Free study questions · Cosmetology state board

Haircutting and styling practice questions

10 free haircutting and styling 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

   The angle at which hair is held away from the head during a haircut is called:

   ACutting lineBOver-directionCGraduationDElevation
   Show the answer

   Answer: D. Elevation

   Elevation is the angle at which hair is held from the head before cutting. Low elevation builds weight, and higher elevation removes it and creates layers.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

2. Question 2

   A one-length (blunt) haircut is created by cutting the hair at:

   A0 degrees of elevationB90 degrees of elevationC45 degrees of elevationD180 degrees of elevation
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. 0 degrees of elevation

   A blunt or one-length cut is made at 0 degrees, with no elevation, so all the hair falls to one level and builds maximum weight at the perimeter.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

3. Question 3

   Cutting hair at 90 degrees of elevation, with the hair held straight out from the curve of the head, creates:

   AA stacked graduated cutBA heavy weight lineCLayers of the same lengthDA blunt one-length cut
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. Layers of the same length

   At 90 degrees the hair is cut perpendicular to the head’s curve, producing uniform layers that are all the same length. Lower angles add weight; 180 degrees makes long layers.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

4. Question 4

   A client with a round face wants a more oval look. Which haircut works best?

   AA short, curved cut with a heavy, full fringeBOne with full volume at the sides near the cheeksCOne with height on top and less width at the sidesDA chin-length bob that curls under
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. One with height on top and less width at the sides

   For a round face, add height on top and keep the sides close to create the illusion of length. Width or volume at the cheeks makes a round face look wider.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: client consultation and hair design

5. Question 5

   Before a chemical service such as a relaxer, the stylist should avoid:

   ABrushing the hair or scratching the scalpBDraping the client to protect clothingCAsking which products were used beforeDChecking the scalp for cuts or irritation
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Brushing the hair or scratching the scalp

   Brushing or scratching can irritate the scalp or cause tiny breaks in the skin, and chemicals can then burn. Examine the scalp, but do not brush before chemical services.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: shampooing and draping

6. Question 6

   A no-stem pin curl produces:

   AA tight, firm, long-lasting curlBA curl with medium movementCThe loosest curl with the most movementDSmooth, straight hair with shine
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. A tight, firm, long-lasting curl

   In a no-stem pin curl the curl sits directly on its base, giving a tight, firm, long-lasting curl. A half-stem allows medium movement, and a full stem gives the most mobility.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: wet styling

7. Question 7

   Burning a strand is one way to tell human hair from synthetic fiber. Synthetic fiber usually:

   ASmolders slowly with a strong odorBTurns to soft, powdery ashCMelts into a hard beadDGives off no smell or smoke
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. Melts into a hard bead

   Human hair burns slowly, smells like burning hair and leaves a powdery ash. Synthetic fiber melts quickly into a hard bead and may smell chemical.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: wigs and hair additions

8. Question 8

   Cutting hair at 45 degrees of elevation creates:

   AA graduated shape that builds weightBA one-length line with no layeringCShort, uniform layers throughoutDLong layers with very little weight
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. A graduated shape that builds weight

   A 45-degree elevation is the classic angle for a graduated cut, which stacks the hair and builds weight above the perimeter.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

9. Question 9

   Holding the hair at 180 degrees of elevation, straight up from the head, produces:

   ALong layersBA stacked napeCA weight lineDA blunt bob
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Long layers

   At 180 degrees the hair is pulled straight up and cut, so the top is shorter and the lengths below get progressively longer, creating long layers with little weight.

   NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

10. Question 10

    A guideline that moves with each section as the haircut progresses is a:

    APerimeter lineBTraveling guideCStationary guideDWeight line
    Show the answer

    Answer: B. Traveling guide

    A traveling (movable) guide moves along as you work, with each new section cut to a small part of the previous one. A stationary guide stays in one place, and all hair is brought to it.

    NIC Cosmetology outline II: haircutting

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.