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110 Questions Cosmetology State Board Exam 1 – With Hints

This free set has 110 mixed theory questions with optional hints. Its 120-minute study timer starts when this page loads, so it may already be running while you read this introduction.

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How to use this practice set
  1. Choose an answer first. Open a hint when you are stuck.
  2. Use Submit at the end to view your result and any available explanations. Keep a short list of topics to revisit.
  3. Choose a topic below and practice it separately before trying another mixed set.

For a shorter mixed round, try 10 free course questions with explanations →. No account or card; full course access is paid.

For focused practice, try 20 free infection-control questions →. Or choose another topic set.

This is independent theory practice. Official question counts, timing and required exam sections vary by state. Find your state’s licensing guide.

Welcome to your Cosmetology State Board Licensing Practice Exam (110 Questions + Explanation) - Exam 1

1. 
When performing hair coloring, which of the following requires a predisposition (patch) test?

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2. 
Temporary hair colors do not require a patch (predisposition) test. These products usually contain water, herbs, azo dye, and which of the following?

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3. 
What is one of the most common characteristics of hair that has been over-processed by chemical relaxers?

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4. 
You are about to use a thermal iron on a client's natural fine hair. What heat and pressure setting should you apply?

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5. 
What part of the hair structure determines the hair's natural color?

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6. 
Human hair is made up of elements like oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, amino acids, and carbon. Which element makes up the highest percentage in human hair?

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7. 
Which type of electrical current is mainly used for its heat-producing effects in cosmetology?

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8. 
According to the Board of Cosmetology, who is officially responsible for the salon?

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9. 
What is the ability of the human body to resist and destroy harmful bacteria called?

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10. 
Proper conduct in relation to your employer and co-workers is called professional:

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11. 
What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

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12. 
Massage cream is used to lubricate the skin. The emulsions commonly used in salons are oil-in-water types, which are mixtures made by combining two or more:

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13. 
If a client has straight, fine, and soft hair, what is the best way to make their hair look thicker and fuller?

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14. 
What is the primary purpose of using a toner after facial cleansing?

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15. 
When performing a thermal hair pressing, special care must be taken at the hairline. Which of the following is the correct method to use?

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16. 
What is the term for cutting hair at a graduated angle, starting from the nape and working up toward the crown?

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17. 
Brightening or highlighting shampoos are created by adding hydrogen peroxide and ammonia water to a temporary hair color. They are also used to tone down overly lightened hair and neutralize which unwanted color?

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18. 
Which hair-color category historically included lead-acetate formulas, before FDA stopped permitting lead acetate in scalp hair-color products?

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19. 
Vaccinations are an example of which type of immunity?

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20. 
Immunity that is inherited is referred to as:

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21. 
Which of the following is NOT a technique used for thinning hair?

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22. 
What does a cell — the smallest unit of living matter — contain?

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23. 
Thinning the hair is usually performed at which area?

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24. 
Which face shape is considered the ideal or most balanced?

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25. 
An apparatus that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) is called a converter. What is the name of the device that changes alternating current to direct current?

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26. 
To lift an extremely heavy object, use the muscles of the:

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27. 
Sponges used during the facial cleansing procedure should be kept:

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28. 
Which one of the following is not correct?

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29. 
Which one of the following is not considered an antiseptic?

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30. 
What is the most important reason for performing a patch test before applying a hair color product?

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31. 
Which of the following is not a correct technique when doing sculpture (pin) curling?

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32. 
For shampooing bleached hair, what is the best method to avoid damage?

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33. 
A nonconductor is an insulating material that resists the flow of electric current, such as:

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34. 
Dry and over-bleached hair can be more manageable and softer if shampooed with:

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35. 
To pick up an article on the floor, what muscles are being used?

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36. 
Human cells of the body reproduce by mitosis. Protoplasm is a colorless, jelly-like substance found in:

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37. 
Which face shape would benefit the most from a hairstyle that adds width at the forehead?

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38. 
Yellow-orange, red-violet, blue-green, and blue-violet are tertiary colors. Which of the following are the secondary colors?

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39. 
When repeated color applications make the hair progressively darker, what is this process called?

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40. 
When using infra-red rays during a facial treatment, what is the recommended distance between the lamp and the client's skin? The exposure should last around 5 minutes.

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41. 
To sanitize a chamois-covered nail buffer, the chamois should be removed and submerged in:

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42. 
Bleaching the hair before applying toner is necessary to lighten the natural hair color and also to improve:

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43. 
What is the name of the main muscle located at the front of the upper arm?

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44. 
The type of pin curl base used mainly at the front or facial line of the forehead is the:

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45. 
Which of the following ingredients is not usually found in a good cleansing cream?

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46. 
When performing a facial treatment, why is it important to explain the steps and reasons to the client?

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47. 
What is the name of the two-step process where the hair is first heavily lightened, and then recolored using a toner?

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48. 
To make close-set eyes look farther apart, the space between the eyebrows should be equal to the width of:

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49. 
If you lose the printed copy of your cosmetology license, what is the best way to request a replacement?

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50. 
When using hot wax to remove unwanted hair, how should you test the wax temperature before applying it to the client's skin?

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51. 
Which muscle is responsible for raising the hair when a person feels cold or scared?

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52. 
Which service should you avoid when working on a pregnant client?

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53. 
Primary colors are blue, yellow, and red. What is the darkest color among the primary colors?

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54. 
The high-frequency current often used in beauty salons is known as the Tesla current. What is its more common name?

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55. 
It will be helpful to a student's success to develop a:

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56. 
What is the main ingredient in a water-in-oil emulsion?

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57. 
For close-set eyes, where should eyeshadow be applied to create a balanced look?

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58. 
What does melanin protect the skin from?

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59. 
The attire worn by a person providing services to a client must always be:

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60. 
What is the name of the pus-forming bacteria that grows in bunches or clusters?

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61. 
A client asks for layers positioned around the cheekbones to emphasize that facial feature. Which goal best describes the request?

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62. 
What part of the cell contains nutrients that help with growth and repair?

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63. 
In Dermalogica’s 2017 published skin-treatment sequence, when is the detailed Face Mapping skin analysis performed?

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64. 
A state of being free from germs is known as aseptic. Boiling water destroys all bacteria except:

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65. 
Why should you apply a conditioner filler before using a chemical relaxer?

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66. 
What is the best product to use when coloring overly porous, damaged hair to help achieve even color results?

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67. 
When performing a facial on clients with high blood pressure, using high-frequency electrical current may have an opposite effect. What happens to the cellular tissue during high-frequency facial treatment?

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68. 
Which type of bacteria can cause tetanus and botulism and grows in places without oxygen?

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69. 
A person with a narrow forehead and a wide jawline usually has what facial shape?

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70. 
If a client has a narrow forehead and a wide jawline (pear-shaped face), how can a stylist create balance?

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71. 
Curls should be placed in which direction to support the final hairstyle?

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72. 
When you mix blue, green, and violet together, what color will you get?

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73. 
What can happen if you vigorously brush, comb out tangles, and shampoo the hair before or after applying a chemical solution?

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74. 
Why should a nail technician cleanse and sanitize a client's natural nails before applying artificial nails?

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75. 
To remove conventional nail polish while keeping nail tips or acrylic enhancements in place, which remover is the best choice from these options?

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76. 
If you want to change the hair color to a much lighter shade, what must be done to the hair first?

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77. 
In permanent waving, which type of hair requires the use of a mild chemical solution?

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78. 
What do we call a substance that allows electricity to pass through it?

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79. 
Freckles are commonly known as lentigines. What is the technical term for chloasma?

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80. 
An Ohm measures electrical resistance, and a Watt measures energy used per second. What is the unit called that measures electrical force?

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81. 
When performing electrolysis for permanent hair removal, the needle must be inserted at the same angle as which part of the hair structure?

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82. 
What color result can you expect when applying a blue-based toner on hair that has been pre-bleached to a yellow level?

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83. 
What is the main function of sebum in the skin?

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84. 
Which of the following is an important quality of a pleasing personality?

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85. 
To prevent the razor from slipping during use, how should you hold it?

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86. 
Permanent hair dyes are called permanent because the color molecules:

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87. 
Hair colors are generally classified into four types based on their chemistry, which affect the final color result and:

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88. 
A stylist gently brushes a section from its ends toward the roots to form soft padding and volume. What is this technique called?

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89. 
Which practice helps limit cross-contamination when dispensing and applying facial products?

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90. 
Pathogenic organisms are the types that cause disease. What is the term used for poisoning caused by these organisms?

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91. 
Where should shampoo manipulation begin during a scalp massage?

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92. 
When should an aniline derivative hair color product first be applied to the darkest areas of hair?

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93. 
What is a good topic to talk about with clients in the salon?

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94. 
For a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture, where should the soles of your feet be placed?

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95. 
When performing a chemical hair service on overly porous hair, what should a stylist apply first to ensure even processing and prevent further damage?

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96. 
After a towel has been used, where should it be placed?

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97. 
Massage should be gentle and not applied too deeply or for too long. Which of the following describes what massage should NOT be?

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98. 
The only true living part of the nail is the:

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99. 
What is the main purpose of using a half-moon (arc) base when creating pin curls?

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100. 
After following a hair color product's predisposition (skin patch) test instructions and observation time, which option describes a negative test result?

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101. 
When is it safe to apply high-frequency current to the hair and scalp?

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102. 
A hairstyle is deliberately cut longer on one side than the other. Which design term describes it?

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103. 
Which type of electrical current is mainly used for its heat-producing effects in cosmetology?

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104. 
Keeping intact skin around the nail moisturized helps prevent dryness associated with which condition?

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105. 
Which consultation item specifically concerns something worn on the eye and is relevant to eye-area comfort during a facial?

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106. 
Which part of the hair is located below the surface of the skin?

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107. 
A substance that readily transmits an electric current, such as copper wire, is called a good conductor. What do you call a substance that resists the flow of electricity?

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108. 
If hair becomes too curly when wet but turns straight when dry, what is most likely the cause?

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109. 
To help prevent hair splits in a finished hairstyle, triangular pin curl bases are used. Which pin curl base is best suited for curly hair that needs little volume or lift?

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110. 
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Pure water is neutral with a pH of 7. When testing an acidic product, the pH will be between 0 and 6.9. What is the pH range for an alkaline (basic) product?

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Choose one topic you need to revisit. Try its short set, review the explanations, then return to mixed practice when you are ready.

How is this different from my official exam?

This page is a study set, not an official exam blueprint or a prediction of your result. Use your state board and exam vendor’s current candidate instructions for the required exam sections, format, timing and passing standard.

Overview: 110 Questions Cosmetology State Board Exam 1 – With Hints

This free cosmetology state board practice test has 110 multiple-choice theory questions with optional hints. It is built for learning: answer first, open a hint only when you are stuck, then review the explanation before you move on. No account or card is needed.

What the cosmetology state board written exam covers

Most states license cosmetologists with a written (theory) exam and, in many states, a separate practical exam. The written exam is usually computer-based and multiple choice. It is run by your state board or a testing provider such as PSI or Pearson VUE, and many states use national NIC exams. Theory questions commonly cover:

  • Infection control and safety – cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and safe handling of products and tools.
  • Hair care and chemical services – haircutting, styling, haircoloring, permanent waving, relaxers, and patch and strand tests.
  • Science basics – anatomy and physiology, hair and skin structure, chemistry, pH and electricity.
  • Skin care and nail care – facials, hair removal, manicures and pedicures, and recognizing conditions you should not treat.
  • Client consultation and professional practice – analysis, contraindications, and in some states laws and rules.

The number of questions, time limit and passing score are set by your state. Many written exams have roughly 100 to 110 questions, and many states set the passing score around 70 to 75 percent. Always confirm the current numbers in your state’s candidate information bulletin. Find your state’s licensing guide.

How to use these questions for the best results

  • Use hints as a last step. Choose an answer first, then open the hint only if you cannot decide. Note every question where you needed one.
  • Read the qualifiers. Words such as “not”, “except”, “most” and “first” change the correct answer. Many points are lost on these small words.
  • Separate look-alike terms. Disinfection versus sterilization, a patch test versus a strand test, and similar procedures are common distractors.
  • Keep a missed-topic list. After you submit, write down the topics behind your wrong answers and practice them in a free 20-question topic set.
  • Repeat with a new mix. Return to a full 110-question exam once your weak topics improve, and compare your score.

FAQ: Cosmetology State Board Exam 1 – With Hints

How many questions are in this practice exam?

110 multiple-choice cosmetology theory questions. The set is free and needs no account.

How many questions are on the real cosmetology state board exam?

It depends on your state and testing provider. Many written theory exams have roughly 100 to 110 questions, and some include unscored trial questions. Your candidate bulletin lists the exact number and time limit.

What score do I need to pass the cosmetology state board exam?

Your state sets the passing score. Many states use about 70 to 75 percent. Check your state board or testing provider for the current requirement.

Should I practice with hints or without hints?

Start with hints while you are learning a topic, because they show you how to reason toward the answer. When you can finish a set comfortably, switch to Exam 1 without hints or Exam 2 without hints to check what you remember on your own.

Are these the real state board exam questions?

No. These are independent practice questions written to cover common cosmetology theory topics. They are not copied from an official exam, and your result does not predict your official score.

Is this cosmetology practice test free?

Yes. All 110 questions are free. If you want more practice, the CEP cosmetology course starts with 10 free questions with explanations; full access is optional.

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