Free Esthetician practice test
Free Esthetician Practice Test: Hair Removal (2026)
20 questions on Hair Removal, 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.
Hair Removal Question 1 of 20
In electrolysis, the electrologist must insert the needle at the same angle as the:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Follicle
Why this is correct: The needle must follow the natural angle of the follicle to reach the base of the hair without injuring surrounding tissue.
Hair Removal Question 2 of 20
For effective waxing, hair is generally best removed when it is about:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Between ¼ and ½ inch
Why this is correct: Hair about ¼–½ inch long grips the wax well; too short and wax cannot grab it, too long makes waxing more painful and less clean.
Hair Removal Question 3 of 20
Without proper medical guidance, an electrologist should be especially cautious treating clients with:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Diabetes
Why this is correct: Diabetes raises the risk of slow healing and infection, so electrolysis requires caution or medical clearance.
Hair Removal Question 4 of 20
The galvanic method of electrolysis destroys the hair papilla mainly by:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Chemical decomposition
Why this is correct: Galvanic electrolysis creates a chemical reaction (decomposition) that destroys the follicle; short-wave/thermolysis works by heat coagulation.
Hair Removal Question 5 of 20
Soft wax (with a strip) is applied in the direction of hair growth and is removed:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Opposite the direction of growth while holding the skin taut
Why this is correct: Soft wax is removed against the direction of hair growth while the skin is held taut, which lifts hair cleanly and reduces breakage and injury.
Hair Removal Question 6 of 20
Compared with soft wax, hard wax:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Is removed without a strip and is gentler on sensitive skin
Why this is correct: Hard wax hardens and grips the hair (not the skin), is removed without a strip, and suits sensitive areas like the face, underarm and bikini.
Hair Removal Question 7 of 20
A client is currently taking isotretinoin (Accutane). For waxing, you should:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Not wax; the skin can lift or tear — advise medical clearance
Why this is correct: Isotretinoin thins and fragilizes the skin, so waxing can lift or tear it. Waxing is contraindicated until cleared (commonly months after stopping).
Hair Removal Question 8 of 20
The phase of the hair-growth cycle in which the hair is actively growing is:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Anagen (active growth)
Why this is correct: Anagen is the active growth phase; hair-removal methods such as electrolysis are most effective on anagen hairs.
Hair Removal Question 9 of 20
Threading removes hair by:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Rolling twisted cotton thread to lift hair from the follicle
Why this is correct: Threading is an epilation method: twisted cotton thread traps and lifts hair from the follicle. It is popular for the brows and face.
Hair Removal Question 10 of 20
A chemical depilatory removes hair by:
Check answer
Correct answerB. Dissolving the hair at the skin's surface
Why this is correct: A depilatory (e.g., thioglycolate cream) dissolves hair at the surface — a temporary form of depilation, not epilation.
Hair Removal Question 11 of 20
During waxing, an applicator that has already touched the client's skin should be:
Check answer
Correct answerD. Discarded — never re-dipped into the wax pot
Why this is correct: Re-dipping (double-dipping) contaminates the whole wax pot. A used applicator is discarded; use a fresh one for each dip.
Hair Removal Question 12 of 20
Appropriate post-wax home-care advice is to briefly avoid:
Check answer
Correct answerC. Heat, sun, friction and strong exfoliants
Why this is correct: Freshly waxed skin is sensitized, so clients should briefly avoid heat, sun, friction and strong actives/exfoliants.
Hair Removal Question 13 of 20
When applying warm liquid wax with a spatula for hair removal, the spatula is typically held at an angle of about:
Check answer
Correct answerC. 45 degrees
Why this is correct: Holding the spatula at about a 45-degree angle gives good control and an even, thin wax application.
Hair Removal Question 14 of 20
In which direction should soft (bee) wax be applied to the skin?
Check answer
Correct answerA. The direction of hair growth
Why this is correct: Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and then removed against the direction of growth.
Hair Removal Question 15 of 20
After a client has used a chemical depilatory, when is it appropriate to wax the same area?
Check answer
Correct answerB. When the skin has fully recovered; follow the manufacturer/school policy and never wax irritated skin
Why this is correct: A chemical depilatory can sensitize skin; wait until the skin has fully recovered and follow the product/school policy — never wax irritated or broken skin.
Hair Removal Question 16 of 20
How long should a chemical depilatory be left on the skin?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Only as directed by the manufacturer, while watching the skin's reaction
Why this is correct: Leave a depilatory on only for the time on the product label (usually a few minutes) and watch the skin's reaction; over-exposure causes burns/irritation.
Hair Removal Question 17 of 20
Which is an UNNECESSARY item when using hard wax to remove hair?
Check answer
Correct answerB. Muslin strips
Why this is correct: Hard wax hardens and is lifted off directly by hand, so no muslin/fabric strips are needed (those are for soft/strip wax).
Hair Removal Question 18 of 20
Where should the temperature of the wax be tested?
Check answer
Correct answerC. On the inner wrist
Why this is correct: Test wax temperature on your own inner wrist, which is sensitive to heat, before applying to the client.
Hair Removal Question 19 of 20
Excessive growth of hair (hirsuties, superfluous hair) is also called:
Check answer
Correct answerB. Hypertrichosis
Why this is correct: Hypertrichosis is excessive, unwanted hair growth.
Hair Removal Question 20 of 20
Unwanted hair is removed from large areas most efficiently with:
Check answer
Correct answerA. Soft (strip) wax
Why this is correct: Soft (strip) wax suits large areas like legs, arms, and back; tweezing is only for small areas.
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.