Free Cosmetology practice test
Free Cosmetology Practice Test: Mixed Review (2026)
20 questions on Mixed Review, drawn from the written (theory) state board syllabus. Answer them all, then check your score. No account and no card.
Questions 1 to 20
Choose an answer before you open the explanation. Guessing first is what makes the explanation stick.
Haircutting Question 1 of 20
Cutting with the hair held at about 90° elevation typically creates what result?
Check answer
Correct answerB. A layered cut
Why this is correct: 0° elevation = a blunt one-length cut; 90° = layers; 180° = long layers. Elevation controls how much the cut is layered.
Chemical Texture Services Question 2 of 20
In a cold (thio) perm, what does ammonium thioglycolate do to the hair structure?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Breaks disulfide (sulfur) bonds so the hair can be reshaped
Why this is correct: A thio waving lotion (ammonium thioglycolate) breaks the disulfide bonds in the cortex; after wrapping, the neutralizer (usually hydrogen peroxide) re-forms the bonds in the new shape.
Chemical Texture Services Question 3 of 20
Why must you NOT apply a thio perm over hair relaxed with a hydroxide (e.g., sodium hydroxide) relaxer?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Because hydroxide relaxing breaks bonds permanently (lanthionization) — incompatible, hair will break
Why this is correct: Hydroxide relaxers change bonds permanently (lanthionization) — irreversible. Applying a thio perm over hydroxide-relaxed hair over-processes it → severe breakage. Never combine the two systems.
Hair Removal Question 4 of 20
For a client on the acne drug isotretinoin (Accutane), which service should be refused/postponed?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Waxing (hair removal)
Why this is correct: Isotretinoin thins/weakens skin → waxing (and chemical depilatories) can lift/tear the skin. Refuse or postpone waxing for clients on or recently off this drug.
Nail Care Question 5 of 20
The nail plate is made mainly of what substance?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Keratin
Why this is correct: The nail plate is made of KERATIN (a fibrous protein) — the same main component as hair and the skin's outer layer. It is not bone. A cosmetology license includes nail services.
Chemical Texture Services Question 6 of 20
When applying cold waving lotion, how should it be applied near the scalp?
Check answer
Correct answerA. Slightly away from the scalp, per the manufacturer's directions
Why this is correct: Keep waving lotion off the scalp to avoid irritation and overprocessing; scalp body heat speeds the reaction.
Haircutting Question 7 of 20
Very fragile, chemically relaxed hair should be cut with:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Shears (scissors)
Why this is correct: Shears are gentler on fragile hair; a razor stresses chemically relaxed hair and can cause breakage.
Chemical Texture Services Question 8 of 20
Why must the hair be rinsed thoroughly before applying perm neutralizer?
Check answer
Correct answerA. To remove the waving lotion and stop further processing
Why this is correct: Rinsing removes the reducing lotion so the neutralizer can rebond correctly; leftover lotion overprocesses the hair.
Haircutting Question 9 of 20
Hair that has been properly tapered and thinned is generally:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Easier to wave and style
Why this is correct: Thinning reduces bulk, making hair easier to wave and style.
Haircutting Question 10 of 20
When tapering with a razor, the amount of hair removed in one stroke depends mostly on:
Check answer
Correct answerA. The angle at which the razor is held
Why this is correct: The flatter the razor angle, the more hair is removed per stroke.
Nail Care Question 11 of 20
Ridges on the natural nail are best smoothed by:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Gentle buffing/light filing
Why this is correct: Gentle buffing smooths ridges; avoid aggressive abrasion that thins or damages the plate.
Nail Care Question 12 of 20
Nail whiteners are commonly available in the form of a:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cream, paste, or pencil
Why this is correct: Nail whiteners come as creams, pastes, or pencils applied under the free edge.
Nail Care Question 13 of 20
A hangnail is treated by trimming it and softening the surrounding skin with:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cuticle oil
Why this is correct: Carefully trim the hangnail and soften the skin with cuticle oil; do not service an infected area.
Hair Removal Question 14 of 20
Unwanted hair is removed from large areas by using:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Soft wax
Why this is correct: Soft wax covers and quickly removes hair over large areas (legs, arms); tweezing is for small areas.
Eyelash & Eyebrow Question 15 of 20
Before applying artificial eyelashes with adhesive, a patch (allergy) test is left undisturbed for about:
Check answer
Correct answerA. 24 hours (or per the manufacturer)
Why this is correct: The allergy test (formerly a 'P.D. test') is left ~24 hours to reveal a reaction; follow the product directions.
Hair Removal Question 16 of 20
Before applying a chemical depilatory, it is necessary to give a:
Check answer
Correct answerA. A skin (patch) test
Why this is correct: Depilatories are strongly alkaline; a skin/patch test first checks for irritation/allergy, per the product directions.
Hair Removal Question 17 of 20
Tweezing, hot/cold wax, shaving, chemical depilatories, and electrolysis are all methods used for:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Hypertrichosis/hirsutism (excess hair)
Why this is correct: These are all hair-removal methods used for excess-hair conditions (hypertrichosis/hirsutism).
Eyelash & Eyebrow Question 18 of 20
To make wide-set eyes appear closer together, when shaping the eyebrows you should:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Extend the eyebrow line toward the inner corner of the eye
Why this is correct: Extending the brows toward the inner corners shortens the gap between them, making wide-set eyes look closer and more balanced (brow-design proportion principle).
Eyelash & Eyebrow Question 19 of 20
Which type of artificial lash is applied ONE lash at a time onto the client's natural lashes?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Individual lashes / eyelash extensions
Why this is correct: Individual/extension lashes are attached one lash or cluster at a time onto the natural lashes (semi-permanent); strip lashes go on as one band along the lash line.
Eyelash & Eyebrow Question 20 of 20
Eyelash extension adhesive is typically:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Cyanoacrylate — avoid contact with the eye/skin
Why this is correct: Lash adhesive is cyanoacrylate-based; keep it away from the eye/skin as it causes irritation and stinging. Oil, conversely, breaks the bond.
Practice content notice: These are original study questions, not recalled or official exam items. Exam providers, timing, passing scores, and state-law coverage can change; verify current requirements with your licensing board.