors have smaller molecules that penetrate slightly into the cuticle/cortex boundary and last 6-8 shampoos. Demi-permanent and quasi-permanent colors use developers to deposit dye molecules inside the cortex, lasting much longer.

6Why is a skin patch test (allergy alert test) mandatory at least 48 hours prior to an oxidative color service under Irish hairdressing standards?

A.To determine if the hair porosity can withstand the developer volume

B.To detect any hypersensitivity or contact dermatitis reactions to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) or related chemicals

C.To check if the natural pigment levels are suitable for the target shade

D.To ensure the client's hair cuticles will open properly during the tinting process

Explanation: Oxidative hair colors contain PPD or other sensitizing color intermediates that can cause severe allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, or anaphylaxis. Performing a patch test 48 hours prior detects these hypersensitivity reactions. The skin test does not evaluate hair porosity, natural pigment levels, or cuticle behavior. Failure to perform a patch test violates standard professional practice and manufacturer instructions.

7During a double-process blonde service, a client's hair lifts to a Level 9 (yellow) but the scalp starts stinging severely. What is the immediate correct action to take?

A.Apply a cool water spray to soothe the scalp and continue the service

B.Rinse the lightener out immediately with cool water and evaluate the scalp for irritation or chemical burns

C.Lower the temperature of the hood dryer to decrease the chemical activity

D.Apply the toner directly over the lightener to neutralize the stinging sensation

Explanation: Severe stinging suggests a chemical burn or acute skin irritation. The lightener must be rinsed out immediately with cool water to stop the chemical reaction, and the scalp must be evaluated. Continuing the service or applying toner (which is also chemical) over lightener would worsen the burn and damage the scalp. Dryers should not be used with scalp lighteners, as they increase the risk of burns.

8Which developer strength is most appropriate when using a demi-permanent color to deposit pigment and blend up to 50% grey hair without lifting the natural base?

A.20-volume (6%) developer

B.10-volume (3%) or lower developer (e.g., 6-volume / 1.8%)

C.30-volume (9%) developer

D.40-volume (12%) developer

Explanation: Demi-permanent colors are deposit-only and do not require significant lift. A lower volume developer like 10-volume or lower is sufficient to deposit pigment without lifting the natural base. 20-volume developer is typically used for gray coverage with permanent color because it provides 1 level of lift. 30-volume and 40-volume developers provide significant lift and would open the cuticles excessively, causing damage and shifting the natural base color.

9A client with Level 5 natural hair wants a hand-painted balayage effect with Level 8 golden ends. What type of lightener and application technique is best suited to achieve this soft transition?

A.An on-the-scalp powder bleach with foil highlights

B.A clay-based lightener applied using open-air, freehand painting techniques

C.A liquid high-lift tint applied with a tint bottle and sponge

D.A cream lightener applied under a warm hood dryer with plastic wrap

Explanation: Clay-based lighteners are designed specifically for freehand balayage because they dry on the outside to prevent bleeding onto surrounding hair while staying moist on the inside to continue lifting. Open-air painting ensures a soft, natural transition without harsh foil lines. Foil highlights create structured streaks rather than a swept balayage effect. High-lift tints are less effective at hand-painted lifting on natural Level 5 bases.

10A client has 80% grey hair and wants to color it back to a Level 6 medium brown. To ensure full grey coverage, how should the color formula be mixed?

A.Use 100% of a Level 6 fashion shade (like violet or red) with 20-volume developer

B.Mix equal parts (50:50) of a Level 6 natural series base shade and the Level 6 fashion shade

C.Mix 25% natural series base shade and 75% fashion shade with 10-volume developer

D.Use only semi-permanent fashion colors without any natural base tones

Explanation: Grey hair lacks natural base pigment. To achieve full coverage when using a fashion shade, it must be mixed with a natural series base (e.g., N, Neutral, or Gold) in a 50:50 ratio for 70-80% grey. Using fashion shades alone results in translucent, overly vibrant, or hollow coverage. 20-volume developer is the industry standard for grey coverage as it opens the resistant grey cuticle.

About the ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Exam

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing is Ireland's national standard for qualified hairdressers, delivered through the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship. This qualification validates advanced practical skills in styling, cutting, coloring, color correction, and permanent texturizing, as well as crucial business skills in salon management, leadership, customer relations, and Irish health and safety and GDPR regulations.

Assessment

Continuous assessment, practical demonstrations, and online theory examinations

Time Limit

Varies by module (typically 90-120 minutes per written exam)

Passing Score

50% (Pass)

Exam Fee

€0 (Fully funded) (Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) & SOLAS)

ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Exam Content Outline

25%

Advanced Coloring & Color Correction

Color chemistry, neutralizing underlying pigment levels 1-10, decolouring/bleaching, pre-pigmentation fillers, skin patch testing, and advanced balayage techniques.

20%

Chemical Styling & Permanent Texturizing

Ammonium thioglycolate perming, glyceryl monothioglycolate acid perms, sodium hydroxide lanthionization relaxing, neutralization chemistry, and winding patterns.

20%

Hair Diagnostics & Trichology

Anatomy of hair layers, hair growth cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen), scalp infections (tinea capitis, pediculosis), structural abnormalities, and diagnostic testing.

15%

Salon Management & Legislation

Salon operations, retail margin calculations, standard 23% retail VAT and reduced services VAT, Irish GDPR client records storage, customer complaint resolution, and team leadership.

20%

Commercial Styling & Creative Design

Precision haircutting elevations (0, 45, 90, 180 degrees), stationary vs. traveling guides, roll base placements, formal up-styling structure, and design principles.

How to Pass the ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50% (Pass)
Assessment: Continuous assessment, practical demonstrations, and online theory examinations
Time limit: Varies by module (typically 90-120 minutes per written exam)
Exam fee: €0 (Fully funded)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the color wheel and underlying pigment levels 1-10 to excel in color correction questions.

2Understand the chemical differences between ammonium thioglycolate (reducing agent) and sodium hydroxide (lanthionization).

3Learn the diagnostic tests, especially the 1:20 compatibility test for metallic salts and wet elasticity tests.

4Review Irish safety laws, including HSA Chemical Agents Regulations and the requirement for site-specific Safety Statements.

5Study salon business mathematics, including profit margins, Irish VAT rates (23% retail / 13.5% services, with services reducing to 9% from July 1, 2026), and GDPR compliance for client record storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing?

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Hairdressing is Ireland's official national qualification for hairdressing. It is delivered via the 3-year National Hairdressing Apprenticeship program (80% on-the-job training in a salon and 20% off-the-job training in a Further Education center) or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for senior stylists with 5+ years of experience.

What are the entry requirements for the apprenticeship?

Applicants must be employed in an approved salon registered with the apprenticeship consortium. Educational requirements include a QQI Level 4 Major Award (or equivalent, such as a Leaving Certificate). Alternatively, candidates can qualify with 2 years of full-time experience in a commercial hair salon and passing a professional entry assessment.

How much does the exam and qualification cost?

For registered apprentices in Ireland, there are no tuition or exam fees (fully subsidized). For senior stylists pursuing the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) certification route, registration and assessment fees typically average around €100. Stylists are expected to supply their own tools and kits.

How are the assessments and exams structured?

Assessments are divided into continuous on-the-job evaluations signed off by a salon mentor, off-the-job practical timed exams (such as performing a complete cut, color correction, and style on a model under exam conditions), and online theoretical multiple-choice or written exams hosted on the Moodle-based 'HairApp' portal.

What is the passing mark for the theory modules?

QQI Level 6 modules require a minimum passing score of 50% on all theoretical examinations and practical assessments. Final module marks determine the grade: Pass (50%-64%), Merit (65%-79%), or Distinction (80%-100%). Safety-critical parameters (such as sanitation and chemical safety) require 100% compliance.

What topics are tested on the advanced hairdressing exam?

The examination syllabus covers five main domains: 1. Advanced coloring and color correction (neutralizing tones, pre-pigmentation). 2. Chemical texturizing (alkaline perms, chemical relaxing lanthionization). 3. Hair diagnostics and trichology (scalp diseases like ringworm, growth cycles, hair shaft structures). 4. Salon operations and Irish legislation (standard 23% retail VAT, services VAT rate structure, GDPR compliance for client records, and HSA safety statements). 5. Commercial precision cutting (elevations) and up-styling design principles.