Shampooing, Scalp Care & Conditioning
Haircutting Fundamentals
Haircutting Techniques & Tools
Hairstyling, Blow Drying & Thermal Styling
Pin Curls, Updos & Natural Hair Styling
Draping, Consultation & Client Safety
Brushes, Combs, Hair Analysis & Texture
100

In which situation would a clarifying shampoo be recommended?

when there is product buildup

100

A stylist is discussing a new hairstyle with a client, who describes a style that must use layers. In order to create the layered style, what type of guideline should the stylist use?

traveling guideline

100

Which of the following is used to taper hairlines from extremely short lengths into longer lengths?

shear-over-comb technique

100

Each of the following is a way professional hairstyling can enhance a beauty career EXCEPT:

Knowing basic hairstyling techniques will allow you to become a certified wedding specialist.

100

Before beginning an updo, a stylist should consider ______ to build the shape, design the style, and customize the hairstyle.

sectioning

100

Each of the following is a benefit of using the three-part hair care services EXCEPT:

 It keeps the cosmetologist in compliance with state rules.

100

During shampoo service, a cosmetologist observes that a client with tight curl patterns needs the wet hair detangled. Which brush type should the cosmetologist use?

a wide-tooth comb

200

What is the most appropriate scalp treatment plan for a client with straight, textured hair who is seeking relief for a dry scalp?

Prebrush the scalp to loosen dead skin cells, then treat the scalp with a moisturizing preparation that does not have high detergent content or occlusive oils.

200

An important element in creating a strong foundation and consistency in haircutting and creating shapes is the use of _____.

 angles

200

Which method involves cutting or layering the hair in such a way that the fingers and shears glide along the edge of the hair to remove length?

 slide cutting

200

Combs that are used for thermal curling should be made of _______.

hard rubber

200

The terms _____ curls and _____ curls are used to describe the direction of pin curls.

clockwise, counterclockwise

200

A _____ draping is also known as a wet draping.

shampoo

200

A ______ has slender nylon and natural bristles and a tail for sectioning.

teasing brush

300

A salon has recently moved from a building in an urban area to another building in a more rural area outside the town. After the move, the cosmetologists working in the salon have raised concerns that their services are not up to their usual standards: shampoo services do not lather well, and haircoloring results are unsatisfactory. How should the salon manager respond to these concerns?

The manager should have the water tested for hardness as the new building may use a water source that supplies hard water.

300

Coarse hair sticking out when cut too short is an example of the role ______ plays in the behavior of hair.

 texture

300

In consultation with a stylist, a client explains being unhappy with the way the ends of the hair sit. The client would prefer the hair to have a more feathered appearance. If the client has fine hair, what haircutting tool would be a good choice for the stylist to use on this haircut?

haircutting razor

300

It is never recommended to perform thermal pressing on ______.

bleached hair

300

Which component of a pin curl should be considered if a stylist wants to change the mobility of a hairstyle?

 the stem

300

Which type of draping has a smaller neck strip to allow the hair to fall naturally?

styling draping

300

What substances absorb moisture or promote the retention of moisture in the hair?

humectants

400

A cosmetologist is performing a scalp massage service on a client with dry scalp. How should the cosmetologist design the massage service to loosen any flakes?

Use petrissage.

400

When a cosmetologist combs hair away from its natural falling position before cutting in order to increase a hair design’s length, the cosmetologist is using _______.

overdirection

400

In order to best create a flat top or square shape haircut, how should a stylist use clippers?

Use the clipper-over-comb technique.

400

Which sentence best describes a benefit that can be realized from the stylist’s choice between a blowdryer with an AC motor or one with a DC motor?

 A stylist is less likely to experience hearing damage when using a blowdryer with an AC motor.

400

______ base pin curls are typically used on the side front hairline for a smooth, upswept effect.

 Rectangular

400

Which statement describes a step in draping clients for a chemical service?

Place a towel across the client’s shoulders and under the chin. Put on the cape. Then, add a second towel over the cape.

400

A cosmetologist should avoid brushing the scalp ________.

 before a permanent haircolor service

500

How often should clients with normal scalp health have a scalp treatment performed?

with every season change

500

What is the primary reason a stylist should hold haircutting shears with a proper hold?

to avoid ligament damage or muscle strain

500

What is the advantage to the stylist when palming the haircutting shears?

The stylist saves time by being able to switch from the comb to the shears while holding both at the same time.

500

How should a stylist performing a soft press thermal pressing service change their procedure to accommodate different hair textures and densities?

Change the size of the hair subsections.

500

Which implement can be used to secure long hair?

 duckbill clip

500

How often should draping capes be laundered?

 after each use

500

Which type of comb is used mainly to detangle the hair?

wide-tooth comb

600

Why should a cosmetologist ask if a client has been using natural, non-professional treatments such as shea butter?

to determine whether a clarifying treatment is needed

600

If a cosmetologist sections a client’s hair into five partings, which basic haircut is being performed?

 the uniform-layered haircut

600

_____ reduces strain on the index finger and thumb while combing the hair.

palming the shears

600

How is a spring iron different from a Marcel iron?


A spring controls the clamp pressure on a spring iron, and the stylist manually controls the clamp pressure on a Marcel iron.

600

Which pin curls are fastened to the head in a standing position to create height in the hair design?

cascade curls

600

Which is a step in proper draping for shampoo service?

 Make sure the cape doesn’t touch the client’s skin.

600

What could happen if a client with dry hair begins to use a balancing shampoo?

 Because balancing shampoo removes excess oiliness, the client’s hair is likely to further dry out.

700

If cosmetologists encounter a client with any open wounds, reddened scalp irritations, abnormal scalp flaking, or infectious disease, they must decline the service(s) and refer them to a(n) _____.

 physician

700

Precision haircutting involves being precise in your haircut and ______.

applying a systematic plan

700

Which option best describes a benefit of using length guard attachments on clippers?

Length guard attachments are an easy way to quickly perform a short haircut.

700

Which type of curl is best for one-length hair?

spiral curls

700

Which natural textured set involves opening a braid to create a texture-on-texture effect with added volume?

braid-out set

700

How often should a cosmetologist hold a consultation with a client?

before every service

700

During a hairstyling consultation, when cosmetologists analyze whether the hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, they are considering the hair’s ______.

 pattern

800

What are the two basic requirements for a maintaining a healthy scalp?

cleanliness and stimulation

800

Select the most appropriate procedure for a stylist performing a blunt haircut.

 Establish a guideline on a back section, and cut from the back center to the ears before cutting the sides.

800

A tension in your shears that is too _____ will allow your shears to fold the hair.

 loose

800

Which of the following is an advantage of using a blowdryer instead of a hooded dryer?

A blowdryer can add volume as it dries, whereas a hooded dryer cannot.

800

When executing an updo, inspect the shape from every angle to make sure it is _____.

 well-balanced and proportioned

800

Each of the following is a question related to shampooing and conditioning that a cosmetologist should ask a client during the consultation EXCEPT:

How often do you brush your hair when it is wet?

800

It is important to _____ a new brass pressing comb so that it will hold heat evenly along its entire length and provide consistent results.

temper

900

A cosmetologist performing a dry hair and scalp treatment determines that the client’s hair is dry and brittle. How could the cosmetologist design a treatment to improve the client’s hair?

 The cosmetologist should attempt to restore the hair’s moisture balance using a scalp steamer.

900

If a cosmetologist is analyzing the diameter of hair, they must consider ______.

whether the hair is coarse, medium, or fine

900

How is texturizing hair by point cutting different from texturizing hair by effilating?

Point cutting uses the tips of the shears, whereas effilating uses the blades of the shears.

900

The correct temperature of the iron for thermal curling is determined by the ______.

texture of the hair

900

During a consultation, a client describes a desired cropped hairstyle with natural curls. The client has highly textured hair. Which method should the stylist use to achieve this style?

the coily method

900

Where should the protective neck strip go when preparing for a shampoo service?

on the client’s neck, under the shampooing cape

900

A client consults with a cosmetologist about a recent problem with dry hair that has not been previously experienced. When asked by the cosmetologist if there is anything different in the client’s hair care practices, the client describes using olive oil as a treatment for dry scalp. What conclusion can the cosmetologist make about a possible cause of the dry hair?

The client is using too much oil for the dry scalp treatment, and excess buildup on the scalp is contributing to the dry hair.

1000

Each of the following is a benefit of scalp massage EXCEPT ______.

decreased natural hair loss

1000

A client confesses to being unhappy with the last haircut. When asked to explain, the client says the curls were too short. What could the stylist do while cutting the client’s hair to ensure the curly hair does not appear too short?

The stylists should cut the hair dry.

1000

Which statement is a correct way to fit haircutting shears to a cosmetologist’s hand?

The handle design cradles the middle finger.

1000

How should a blowdry service be performed to smooth the hair cuticle?

Direct the hot air from the scalp toward the ends of the hair.

1000

What procedure is the best choice for keeping the hair pliable during a finger-waving service?

Spray the hair with water.

1000

During a scalp and hair analysis of a new client who will be receiving a chemical relaxing treatment, a cosmetologist notices that the client’s hair and scalp are oily. Which shampoo type should the cosmetologist use when washing the client’s hair?

a balancing shampoo

1000

Which conditioner category is suitable for daily use?

rinse-out conditioners

1100

Which massage technique uses stroking and circular hand movements?

effleurage

1100

_____, also known as projection or lifting, is the degree at which a subsection of hair is held from the head when cutting.

 elevation

1100

When stylists part the haircut in the opposite way from how it was cut, at the same elevation, what are they checking for?

line and shape precision

1100

The blowdryer attachment that alters the air flow to help keep textural definition is _______.

a diffuser

1100

Which statement best describes natural hairstyling?

styling that does not use chemicals or alter textured hair’s natural curl or coil pattern

1100

Each of the following is a use for trimmers EXCEPT _____.


tapering hairlines from extremely short to long

1100

If a stylist wishes to use a razor to produce a softer perimeter on the hair, which razor texturizing technique should be used?

 free-hand slicing

1200

At which stage of service should a cosmetologist perform a scalp massage to help restore hair to a more balanced state?

during conditioning

1200

A stylist executing a graduated haircut should do which of the following?

 Cut with a 45-degree elevation at the back and a 90-degree elevation for the layers.

1200

Which basic texturizing technique works well on curly hair because it removes density without adding too many layers?

 free-hand notching

1200

For which type of thermal iron is it necessary to wear a heat-resistant glove?

clamp-free irons

1200

Forcing hair between the thumb and the back of the comb to create tension is called _____.

 ribboning

1200

Which haircutting tool is best suited for cutting a clean line around the ears?

trimmers

1200

To create tension, a cosmetologist should use a blowdryer with a concentrator attachment and a ______ brush.

 styling

1300

Which massage technique is most effective in an oily hair and scalp treatment?

 a kneading technique

1300

Each of the following is a reason cosmetologists should study and have a thorough understanding of haircutting EXCEPT:

Haircutting is the basic foundational skill upon which all cosmetology services are built.

1300

Select the best definition for finger angle.

 the angle stylists hold their fingers when cutting the line that creates the end shape of the hair

1300

Which technique can help ensure successful smoothing of hair with a flat iron?

Move the iron down the hair shaft with a comb in front of the iron.

1300

A stylist is curling a client’s hair for a special event. The client’s hair is fine textured and bleached. At what temperature should the thermal iron be set?

250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius)

1300

When securing a cape as draping for a basic shampoo, do not let the cape touch the _____.

client’s skin

1300

During a dry hair and scalp treatment, a _____, which resembles a hooded dryer, can be used to help resolve the moisture balance in the hair.

 scalp steamer

1400

How do conditioners benefit hair?

Conditioners infuse moisture and protect against breakage.

1400

What is the best way to maintain control of the subsection when cutting with a vertical or diagonal cutting line?

 palm-to-palm

1400

To execute a client’s desired hairstyle, a stylist must remove large sections from the client’s straight, thick hair. Which type of haircutting shears is best for this task?

chunking shears

1400

Which is the most appropriate brush to use when a client desires a beveled blowout look?

styling brush

1400

Which of the following is a reason cosmetologists should consider including a scalp massage in hair service preparation?

A scalp massage can remove excess sebum, dirt, environmental debris, and product buildup.

1400

Which of the following is a reason cosmetologists should consider including a scalp massage in hair service preparation?

 A scalp massage can remove excess sebum, dirt, environmental debris, and product buildup.

1400

A benefit of using the shear-over-comb technique is it allows for _______.

short tapers that go from extremely short length to longer length

1500

What is the cleansing conditioner that refreshes and adds moisture to the hair in-between the weekly shampoo routine?

co-wash

1500

A haircut with a visual buildup of weight in which the hair ends appear to be stacked is an example of which of the four basic haircuts?

graduated haircut