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Free Practice Questions for LA Alternative Hair Design

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Key Facts: LA Alternative Hair Design Exam

70%

Passing Score

LSBC

500 hrs

Training Required

LSBC

100 min

Practical Length (4 phases)

LSBC

$50

Permit Fee

LSBC

LAC 46:XXXI.1101-1107

Governing Rules

Louisiana Administrative Code

1 year

Renewal Cycle

LSBC

The LA Alternative Hair Design permit 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 permit fee is $50, and special permits are valid for one year. Average study time is 40-60 hours after completing required training.

Sample LA Alternative Hair Design Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the LA Alternative Hair Design exam. 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) for its alternative hair design special permit (LAC 46:XXXI.1101-1107). The permit covers non-chemical services such as braiding, weaving, locs, twists, and hair extensions. Candidates must complete at least 500 hours of training and pass the board's exam, including a practical in four timed phases.

Exam sponsor: LA State Board of Cosmetology. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

100-minute practical in 4 timed phases

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$50 permit fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: ~70-80%. LSBC reported This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

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

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.

Not published

History Overview

Ancient origins of braiding, traditional multicultural braid styles, and the multicultural American hair experience

Not published

Bacteriology and Sanitation

Types of bacteria, bacterial growth and reproduction, infection prevention and control, antiseptics, disinfectants and detergents

Not published

Client Consultation

Consulting with clients before alternative hair design services

Not published

Hair Types and Hair Structure

Hair types and the structure of the hair

Not published

Scalp Diseases and Disorders

Recognizing scalp diseases and disorders before service

Not published

Shampoos, Conditioners, Herbal Treatments and Rinses

Products for synthetic hair only

Not published

Braiding and Sculpting

Braiding, twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending and locking hair by hand or with mechanical devices; tested in the four-phase practical

Not published

Louisiana Cosmetology Act and Rules

Special permit rules (LAC 46:XXXI.1101-1107): one-year permits, practice only in board-licensed cosmetology salons, no dyes or reactive chemicals

Preparing for the LA Alternative Hair Design Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 100-minute practical in 4 timed phases
  • Exam / certification fees: $50 permit fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 200 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

LA Alternative Hair Design: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize LSBC sanitation rules — they are LA-specific and frequently tested
2Know the LAC 46:XXXI.101 scope: no dyes, reactive chemicals or other preparations that alter the natural hair
3Recognize scalp contraindications (tinea capitis, traction alopecia) before service
4Practice each timed practical phase on a mannequin: 15, 30, 30 and 25 minutes
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 has four timed phases totaling 100 minutes: a 3-strand over braid (15), cornrows with a sew-in extension (30), bonded extension addition and removal (30), and feed-in braided extensions (25).

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.