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200+ Free LA Alternative Hair Design Practice Questions

Pass your Louisiana Alternative Hair Design Licensing Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
~70-80% Pass Rate
200+ Questions
100% Free
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Question 1
Score: 0/0

An EPA-registered disinfectant used in salons must, at minimum, be:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: LA Alternative Hair Design Exam

70%

Passing Score

LSBC

500 hrs

Training Required

LSBC

~2 hrs

Practical Length

LSBC

$25

License Fee

LSBC

LA RS 37:495

Governing Statute

LA Cosmetology Act

1 year

Renewal Cycle

LSBC

The LA Alternative Hair Design license requires 500 training hours and a passing score of 70% on the state exam. Scope is limited to non-chemical natural hair services: braiding, weaving, locs, and extensions. The $25 license fee renews annually. Average study time is 40-60 hours after completing required training.

Sample LA Alternative Hair Design Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your LA Alternative Hair Design exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which layer of the hair shaft is the outermost protective layer made of overlapping scales?
A.Medulla
B.Cortex
C.Cuticle
D.Follicle
Explanation: The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of overlapping translucent scales that protect the inner cortex.
2Which layer of the hair shaft contains melanin and gives hair its color and strength?
A.Cuticle
B.Cortex
C.Medulla
D.Papilla
Explanation: The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft, contains melanin granules that determine hair color, and provides the strength and elasticity of hair.
3According to the Andre Walker hair-type system, which type describes tightly coiled, kinky hair with a zigzag pattern?
A.Type 1
B.Type 2
C.Type 3
D.Type 4
Explanation: Type 4 hair is tightly coiled or kinky with a zigzag pattern. It is the most fragile hair type and requires careful product and tool selection.
4Approximately how many hairs does a healthy scalp shed per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle?
A.1-10
B.10-50
C.50-100
D.200-300
Explanation: It is normal for a healthy scalp to shed 50-100 hairs per day during the telogen (resting/shedding) phase of the hair growth cycle.
5Which phase of the hair growth cycle is the active growing phase that can last 2-7 years?
A.Anagen
B.Catagen
C.Telogen
D.Exogen
Explanation: Anagen is the active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting 2-7 years. About 85-90% of scalp hair is in anagen at any given time.
6Hair porosity refers to which property?
A.The thickness of each strand
B.The ability of hair to absorb moisture
C.The amount of natural curl
D.The number of hairs per square inch
Explanation: Porosity describes how easily hair absorbs and retains moisture. It is determined largely by the condition and lift of the cuticle scales.
7Low-porosity hair is characterized by which feature?
A.Tightly bound cuticles that resist moisture
B.Highly lifted cuticles that absorb water quickly
C.Inability to grow past chin length
D.Lack of melanin
Explanation: Low-porosity hair has cuticle layers that lie flat and tightly bound, making it resistant to moisture penetration. Heat or specific products may be needed to open the cuticle.
8Hair density refers to which characteristic?
A.The diameter of an individual strand
B.The number of strands per square inch of scalp
C.The natural curl pattern
D.The hair's natural oil level
Explanation: Hair density measures how many individual strands grow per square inch of scalp. It is independent of hair texture (strand diameter).
9Hair texture is best described as:
A.The natural color of the hair
B.The diameter or thickness of an individual hair strand
C.The hair growth rate
D.The number of hairs per follicle
Explanation: Hair texture refers to the diameter (thickness) of an individual strand, typically classified as fine, medium, or coarse.
10Which structure at the base of the follicle supplies nutrients to the growing hair?
A.Cuticle
B.Dermal papilla
C.Medulla
D.Arrector pili
Explanation: The dermal papilla, located at the base of the follicle, contains capillaries that supply nutrients and oxygen to the actively growing hair.

About the LA Alternative Hair Design Exam

The Louisiana Alternative Hair Design Exam is administered by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) under LA RS 37:495. It licenses practitioners in non-chemical hair services such as braiding, weaving, locs, twists, and natural hair extensions. Candidates must complete 500 hours of training and pass both a written exam and a ~2-hour practical demonstration to earn the credential.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

~2 hr practical

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$25 license fee (LA State Board of Cosmetology)

LA Alternative Hair Design Exam Content Outline

18%

Hair Biology & Types

Structure, growth, texture, porosity, hair classification

18%

Alternative Hair Design Techniques

Braiding, weaving, locs, twists (LA non-chemical scope)

14%

Hair Extensions & Weaves

Sew-in, fusion, tape-in, micro-link, removal

12%

Sanitation & Infection Control (LA)

LSBC disinfection rules, EPA disinfectants, tool handling

12%

Scalp & Hair Conditions

Contraindications: alopecia, tinea capitis, pediculosis

10%

Tools & Implements

Combs, brushes, hooks, weaving needles, sectioning tools

10%

Chemistry of Natural Hair Products

pH, surfactants, humectants, oils, butters

6%

LA Law (LA RS 37:495)

LA Cosmetology Act, scope of practice, prohibitions

How to Pass the LA Alternative Hair Design Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 75 questions
  • Time limit: ~2 hr practical
  • Exam fee: $25 license fee

Keys to Passing

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

LA Alternative Hair Design Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize LSBC sanitation rules — they are LA-specific and frequently tested
2Know LA RS 37:495 scope: no chemical services, only natural hair techniques
3Recognize scalp contraindications (tinea capitis, traction alopecia) before service
4Practice the practical workflow within the ~2-hour time limit using a mannequin
5Understand hair porosity and density — these drive product and technique selection

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of training are required for the LA Alternative Hair Design license?

Louisiana requires 500 hours of training at an LSBC-approved school before sitting for the alternative hair design exam. This is significantly less than the 1,500 hours required for a full cosmetology license.

What is the passing score for the LA Alternative Hair Design exam?

Candidates must score at least 70% on both the written and practical portions of the LSBC exam to be licensed. The practical portion is approximately 2 hours long.

What services does the LA Alternative Hair Design license allow?

The license covers non-chemical natural hair services: braiding, weaving, locs, twists, knots, and natural hair extensions. Chemical services (relaxers, perms, color) require a full cosmetology license.