Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Hair removal, lashes and brows practice questions

6 free hair removal, lashes and brows 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

   After soft wax is spread on and a strip is pressed over it, the strip is removed:

   AQuickly, against the hair growthBSlowly, in the same directionCStraight up, away from the skinDGently, with the hair growth
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Quickly, against the hair growth

   Soft wax is spread in the direction of hair growth. Hold the skin taut and pull the strip off quickly in the opposite direction, low and close to the skin.

   AAD: Hair removal: How to wax

2. Question 2

   Waxing should be postponed until a client has been off isotretinoin (an oral acne drug) for at least:

   AThree weeksBTwo monthsCSix monthsDOne month
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. Six months

   Isotretinoin makes skin fragile. Its medication guide says to avoid waxing, dermabrasion and laser treatments while taking it and for at least six months after the last dose.

   DailyMed: Isotretinoin Medication Guide

3. Question 3

   The caution statement required on coal-tar hair dyes warns against using them to dye:

   AChemically relaxed strandsBBeards and mustachesCPreviously lightened strandsDThe eyelashes or eyebrows
   Show the answer

   Answer: D. The eyelashes or eyebrows

   By law, coal-tar hair dye labels must warn that using the dye on the eyelashes or eyebrows may cause blindness. Eye injuries have been reported when hair dyes were used near the eyes.

   FDA: Hair dyes (FD&C Act 601(a))

4. Question 4

   Hard wax differs from soft wax in that it:

   AIs removed without a stripBIs spread on in a thin filmCGrips the skin more than the hairDWorks best on large body areas
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Is removed without a strip

   Hard wax goes on thicker, hardens and is lifted off by its own edge, with no strip. It grips the hair more than the skin, so it suits small, sensitive areas.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: hair removal

5. Question 5

   Before applying warm wax to a client, its temperature should be tested on:

   AThe inside of your wristBThe tip of your fingerCThe client’s upper lipDThe back of a spatula
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. The inside of your wrist

   Test a small amount of wax on the inside of your wrist first. It should feel warm but never hot enough to hurt or burn.

   AAD: Hair removal: How to wax

6. Question 6

   While removing a wax strip, holding the skin taut helps to:

   ALet the hair grow back finerBMake the hair stand uprightCReduce pain and bruisingDSpread the product evenly
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. Reduce pain and bruising

   Holding the skin taut keeps it from lifting with the wax, which reduces pain and helps prevent bruising and tearing.

   AAD: Hair removal: How to wax

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.