Free study questions · Cosmetology state board

Haircolor and chemical services practice questions

10 free haircolor and chemical services questions for the cosmetology 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

   A patch test for an oxidation haircolor is generally done how long before the service?

   ARight before mixingB24 to 48 hoursC15 to 30 minutesD1 to 2 weeks
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   Answer: B. 24 to 48 hours

   Do a patch (predisposition) test 24 to 48 hours before an oxidation color service, following the manufacturer’s directions. Redness, swelling, burning or itching means the color should not be applied.

   FDA: Hair dye products (patch test caution)

2. Question 2

   To neutralize unwanted orange (brassy) tones after lightening, a stylist would choose a toner with:

   AA blue baseBA gold baseCA red baseDA green base
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   Answer: A. A blue base

   Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and neutralize each other. Blue cancels orange, violet cancels yellow, and green cancels red.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

3. Question 3

   In the level system used to describe haircolor, level 1 is:

   AMedium, neutral brownBBlack, the darkestCDark golden blondeDThe lightest blonde
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   Answer: B. Black, the darkest

   The level system rates lightness or darkness from 1 to 10, with level 1 black and level 10 the lightest blonde. Tone, such as warm or cool, is described separately.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

4. Question 4

   Temporary haircolor:

   APenetrates the cortex until it grows outBCoats the cuticle and rinses out easilyCIs mixed with 20-volume developer to workDLifts natural pigment and deposits new color
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   Answer: B. Coats the cuticle and rinses out easily

   Temporary color has large molecules that coat the outside of the cuticle, so it rinses out with the next shampoo. It cannot lighten hair.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

5. Question 5

   20-volume developer contains about what percentage of hydrogen peroxide?

   A9%B6%C12%D3%
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   Answer: B. 6%

   Developer strength is given in volume or percent: 10 volume is 3%, 20 volume is 6%, 30 volume is 9% and 40 volume is 12% hydrogen peroxide.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

6. Question 6

   Hydroxide relaxers straighten hair permanently by converting some disulfide bonds into:

   AStronger salt bondsBPeptide bondsCLanthionine bondsDNew hydrogen bonds
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   Answer: C. Lanthionine bonds

   Hydroxide relaxers break disulfide bonds and convert them into lanthionine bonds, which cannot be re-formed. That is why the result is permanent and why hydroxide-relaxed hair should not get a thio perm.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: chemical texture services

7. Question 7

   In permanent waving, the neutralizer works by:

   ARaising the pH so the hair will swellBRe-forming bonds in the new shapeCBreaking the bonds so the hair can softenDAdding moisture and shine to the curl
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   Answer: B. Re-forming bonds in the new shape

   The waving lotion breaks disulfide bonds so the hair takes the rod’s shape. The neutralizer, usually hydrogen peroxide, oxidizes the hair and re-forms those bonds in the new curled shape.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: chemical texture services

8. Question 8

   On a permanent color retouch, color is applied to the new growth alone, mainly to avoid:

   AA lighter, faded shade at the scalpBOverlapping, breakage and bandingCA patch test reaction on the scalpDRunning out of product halfway
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   Answer: B. Overlapping, breakage and banding

   Applying permanent color over previously colored hair (overlapping) can cause breakage, uneven color and a visible line of demarcation. Apply to the new growth, then refresh the ends only if needed.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

9. Question 9

   Semi-permanent haircolor typically:

   ADeposits color, does not lift, and fades graduallyBLightens natural pigment by several levelsCStays in until the hair grows out and is cutDRinses out after a single shampoo
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   Answer: A. Deposits color, does not lift, and fades gradually

   Semi-permanent color is deposit-only, with no lift. It partly penetrates the cuticle and fades gradually over several shampoos.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

10. Question 10

    Demi-permanent haircolor differs from semi-permanent mainly because it:

    AIs mixed with a low-volume developerBUses natural henna as its baseCCoats the cuticle and rinses right outDLightens the hair by several levels
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    Answer: A. Is mixed with a low-volume developer

    Demi-permanent color is deposit-only but is mixed with a low-volume developer, so it lasts longer than semi-permanent color. It blends gray and refreshes faded ends without lifting.

    NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircoloring

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.