Cosmetology practice exam 1 without hints

Free practice · 110 questions · No hints

Use this free set of 110 mixed theory questions to practice without hints. Answer the questions, then use Submit at the end to view your result and any available explanations.

This page uses a 120-minute study timer that starts when the page loads, so it may already be running while you read this introduction. This is a practice setting, not your state’s official exam time.

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How to use this practice set
  1. Read each question and choose an answer. Pay attention to words such as “most,” “least” and “except.”
  2. Use Submit at the end to view your result. Keep a short list of concepts to revisit.
  3. Use your school materials and the practice links below to review those concepts before another mixed set.

This is independent written-theory practice. Official question counts, timing, passing standards and required exam sections vary by state. Find your state’s licensing guide and check the current board and exam-vendor instructions.

Cosmetology theory practice without hints — Exam 1
Cosmetology theory practice without hints — Exam 1

Begin the 110-question practice set

Independent theory practice — 110 questions. Answer without hints, then select Submit at the end to review your result.

1. 
What is the best product to use when coloring overly porous, damaged hair to help achieve even color results?

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2. 
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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3. 
If a hairstyle design follows the ratio of 3 parts face to 2 parts hair, what does the client want?

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4. 
Proper conduct in relation to your employer and co-workers is called professional:

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5. 
When should an aniline derivative hair color product first be applied to the darkest areas of hair?

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6. 
What is the main purpose of using a half-moon (arc) base when creating pin curls?

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7. 
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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8. 
A nonconductor is an insulating material that resists the flow of electric current, such as:

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9. 
Which of the following ingredients is not usually found in a good cleansing cream?

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10. 
During a facial, when should a skin analysis be performed?

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11. 
In manicuring, softening the cuticle with cuticle oil is a good treatment for what condition?

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12. 
If you lose your cosmetology license, what must you do to get a replacement?

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13. 
Which muscle is responsible for raising the hair when a person feels cold or scared?

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14. 
Immunity that is inherited is referred to as:

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15. 
What is a good topic to talk about with clients in the salon?

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16. 
A person with a narrow forehead and a wide jawline usually has what facial shape?

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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. 
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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19. 
Which one of the following is not correct?

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20. 
After a towel has been used, where should it be placed?

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21. 
According to the Board of Cosmetology, who is officially responsible for the salon?

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22. 
Pathogenic organisms are the types that cause disease. What is the term used for poisoning caused by these organisms?

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23. 
Which polish remover should be used on clients wearing nail tips or acrylic nails in the salon?

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24. 
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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25. 
Dry and over-bleached hair can be more manageable and softer if shampooed with:

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26. 
Before using an aniline derivative hair color product, why is it necessary to perform a predisposition (patch) test? What indicates a negative (safe) result?

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27. 
What is the ability of the human body to resist and destroy harmful bacteria called?

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28. 
What does a cell — the smallest unit of living matter — contain?

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29. 
Where should shampoo manipulation begin during a scalp massage?

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30. 
Bleaching the hair before applying toner is necessary to lighten the natural hair color and also to improve:

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31. 
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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32. 
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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33. 
Which type of electrical current is mainly used for its heat-producing effects in cosmetology?

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34. 
When you mix blue, green, and violet together, what color will you get?

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35. 
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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36. 
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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37. 
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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38. 
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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39. 
If hair becomes too curly when wet but turns straight when dry, what is most likely the cause?

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40. 
Sponges used during the facial cleansing procedure should be kept:

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41. 
For shampooing bleached hair, what is the best method to avoid damage?

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42. 
For close-set eyes, where should eyeshadow be applied to create a balanced look?

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43. 
A state of being free from germs is known as aseptic. Boiling water destroys all bacteria except:

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44. 
Hair colors are generally classified into four types based on their chemistry, which affect the final color result and:

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45. 
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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46. 
Permanent hair dyes are called permanent because the color molecules:

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47. 
Which of the following is NOT a technique used for thinning hair?

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48. 
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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49. 
The only true living part of the nail is the:

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50. 
When performing hair coloring, which of the following requires a predisposition (patch) test?

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51. 
Which of the following is not a correct technique when doing sculpture (pin) curling?

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52. 
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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53. 
Vaccinations are an example of which type of immunity?

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54. 
The type of pin curl base used mainly at the front or facial line of the forehead is the:

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55. 
Which hair-color category historically included lead-acetate formulas, before FDA stopped permitting lead acetate in scalp hair-color products?

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56. 
Human cells of the body reproduce by mitosis. Protoplasm is a colorless, jelly-like substance found in:

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57. 
Which type of electrical current is mainly used for its heat-producing effects in cosmetology?

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58. 
Which face shape is considered the ideal or most balanced?

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59. 
Freckles are commonly known as lentigines. What is the technical term for chloasma?

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60. 
Which face shape would benefit the most from a hairstyle that adds width at the forehead?

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61. 
To lift an extremely heavy object, use the muscles of the:

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62. 
Which part of the hair is located below the surface of the skin?

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63. 
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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64. 
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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65. 
Which of the following is an important quality of a pleasing personality?

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66. 
Which type of bacteria can cause tetanus and botulism and grows in places without oxygen?

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67. 
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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68. 
Why should a nail technician cleanse and sanitize a client's natural nails before applying artificial nails?

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69. 
Why should you apply a conditioner filler before using a chemical relaxer?

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70. 
What is the name of the pus-forming bacteria that grows in bunches or clusters?

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71. 
To pick up an article on the floor, what muscles are being used?

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72. 
Thinning the hair is usually performed at which area?

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73. 
What is the main ingredient in a water-in-oil emulsion?

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74. 
If a client has a narrow forehead and a wide jawline (pear-shaped face), how can a stylist create balance?

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75. 
Which one of the following is not considered an antiseptic?

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76. 
What do we call a substance that allows electricity to pass through it?

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77. 
When performing a facial treatment, why is it important to explain the steps and reasons to the client?

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78. 
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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79. 
To measure facial symmetry, the face is divided into four equal parts. If a hairstyle has different lengths or volumes on opposite sides, the design is called:

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80. 
What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

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81. 
Which of the following actions is the most important to prevent cross-contamination during a facial treatment?

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82. 
What part of the cell contains nutrients that help with growth and repair?

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83. 
To make close-set eyes look farther apart, the space between the eyebrows should be equal to the width of:

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84. 
The attire worn by a person providing services to a client must always be:

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85. 
For a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture, where should the soles of your feet be placed?

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86. 
It will be helpful to a student's success to develop a:

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87. 
In permanent waving, which type of hair requires the use of a mild chemical solution?

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88. 
When is it safe to apply high-frequency current to the hair and scalp?

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89. 
Curls should be placed in which direction to support the final hairstyle?

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90. 
"French lacing," "teasing," "matting," and "ratting" are different names for back-combing – a technique used to build volume at the scalp by combing the hair toward the roots. What is another name for ruffing, a technique used to add volume by gently brushing hair from underneath?

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91. 
What is the main function of sebum in the skin?

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92. 
To prevent the razor from slipping during use, how should you hold it?

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93. 
Yellow-orange, red-violet, blue-green, and blue-violet are tertiary colors. Which of the following are the secondary colors?

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94. 
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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95. 
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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96. 
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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97. 
What is the name of the main muscle located at the front of the upper arm?

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98. 
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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99. 
What part of the hair structure determines the hair's natural color?

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100. 
To sanitize a chamois-covered nail buffer, the chamois should be removed and submerged in:

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101. 
What is the primary purpose of using a toner after facial cleansing?

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102. 
Before giving a facial massage, you should ask if the client has which of the following?

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103. 
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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104. 
Primary colors are blue, yellow, and red. What is the darkest color among the primary colors?

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105. 
Which service should you avoid when working on a pregnant client?

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106. 
What does melanin protect the skin from?

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107. 
What is the most important reason for performing a patch test before applying a hair color product?

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108. 
When repeated color applications make the hair progressively darker, what is this process called?

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109. 
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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110. 
What is one of the most common characteristics of hair that has been over-processed by chemical relaxers?

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Questions about this cosmetology practice set

Question: What is the best way to prepare for the cosmetology exam?

Use practice to find what you need to review. Answer first, review your result and any available explanations, then revisit missed concepts in your school materials.

Review hair structure and growth as part of your cosmetology theory study. Use your current board or exam-vendor outline to confirm the required topics and their emphasis.

This free page contains 110 multiple-choice theory practice questions without hints. Select Submit at the end to view your result and any available explanations.

Read the whole question, identify qualifiers such as “most,” “least” and “except,” and explain the concepts you missed before trying another set.

Pay attention to sanitation instructions, similar anatomy terms and service steps. When you miss an item, check the concept in your school materials before repeating it.

Official question counts vary by state and provider. Check the current candidate instructions for your exam. This page contains 110 practice questions.

Use the passing standard published by your state board or exam vendor. Your score on this practice page is study feedback, not an official licensing-exam result.

Use the current official outline for the topics required by your exam. This page supports written-theory study; it does not replace required training or a practical assessment.

Requirements and exam outlines can change. Check your board or vendor’s latest published candidate instructions and use your current school materials alongside this practice.

This set does not predict the difficulty or result of your official exam. Use missed questions to choose the concepts you need to revisit.

Read the current candidate instructions for identification, arrival time and permitted materials. During study, practice careful reading and keep track of topics that need more review.

Find the official question count and time limit in your current candidate instructions. This study page has 110 questions and a 120-minute timer that starts on page load; those are practice settings.

Check the current passing standard for your selected state and exam provider. A practice score helps you plan further study; it is not an official pass result.

Compare your study plan with the current board or vendor outline. This independent practice set does not certify coverage of every required exam topic or the latest exam version.

Choose what to study next

Choose a shorter mixed round or one topic to revisit, then return to your school materials and current official exam outline.

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