Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Hair and scalp science practice questions

8 free hair and scalp science questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the hair, is the:

   ACortexBCuticleCMedullaDFollicle
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   Answer: B. Cuticle

   The cuticle is the protective outer layer of overlapping, colorless scales. A smooth, flat cuticle reflects light and makes hair look shiny.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

2. Question 2

   Which layer of the hair gives it most of its strength and elasticity and contains its natural color?

   ACuticleBCortexCMedullaDFollicle
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   Answer: B. Cortex

   The cortex, the middle layer, holds the keratin fibers that give hair its strength and elasticity, plus the melanin that gives natural color. Chemical services work in the cortex.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

3. Question 3

   About how many hairs does a person normally shed each day?

   A10 to 20B50 to 100C200 to 300D400 to 600
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   Answer: B. 50 to 100

   Shedding about 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, as hairs in the resting (telogen) phase fall out and new ones grow. Noticeably more may signal a hair loss condition.

   AAD: Hair shedding

4. Question 4

   During which phase of the hair growth cycle does the hair actively grow?

   AAnagenBTelogenCCatagenDExogen
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   Answer: A. Anagen

   Anagen is the active growth phase and lasts for years on the scalp; most scalp hairs are in it at any time. Catagen is a short transition phase, and telogen is the resting phase before shedding.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

5. Question 5

   The resting phase of the hair growth cycle, after which the hair is shed, is:

   ACatagenBExogenCTelogenDAnagen
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   Answer: C. Telogen

   In telogen the hair rests in the follicle for about three months and is then shed as a new anagen hair grows in beneath it.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

6. Question 6

   Healthy scalp hair grows, on average, about:

   AOne inch per weekBTwo inches per monthCOne-eighth inch per yearDHalf an inch per month
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   Answer: D. Half an inch per month

   Scalp hair grows about half an inch a month, or roughly six inches a year, though the rate varies with age, genetics and health.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

7. Question 7

   The tube-like pocket in the skin from which a hair grows is the:

   AHair bulbBHair streamCHair follicleDHair shaft
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   Answer: C. Hair follicle

   The follicle is the tube-like depression in the skin that holds the hair root. The bulb is the club-shaped base of the root, and the shaft is the part above the skin.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

8. Question 8

   The cone-shaped elevation at the base of the follicle that nourishes the hair bulb is the:

   ASebaceous glandBArrector piliCSweat glandDDermal papilla
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   Answer: D. Dermal papilla

   The dermal papilla fits into the bottom of the bulb and contains the blood vessels and nerves that nourish the growing hair.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: hair structure and growth

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.