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Exam Review

Key Facts: TN Natural Hair Stylist Exam

300 hrs

Training Required

TN Board of Cosmetology

$140

PSI Exam Fee

TN CIB

$60

License Fee

TN Department of Commerce

Written + Practical

Exam Format

PSI

16

Minimum Age

Tenn Code 62-4

2 yrs

License Renewal

TN Board

The TN Natural Hair Stylist exam requires 300 hours of training and tests natural hair styling, extensions, sanitation, scalp conditions, and TN law (Tenn Code 62-4). The exam costs $140 plus a $60 license fee. The license allows non-chemical natural hair services including braiding, twisting, locking, and weaving.

Sample TN Natural Hair Stylist Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TN Natural Hair Stylist exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the outermost layer of the hair shaft called?
A.Medulla
B.Cortex
C.Cuticle
D.Follicle
Explanation: The cuticle is the tough outer layer made of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner hair structure. A healthy, flat cuticle reflects light and prevents moisture loss — critical for textured hair styling.
2Which hair type classification (Andre Walker system) describes tight, springy coils with a small diameter?
A.Type 1
B.Type 2
C.Type 3
D.Type 4
Explanation: Type 4 hair in the Andre Walker system is tightly coiled with the smallest curl diameter. Type 4 is subdivided into 4A (S-pattern coils), 4B (Z-pattern), and 4C (tightest, most fragile). Most TN Natural Hair Stylist clients have Type 3 or 4 hair.
3Which layer of the hair gives it pigment and strength?
A.Cortex
B.Medulla
C.Dermal papilla
D.Cuticle
Explanation: The cortex is the middle layer that contains melanin (pigment) and keratin fibers, giving hair its color, strength, and elasticity. About 90% of the hair's weight is in the cortex.
4What is the active growing phase of the hair cycle called?
A.Catagen
B.Telogen
C.Anagen
D.Exogen
Explanation: Anagen is the active growth phase, lasting 2–7 years. Catagen is the transitional phase (~2 weeks), telogen is the resting phase (~3 months), and exogen is shedding. About 85–90% of scalp hairs are in anagen at any time.
5Hair porosity refers to:
A.The hair's ability to absorb moisture
B.The number of hairs per square inch
C.The thickness of individual strands
D.The hair's natural color
Explanation: Porosity describes how easily hair absorbs and retains moisture, determined by the cuticle layer. Low-porosity hair resists moisture (tight cuticle); high-porosity hair absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast (raised/damaged cuticle). Porosity guides product selection for natural hair.
6What does hair density measure?
A.Number of hairs per square inch of scalp
B.Length of the hair
C.Curl tightness
D.Diameter of a single strand
Explanation: Density is the number of individual hair strands per square inch of scalp — low, medium, or high. Density differs from texture (strand diameter) and affects how thick braids look and how much extension hair is needed.
7Which hair texture describes the diameter of an individual strand?
A.Fine, medium, coarse
B.Type 1, 2, 3, 4
C.Low, medium, high porosity
D.Anagen, catagen, telogen
Explanation: Texture refers to strand diameter — fine, medium, or coarse. Coarse hair has the largest diameter and is most resistant to chemical penetration; fine hair has the smallest diameter and tangles more easily. Texture is independent of curl pattern.
8Type 4C hair is characterized by:
A.Loose S-shaped waves
B.Spiral curls with defined ringlets
C.Tightly packed Z-pattern coils with minimal visible curl pattern
D.Straight, fine texture
Explanation: Type 4C hair has the tightest curl pattern, forming a zig-zag (Z-pattern) with little to no defined curl. It has high shrinkage (up to 75%), is the most fragile, and benefits from low-manipulation natural styles like twists, braids, and locs.
9The dermal papilla supplies what to the hair follicle?
A.Blood and nutrients
B.Sebum
C.Keratin
D.Pigment
Explanation: The dermal papilla is a cone-shaped structure at the base of the follicle filled with capillaries that supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the growing hair. Damage to the papilla can permanently end hair growth from that follicle.
10Sebum is produced by which gland?
A.Sebaceous gland
B.Pituitary gland
C.Endocrine gland
D.Sweat gland
Explanation: Sebum, the natural oil that lubricates hair and scalp, is produced by sebaceous (oil) glands attached to each hair follicle. Coily hair texture makes it harder for sebum to travel down the shaft, which is why natural hair tends to be drier than straight hair.

About the TN Natural Hair Stylist Exam

The Tennessee Natural Hair Stylist Examination is administered by PSI on behalf of the TN Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners. It tests natural hair styling skills including braiding, twisting, locking, weaving, sanitation, scalp conditions, and Tennessee law. Candidates must complete 300 hours of training at a TN-licensed school. The exam includes both a written and a practical portion.

Exam sponsor: PSI / TN Board of Cosmetology & Barber Examiners. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

75 questions

Time Limit

Per CIB

Passing Score

Per PSI CIB

Exam / Certification Fees

$140

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. TN Board does not publish 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.

18%

Hair Biology & Types

Hair structure, curl patterns, porosity, density, growth cycles

18%

Natural Styling Techniques

Braiding, twisting, locking, coiling, knotting, wrapping

14%

Hair Extensions & Weaves

Sewn-in, crochet, micro-link, bonded extension methods

12%

Sanitation & Infection Control

TN Board disinfection rules, EPA disinfectants, blood spills

12%

Scalp & Hair Conditions

Traction alopecia, dermatitis, contraindications, referrals

10%

Tools & Implements

Combs, hooks, sectioning clips, proper handling and storage

10%

Chemistry of Natural Hair Products

pH, humectants, surfactants, oils, product selection

6%

TN Law

Tenn Code 62-4, Board rules, scope, 300-hour training

Preparing for the TN Natural Hair Stylist Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Per PSI CIB
  • Exam length: 75 questions
  • Time limit: Per CIB
  • Exam / certification fees: $140 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

TN Natural Hair Stylist: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master TN Board disinfection rules — sanitation appears throughout the written and practical exams
2Practice timed cornrow and two-strand twist sections on a mannequin for the practical
3Memorize the 300-hour scope: no chemicals, no cutting beyond what is incidental to styling
4Know the difference between traction alopecia and androgenetic alopecia for scalp questions
5Review Tenn Code 62-4 and TN Board rules on sanitation, supervision, and license display

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours does Tennessee require for a Natural Hair Stylist license?

Tennessee requires 300 hours of natural hair styling training at a TN-licensed cosmetology or natural hair stylist school. This is far less than the 1,500 hours required for a full cosmetology license.

What does the TN Natural Hair Stylist license allow you to do?

The license permits non-chemical natural hair styling: braiding, twisting, locking, weaving, extensions, wrapping, and shampooing. Chemical services such as relaxers, perms, and color require a full cosmetology license.

How much does the TN Natural Hair Stylist exam cost?

The PSI examination fee is $140 (written + practical) and the TN initial license fee is $60, for a total of approximately $200 to be licensed. Retake fees apply if you fail a portion.