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California Cosmetology Written Exam practice questions

336 free questions with answers and explanations.

Practice test
  1. 301.A pedicure technician wipes her metal cuticle nippers with a disinfectant-soaked cotton pad between clients instead of soaking them. According to California Title 16 requirements, what is wrong with this practice?Safety and Infection Control
  2. 302.While performing a chemical relaxer service in a California salon, a cosmetologist accidentally scratches a client's scalp with the back of a comb, causing a small amount of bleeding. According to California Code of Regulations, Title 16, what is the required response?Chemical Texture Services
  3. 303.A technician is selecting a nail file grit for lightly buffing and smoothing the surface of a natural nail before polish application. Which grit range is most appropriate?Nail Care
  4. 304.During a scalp examination, a cosmetologist finds an open, oozing lesion on the client's scalp near the intended parting area. According to California health and safety regulations, what should the cosmetologist do?Client Consultation and Analysis
  5. 305.A wax technician dips the same wooden applicator stick back into the communal wax pot after applying wax to a client's leg. What infection-control violation has occurred?Safety and Infection Control
  6. 306.A cosmetologist recommends semi-permanent hair color to a client who wants to refresh dull, dark brown hair with subtle warmth but does not want to commit to a long-term change. What is a defining feature of semi-permanent color?Haircoloring
  7. 307.A client chooses sugaring instead of waxing for her leg hair removal. How does the technician correctly remove the sugar paste compared to traditional wax?Hair Removal
  8. 308.A client's hair follicle has stopped receiving nourishment from the blood supply and is beginning to detach from the dermal papilla, though it has not yet shed. Which phase of the hair growth cycle is this?Hair Removal
  9. 309.A cosmetologist wants to determine a client's hair porosity before a chemical relaxer service. Which test should be performed?Client Consultation and Analysis
  10. 310.During a foiling highlight service, a cosmetologist has already placed vertical foil sections throughout the head. Before finishing, the stylist weaves an additional diagonal section that overlaps into an already-foiled area to check for even saturation and consistent color placement. What technique is being performed?Haircoloring
  11. 311.A pedicure technician just finished trimming a client's toenails with metal nippers. Before the nippers can be placed into the disinfectant solution, they must first sit in a covered container. What is this container specifically used for under California Title 16?Safety and Infection Control
  12. 312.Per manufacturer safety guidelines for aniline derivative tints, how long before the actual color service should a predisposition (patch) test be performed?Haircoloring
  13. 313.While cutting a one-length bob, a stylist establishes a line at the center back of the head and uses it as a reference for all subsequent sections, without moving it as new sections are cut. This is an example of what type of guideline?Haircutting
  14. 314.A client with previously relaxed hair wants a soft, natural-looking curl pattern rather than fully straight hair. A cosmetologist performs a curl reforming (soft curl perm) service. Which best describes this process?Chemical Texture Services
  15. 315.A client arrives for a scheduled haircut with a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash and patchy hair loss visible on the scalp. What should the cosmetologist do?Safety and Infection Control
  16. 316.A client presents with dry, red, intensely itchy patches of skin on the hairline that occasionally crack, but shows no oozing, pus, or signs of infection. The client states a dermatologist previously diagnosed this as a chronic, non-contagious skin condition. What should the cosmetologist do?Client Consultation and Analysis
  17. 317.Which item is typically included on a client record card in a California salon?Client Consultation and Analysis
  18. 318.A client returns to the salon two days after a permanent tint application complaining of intense itching, redness, and swelling around the hairline and scalp. What condition should the cosmetologist suspect, and what ingredient is most commonly responsible?Haircoloring
  19. 319.A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave on a client with coarse, wiry hair texture. Compared to fine hair, how should the processing time typically be adjusted?Chemical Texture Services
  20. 320.A client comes in for a facial and the technician notices enlarged pores, a shiny complexion, and frequent breakouts. This is most consistent with which skin type?Skin Care
  21. 321.A makeup artist is applying lip gloss samples to multiple clients at a retail counter, using the same wand from the communal tube dipped directly into the product each time. Which practice would correct this cross-contamination risk?Safety and Infection Control
  22. 322.Which layer of the dermis contains the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the skin's strength and elasticity?Skin Care
  23. 323.A client arrives for a haircut and the cosmetologist notices small, contagious-looking circular bald patches with broken hair stubs on the scalp. What is the appropriate action?Client Consultation and Analysis
  24. 324.During a routine inspection, a BBC inspector finds that a salon reuses the same cloth towels for multiple clients throughout the day without laundering between uses, storing them in an open bin. According to California Title 16 requirements, what is required instead?Safety and Infection Control
  25. 325.Which face shape is generally considered the most balanced and versatile, typically requiring little corrective styling because its proportions are already considered ideal?Client Consultation and Analysis
  26. 326.A client checks in for a scheduled service, and the cosmetologist notices an unusual, unidentifiable rash on the client's neck that does not match any condition the cosmetologist recognizes. The client insists it is 'nothing' and wants the service performed anyway. What is the most appropriate action?Client Consultation and Analysis
  27. 327.A colorist is formulating a permanent color at a 1:1.5 ratio (color to developer). If the formula calls for 2 ounces of color, how many total ounces of the mixed formula will result?Haircoloring
  28. 328.A client develops a scaly, itchy patch of hair loss on the scalp. Lab testing shows the condition is caused by a microorganism that feeds on keratin and thrives in warm, moist environments. Which pathogen category caused this condition?Safety and Infection Control
  29. 329.A nail technician performs acrylic nail enhancements and heavy filing throughout the day, generating fine dust particles in the air. To protect against inhalation hazards, what should the technician use in addition to proper ventilation?Safety and Infection Control
  30. 330.A client has overly porous hair from repeated chemical services, with a raised and damaged cuticle layer. How will this porosity most likely affect a permanent color application?Haircoloring
  31. 331.A client with extremely curly, resistant hair desires a permanent chemical straightening service that will provide the strongest, most enduring results. Which type of chemical relaxer would be most appropriate for this client?Chemical Texture Services
  32. 332.A cosmetologist is applying a virgin relaxer application to a client with coarse, resistant hair. Where should the relaxer be applied first during the initial application?Chemical Texture Services
  33. 333.A cosmetologist is performing a permanent wave on a client. After rinsing the waving lotion and blotting the hair, they apply the neutralizer. What is the primary chemical action of the neutralizer in permanent waving?Chemical Texture Services
  34. 334.A cosmetologist is performing a chemical relaxer service using a 'no-lye' relaxer. Which of the following is the primary active ingredient in most no-lye relaxers?Chemical Texture Services
  35. 335.A client with fine, color-treated hair requests a permanent wave. The cosmetologist chooses an acid-balanced waving lotion. What is the primary reason for selecting this type of lotion for this client?Chemical Texture Services
  36. 336.A cosmetologist is preparing a client for a keratin smoothing treatment. The client asks if the treatment will permanently straighten her hair. What is the most accurate response regarding the nature of keratin smoothing treatments?Chemical Texture Services