All Practice Exams

100+ Free Level 2 Hairdressing Practice Questions

UK Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing practice questions are available now; exam metadata is being verified.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Level 2 Hairdressing Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

~70%

Typical Theory Pass Mark

City & Guilds / VTCT (provider-dependent)

6002

City & Guilds Hairdressing Number

City & Guilds

20 vol

= 6% Hydrogen Peroxide

Hairdressing colour theory

1-10

ICC Depth Scale (Dark to Light)

International Colour Chart

85-90%

Scalp Hair in Anagen (Growth)

Hair science

The UK Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing is a regulated vocational qualification, awarded by bodies such as City & Guilds (6002) and VTCT, that prepares trainee stylists for salon work. The knowledge component is tested by an externally-set, externally-marked online multiple-choice theory exam, with the number of questions per paper set by the awarding body; practical assessments and an evidence portfolio sit alongside it, and the qualification is graded pass, merit or distinction. Most centres treat around 70% as the theory pass mark. Core content spans health, safety and hygiene; hair and skin science; consultation and contra-indications; shampooing and conditioning; cutting; colouring and lightening; perming and neutralising; styling and dressing long hair; and professional conduct. This free prep includes 100 UK-English practice questions with full explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample Level 2 Hairdressing Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Level 2 Hairdressing exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, who holds the main duty to ensure a safe salon working environment?
A.The local Environmental Health Officer
B.The client
C.The employer
D.The product manufacturer
Explanation: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA) places the primary legal duty on the employer to provide a safe working environment, safe equipment and adequate training. Employees also have duties to take reasonable care, but the overarching responsibility sits with the employer.
2What does the abbreviation COSHH stand for in a hairdressing salon?
A.Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
B.Code of Salon Hygiene and Health
C.Cleaning of Surfaces and Hairdressing Hazards
D.Care of Sterilised Hairdressing Hardware
Explanation: COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. In a salon these regulations cover products such as colours, peroxide, perm lotion and cleaning chemicals, requiring risk assessment, correct storage, handling and disposal.
3Which local authority officer is most likely to inspect a salon for hygiene and registration compliance?
A.Health and Safety Executive inspector only
B.Trading Standards officer
C.Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
D.Fire marshal
Explanation: Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) work for the local authority and inspect salons for hygiene, registration of special treatments where required, infection control and general public-health standards. They can issue improvement notices and enforce local by-laws.
4What is the most effective method of preventing cross-infection when using metal cutting tools between clients?
A.Wiping the blades with a dry tissue
B.Rinsing the tools under cold water
C.Sterilising in an autoclave or using a suitable disinfectant
D.Leaving the tools to air dry overnight
Explanation: Metal tools such as scissors and clipper blades should be sanitised and, where appropriate, sterilised, for example in an autoclave (moist heat under pressure) or with a suitable chemical disinfectant such as a barbicide-type solution. This destroys micro-organisms and prevents cross-infection between clients.
5Why should a hairdresser maintain a good standing posture and avoid bending over a client for long periods?
A.To make the salon look more professional to clients
B.Because it is required by the Data Protection Act
C.To reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and back problems
D.To save electricity at the workstation
Explanation: Good posture, balanced weight and an adjustable chair help prevent musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that are common in hairdressing. This protects the stylist's long-term health and ability to work.
6A small amount of colour is accidentally spilled on the salon floor. What is the correct first action?
A.Leave it and continue with the client
B.Cover it with a towel until the end of the day
C.Place a wet-floor warning sign and clean the spillage promptly
D.Ask the client to step around it
Explanation: Spillages should be dealt with promptly to prevent slips, trips and falls, which are among the most common salon accidents. A warning sign should be displayed and the spillage cleaned using the correct method for the substance, following COSHH guidance.
7Which piece of personal protective equipment protects the stylist's hands when applying colour or bleach?
A.A gown
B.A barrier comb
C.Disposable non-latex gloves
D.Safety goggles only
Explanation: Disposable gloves, ideally non-latex such as nitrile, protect the stylist's skin from contact dermatitis and chemical irritation caused by colour and lightening products. Repeated unprotected exposure is a leading cause of occupational dermatitis in hairdressing.
8What is the main reason for storing hairdressing chemicals such as peroxide away from direct sunlight and heat?
A.To keep the salon tidy
B.Because dark cupboards look more professional
C.To prevent deterioration and reduce the risk of an unstable or hazardous reaction
D.To stop clients seeing the products
Explanation: Hydrogen peroxide and other salon chemicals can deteriorate, lose strength or become unstable if exposed to heat and light. Correct cool, dark storage in line with manufacturer and COSHH guidance maintains product performance and safety.
9Which of the following best describes a hazard in the salon?
A.The likelihood that someone will be harmed
B.A minor accident that has already happened
C.Something with the potential to cause harm
D.A type of insurance cover
Explanation: A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, such as wet floors, electrical equipment or chemicals. Risk, by contrast, is the likelihood that the hazard will actually cause harm and how serious that harm could be.
10Good personal hygiene and fresh breath are important for a hairdresser mainly because they:
A.Are required by COSHH regulations
B.Increase the price that can be charged
C.Help maintain a professional image and client comfort during close personal service
D.Reduce the cost of salon insurance
Explanation: Hairdressing is a close, personal service, so good personal presentation, body hygiene and fresh breath keep the client comfortable and project a professional image, which supports client confidence and repeat business.

About the Level 2 Hairdressing Practice Questions

Verified exam format metadata for UK Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.