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110 Questions Cosmetology State Board Exam 2 – With Hints

Use hints when you need a nudge. This full set has 110 mixed theory questions. For a shorter session, start with a topic set below.

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

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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 + Hint + Explanation) – Exam 2

1. 
Which of the following is not a sign of an allergic reaction to aniline dye?

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2. 
The human nervous system is structurally composed of:

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3. 
A common condition in which the cuticle around the nail splits is known as:

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4. 
When a client is getting their hair colored after using a dye remover, what is the proper time to apply the new color?

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5. 
When using high frequency current directly on a client’s skin, what happens if you break contact without placing your finger on the electrode?

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6. 
Which of the following processes is responsible for completing a cold wave perm?

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7. 
Which situation may call for a color-filling or pre-pigmentation step before the target shade is applied?

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8. 
Which practice helps limit cross-contamination when dispensing and applying facial products?

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9. 
Which vessels return blood to the heart?

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10. 
The action of a cold wave solution on the hair structure involves softening the hair. The size of the curl in a cold wave is determined by the amount of hair on each rod and:

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11. 
Why should the air intake at the back of a hair dryer always be kept clean?

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12. 
Before starting any chemical hair relaxing treatment, what is the most important step to perform?

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13. 
Vigorously brushing the hair before a permanent wave service may cause:

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14. 
In Dermalogica’s 2017 published skin-treatment sequence, when is the detailed Face Mapping skin analysis performed?

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15. 
A technical term for "thinning" means removing weight from the hair. What is the process of reducing bulk without shortening the hair length called?

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16. 
A short processing time in cold permanent waving is required for:

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17. 
Which one of the following statements is not correct?

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18. 
When using dermal lights, which of the following is NOT required?

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19. 
When applying acrylic nails, why is a primer applied to the natural nail?

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20. 
When you're unsure about the strength (volume) of hydrogen peroxide, you can check it with a:

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21. 
What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

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22. 
Under which condition should a cold wave not be performed?

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23. 
Lightening makes the hair more porous. However, oil lighteners can lift the hair color by one or two levels because they are very mild and are sometimes even used to lighten dark facial hair. What are oil lighteners mixed with?

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24. 
Which layer of the epidermis is primarily responsible for cell division and the generation of new skin cells?

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25. 
When is it safe to use high-frequency current on the hair and scalp?

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26. 
What part of the hair structure determines the hair's natural color?

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27. 
What term describes the hair's ability to absorb fluids or liquids?

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28. 
When analyzing hair before a permanent wave, which three factors should you evaluate?

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29. 
When two or more elements chemically combine, they form a:

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30. 
After a routine service with no blood exposure, a reusable, hard, nonporous salon tool is visibly soiled. Its manufacturer and applicable rules permit chemical disinfection. What should be done before reuse?

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31. 
When doing a tint retouch on stubborn gray hair that doesn’t absorb color easily, what is the best way to ensure full coverage?

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32. 
Color shades that include gold or red tones are considered to be:

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33. 
When applying a virgin tint that is darker than the natural hair color, what size subsection of hair should be taken?

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34. 
To properly cleanse the skin before waxing, you should use:

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35. 
When performing permanent waving on bleached hair: It requires _____ processing time than virgin hair Larger rods are typically used in the _____ area

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36. 
Which type of hair has the largest diameter and is usually more resistant to chemical processing?

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37. 
A test that helps determine whether the correct shade of color has developed during a hair color service is called:

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38. 
When applying a virgin tint to achieve a lighter shade, the application should begin on the part of the hair that is:

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39. 
In a bacterial-shape classification, which term describes rod-shaped organisms such as Clostridium tetani?

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40. 
Medicated shampoos are strong cleansers and are sometimes left on the scalp for a longer time. Dry shampooing is recommended for clients who cannot receive a wet shampoo or:

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41. 
Which of the following is NOT a correct technique when tweezing?

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42. 
In giving a virgin lightener (tint) application, the color should be applied:

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43. 
For which skin condition should electric brushes not be used?

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44. 
Hair that has been treated with a concentrated protein conditioner will have improved appearance, more even porosity, and:

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45. 
After a client has used a chemical depilatory, how long should you wait before performing waxing?

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46. 
When restoring hair color back to its natural shade on very porous hair, a filler is typically required:

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47. 
What is the proper procedure if blood exposure occurs during a service?

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48. 
The hair must be analyzed to determine which factors before applying the chemical hair relaxer?

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49. 
An allergy test for hair tinting should be performed 24 to 48 hours in advance (depending on the product). Where should the test be applied?

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50. 
Wax depilatories should never be applied over moles, warts, or skin abrasions because they may cause:

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51. 
The hair takes its shape, size, and direction from the:

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52. 
When applying hair tint (color), it is recommended that the cosmetologist wear rubber gloves:

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53. 
After pre-softening extra curly hair, what does a test curl help to determine?

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54. 
After a hair-color skin patch test has been performed and read according to the product's directions, which option means no reaction was observed?

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55. 
Aniline derivative tints that produce pale and delicate colors are known as:

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56. 
Why is a hair-color product's directed skin patch test performed before use?

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57. 
What does the tacky (sticky) feel on the surface of odorless acrylic nails indicate?

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58. 
A predisposition test is not necessary before applying which of the following?

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59. 
What are the long, slender bones that form the structure of the foot?

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60. 
When is it necessary to pre-soften the hair?

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61. 
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure involving the:

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62. 
A mixture of peroxide and ammonia is used to test for metallic salts in the hair. At least 20 strands of hair are immersed in the solution. Metallic salts can coat the hair shaft, causing uneven curls or:

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63. 
When applying Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant according to its directions, which area should you avoid?

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64. 
Light therapy uses specific types of light rays to treat the skin. Which type of light causes blood vessels to dilate, relieves pain, and improves circulation?

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65. 
After performing a strand test and achieving a good "S" shape curl, the perm solution must be rinsed out of the hair for at least 5 minutes before applying the neutralizer. This is done to prevent:

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66. 
In giving tint to make hair darker, how should the color be applied?

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67. 
The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are referred to as what type of rays?

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68. 
Normal wet hair can be stretched without breaking up to:

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69. 
When performing a virgin bleach treatment, what is the recommended first step?

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70. 
What is the main function of sebum in the skin?

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71. 
When preparing to tweeze the eyebrows, which of the following is the correct procedure?

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72. 
Hair that has been treated with a color remover can become overly porous. In this case, what kind of tint should you use to avoid the color turning out too dark?

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73. 
Why should chemically treated hair (such as tinted, lightened, or heat-styled hair) not receive a chemical relaxing service, and why is a conditioner filler used before applying a relaxer?

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74. 
When giving a permanent wave to hair that has been tinted, which rods should you use?

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75. 
Which one of the following controls the muscles of facial expression?

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76. 
If the hair is too curly during perming, which of the following hair relaxers removes curl in the least amount of time?

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77. 
Which prepared rinse is used to neutralize yellow tones in silvery gray hair?

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78. 
Which muscle is responsible for raising the hair when a person feels cold or scared?

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79. 
The corrugator muscle is located at the eyebrow line. Which muscles are responsible for mastication (chewing)?

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80. 
What are nails called that are thin, white, and curved over the free edge?

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81. 
Croquignole curling technique involves winding the hair strand starting from which point?

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82. 
What is the correct way to hold a strand of hair when wrapping it for a permanent wave?

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83. 
What is the chemical process called that straightens very curly hair?

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84. 
Hair that is difficult to lighten to a pale yellow color most likely contains which type of pigment?

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85. 
Which government agency regulates and approves disinfectants used in salons?

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86. 
What type of hair requires a short processing time when using a cold wave (no-heat) permanent waving technique?

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87. 
What term names the whole below-surface portion of a hair anchored in its follicle, including the bulb?

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88. 
During cold wave processing (perming), the hair's structure is chemically altered. Which of these is MOST LIKELY to cause hair breakage during service?

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89. 
When doing a tint retouch, if the ends of the hair are already darker than the desired color, what method should be used to blend the color evenly?

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90. 
What is the name of the chemical process that happens when peroxide and hair color are mixed and applied to the hair?

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91. 
Which agent is SAFE and EFFECTIVE for removing corrosion deposits from thermal styling irons?

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92. 
What are the long, slender bones that form the palm of the hand called?

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93. 
The gas produced by the Tesla current is:

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94. 
Which product category is specifically formulated to reduce unwanted artificial oxidative hair color?

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95. 
During a pedicure or manicure, where should the instruments that are not currently being used be placed?

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96. 
Which of the following layers of hair contains melanin responsible for hair color?

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97. 
The dermal light is used for:

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98. 
A facial protocol calls for a toner specifically formulated to help rebalance skin pH after cleansing. Which purpose matches that instruction?

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99. 
What type of bacteria is spiral-shaped and causes diseases like syphilis?

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100. 
A basic color that is applied to damaged hair to help it absorb and hold color evenly is called a:

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101. 
Cold wave lotions may severely discolor the hair if which of the following conditions is true?

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102. 
To restore the pH balance of hair after cleansing, instant conditioners with a pH range of 3.5–6.0 are used. To prevent excessive dryness and damage during the cleansing process, an acid-balanced shampoo should:

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103. 
The technical term for excessive perspiration (sweating) is:

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104. 
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are also called "cold rays" or "actinic rays." UVA rays are known to have a stimulating effect on the skin, but they can damage the skin’s elasticity and cause what effect?

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105. 
What happens when you add distilled water or shampoo to hair tint?

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106. 
Which bone provides an origin attachment for the superior fibers of the trapezius muscle?

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107. 
When a cold wave results in frizzy hair, how can it be corrected?

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108. 
Which of the following substances has a softening and swelling effect on hair, especially overly curly hair?

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109. 
Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

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110. 
Most conditioner products contain humectants. Penetrating conditioners should be left on the hair for 10 to 20 minutes to:

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Choose what to study next

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 2 – With Hints

Exam 2 is a second free set of 110 cosmetology state board practice questions with optional hints. Use it after Exam 1, or on its own, to meet a new mix of theory questions while hints are still available.

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 2 – 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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