1 / 25 Safety and infection control After removing debris and washing shears, which next step does California section 979(f) specify for shears? Choose one answer
A. Place the shears straight into a clean pouch.B. Wipe the shears with plain water and allow them to air-dry.C. Spray or wipe the shears with an EPA-registered disinfectant.D. Immerse the shears in a covered liquid disinfectant container as for combs.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. Spray or wipe the shears with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Option A: Storage comes after the required disinfection and must itself be suitable for disinfected tools.Option B: Plain water is part of cleaning, not the disinfectant treatment required for shears.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. California specifies an EPA-registered spray or wipe with bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity for shears after cleaning.Option D: Section 979(f) sets a shear-specific spray-or-wipe procedure, rather than immersion.2 / 25 Consultation and hair, skin and nail analysis A client developed a rash during the recommended patch test for a hair dye. The client still wants that dye applied today. What is the sound response? Choose one answer
A. Apply the dye for half the usual processing time.B. Place a barrier cream on the scalp and apply the same dye.C. Do a strand test and use the dye if the hair color looks right.D. Do not use that dye after the rash; discuss other options.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Do not use that dye after the rash; discuss other options.
Option A: A shorter processing time does not make a dye suitable after the patch test produced a rash.Option B: A scalp barrier does not overturn the patch-test warning for this dye.Option C: A strand test checks the result on hair; it does not negate a skin reaction in the patch test.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. FDA guidance says not to use a hair dye if its patch test causes a rash. Choose a different plan rather than that dye.3 / 25 Hairstyling A cosmetologist needs a comb to control sections while curling with a hot iron. Which comb material follows the Board’s thermal-styling precaution? Choose one answer
A. A metal comb.B. A thin-plastic comb.C. A hard-rubber comb.D. A wooden comb.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. A hard-rubber comb.
Option A: The Board cautions that metal combs can become very hot and cause burns.Option B: A comb that softens or melts near a hot tool is unsuitable for this work.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. The Board identifies hard rubber or other nonflammable comb materials for thermal styling.Option D: Wood is combustible; the Board advises nonflammable materials such as hard rubber.4 / 25 Haircutting A cosmetologist has cut the first section of a layered haircut to the agreed length. As work continues around the head, what best helps keep the planned structure consistent? Choose one answer
A. Save cross-checking until the whole cut is finished.B. Follow the guideline in each section and cross-check as you cut.C. Choose each new length independently by eye.D. Cut each new section slightly longer to allow later correction.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: B. Follow the guideline in each section and cross-check as you cut.
Option A: The criterion calls for checking the guideline throughout the service, not only after finishing.Option B · Correct answer: Correct. With the first section already cut, following its planned guideline and checking each new section keeps the layered structure consistent.Option C: Independent guesses abandon the established guideline and risk an inconsistent structure.Option D: Deliberately leaving each new section longer departs from the established guideline, so the layers will not match the planned structure.5 / 25 Haircoloring At a color consultation, a cosmetologist finds resistant new growth but highly porous, previously processed ends. What planning choice best addresses the difference? Choose one answer
A. Use one formula chosen for the resistant new growth on all the hair.B. Plan separate formulas for the resistant new growth and porous ends.C. Use one formula chosen for the porous ends on all the hair.D. Keep one formula and extend processing time on all the hair.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: B. Plan separate formulas for the resistant new growth and porous ends.
Option A: A formula for resistant new growth may make the porous ends absorb color too intensely.Option B · Correct answer: Correct. Uneven porosity may require separate formulas to achieve an even color result.Option C: A formula for porous ends may not color resistant new growth as intended.Option D: Changing time uniformly does not address the two areas absorbing color differently.6 / 25 Chemical texture services Permanent-wave processing is complete according to the product directions, and the rods are still in place. What should happen before neutralizer is applied? Choose one answer
A. Remove the rods, then apply neutralizer to loose hair.B. Apply neutralizer over the remaining waving solution.C. Rub the rod-wrapped hair dry with a towel, then neutralize.D. Rinse with tepid water, then blot gently without moving rods.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Rinse with tepid water, then blot gently without moving rods.
Option A: This skips the rinse and blot, and the rods should stay in place for neutralizing.Option B: Waving solution must be rinsed out thoroughly before the neutralizer goes on.Option C: Rubbing can disturb the rods; blot gently and evenly after rinsing instead.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. With processing complete and the rods in place, rinse out the waving chemical and blot gently before neutralizing.7 / 25 Skin care A supplier offers a peel marked “for physician use only” and says it affects only the upper skin layer. May a California cosmetologist use it for cosmetic exfoliation? Choose one answer
A. No; use an over-the-counter product per its directions.B. Yes, if the supplier says the effect is superficial.C. Yes, if the client signs consent before treatment.D. No; cosmetologists may not perform any chemical exfoliation.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: A. No; use an over-the-counter product per its directions.
Option A · Correct answer: Correct. California §992 allows only eligible over-the-counter exfoliation products, applied by their directions, within the epidermis limit.Option B: A supplier’s depth claim does not remove the rule limiting exfoliation products to over-the-counter products.Option C: Consent does not turn a physician-use-only product into an eligible over-the-counter exfoliant.Option D: Section 992(a) permits epidermis-only exfoliation; the problem here is the physician-only product.8 / 25 Eyelash and eyebrow A cosmetologist has run out of lash-lift product. A colleague suggests using standard scalp perm solution near the eyes for a shorter time. What is the sound choice? Choose one answer
A. Use scalp perm solution only if it is diluted first.B. Use scalp perm solution but shorten its contact time.C. Postpone until a product formulated for lashes is available.D. Borrow lash-lift lotion from another kit and omit its neutralizer.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. Postpone until a product formulated for lashes is available.
Option A: Dilution does not turn a scalp perm solution into a product formulated for the eye area.Option B: Shorter contact time does not make a hair-perming solution appropriate for lashes.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. The Board recommends lash-specific product and warns that hair-perming solution near the eyes can cause serious eye damage.Option D: The Board says to remove and neutralize lash-lift product according to its manufacturer; omitting neutralizer is not a safety step.9 / 25 Hair removal A cosmetologist finishes a waxing service with a wooden stick that touched the client’s skin. What should happen to the stick before the next client? Choose one answer
A. Rinse it and store it for the next client.B. Label it with this client’s name for a later visit.C. Spray it with disinfectant and reuse it.D. Discard it immediately after that client.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Discard it immediately after that client.
Option A: Rinsing does not make a client-contact wooden stick disinfectable or reusable.Option B: The rule requires disposal immediately after use on a single client, not storage for a later visit.Option C: A wooden wax stick is not a disinfectable implement; spraying does not override the disposal rule.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Section 981(a) requires non-disinfectable client-contact supplies, including wax sticks, to be disposed of immediately after use on a single client.10 / 25 Nail care After discarding a single-use liner, a cosmetologist scrubs the foot basin with a clean brush, liquid soap, and water, then rinses it. Which drying and record step follows? Choose one answer
A. Let the basin air-dry; record this in the pedicure equipment-cleaning log.B. Dry with a fresh cloth towel; use the pedicure equipment-cleaning log.C. Dry with a new clean paper towel; use the pedicure equipment-cleaning log.D. Dry with a new clean paper towel; retain the liner wrapper as the record.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. Dry with a new clean paper towel; use the pedicure equipment-cleaning log.
Option A: The rule specifies drying with a new clean paper towel; air-drying is not that step.Option B: A clean cloth towel is not the new clean paper towel specified for drying.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. Use a new clean paper towel, then log the date, time, cleaner’s initials, and that cleaning followed a client.Option D: Keeping packaging does not replace an entry in the pedicure equipment-cleaning log.11 / 25 Safety and infection control A stylist needs a small portion of styling cream from a shared container. Which handling choice best avoids contaminating what remains? Choose one answer
A. Dip a brush that touched the client back into the shared container.B. Scoop from the jar with fingers that just handled a used client towel.C. Leave the lid off so the product is easier to reach.D. Remove the needed portion with a clean implement into a separate service container.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Remove the needed portion with a clean implement into a separate service container.
Option A: A brush that has touched the client can carry material back into the shared product.Option B: Hands that handled a used towel may contaminate the shared product when scooping directly.Option C: The rule also calls for cosmetic preparations to stay in clean, closed containers.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Separating a portion with a clean implement protects the shared supply from contact with used materials.12 / 25 Consultation and hair, skin and nail analysis A client has many hair strands, each with a small diameter. Which assessment is correct? Choose one answer
A. Fine texture with high density.B. Coarse texture with high density.C. Fine texture with low density.D. Coarse texture with low density.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: A. Fine texture with high density.
Option A · Correct answer: Correct. Texture describes strand diameter, while density describes how much hair grows on the head.Option B: The amount of hair is high, but a small strand diameter is fine rather than coarse texture.Option C: The strands are fine, but the client has many of them, which indicates high density.Option D: This reverses both observations: the strands are narrow and the number of strands is high.13 / 25 Hairstyling A plugged-in flat iron rests on the counter, with its cord crossing a busy walkway. Which change best reduces both trip and burn risk? Choose one answer
A. Post a warning sign beside the cord crossing.B. Reroute the cord away from the walking path.C. Set the iron in a heat-resistant holder at the counter edge.D. Lower the iron’s heat setting during the service.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: B. Reroute the cord away from the walking path.
Option A: A warning sign does not remove the cord from foot traffic or prevent the iron from being pulled down.Option B · Correct answer: Correct. The Board warns not to place an iron cord where someone may trip and make the hot tool fall.Option C: The holder addresses contact with the hot tool but does not remove the cord from the walkway.Option D: Lower heat does not remove the cord from the walkway or prevent someone from pulling the iron down.14 / 25 Haircutting A cosmetologist plans a cut with a short perimeter and longer interior. Length and lift are recorded. Which additional detail makes the structural plan clearer for each component? Choose one answer
A. One lift angle recorded for the entire haircut structure.B. A starting point and sectioning/parting pattern for each component.C. The finishing product for each component.D. The cutting-tool order for each component.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: B. A starting point and sectioning/parting pattern for each component.
Option A: A fixed angle does not describe where each component begins or how it is divided.Option B · Correct answer: Correct. In the cited Australian training unit, the plan identifies where each component starts and how its sections and partings are arranged, clarifying this two-length cut.Option C: A finishing product does not define the starting point or sectioning of the cut.Option D: Tool order may help workflow, but it cannot replace the component’s parting pattern.15 / 25 Haircoloring Orange warmth remains in the hair. Which tone should guide neutralization? Choose one answer
A. An orange-based tone.B. A blue-based tone.C. A violet-based tone.D. A red-based tone.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: B. A blue-based tone.
Option A: Adding the same warmth enhances orange rather than neutralizing it.Option B · Correct answer: Correct. Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel and can guide neutralization; product and hair assessment still determine the formula.Option C: Violet is associated with yellow correction, so it is not the direct complementary choice for orange.Option D: Red is another warm tone and is not the direct blue complement to the observed orange.16 / 25 Chemical texture services A salon uses two permanent-wave products with different directions for different clients. A cosmetologist proposes one fixed processing time for every perm. What is the better approach? Choose one answer
A. Follow each product’s directions; check progress.B. Use the shorter time listed on either product.C. Rely on the timer alone; checking would disturb the rods.D. Choose the time solely from the rod diameter.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: A. Follow each product’s directions; check progress.
Option A · Correct answer: Correct. Each product's directions set its timing, and progress checks show when the planned curl is reached.Option B: One product’s time cannot replace the other product’s own directions.Option C: The procedure calls for regular progress checks; avoiding them for the whole processing period does not meet that step.Option D: Rod diameter alone does not override product directions or the observed result.17 / 25 Skin care A cosmetologist is preparing a facial that includes steam and superficial exfoliation within California scope. The client still has makeup on. Which order fits this facial? Choose one answer
A. Steam, remove makeup and cleanse, then exfoliate.B. Exfoliate, remove makeup and cleanse, then steam.C. Apply massage medium, remove makeup, then cleanse.D. Remove makeup and cleanse, then steam and exfoliate.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Remove makeup and cleanse, then steam and exfoliate.
Option A: Makeup removal and cleansing come before steam, not after it.Option B: Skin is cleansed before exfoliation, not exfoliated through makeup.Option C: Massage medium belongs to a later stage; it does not replace the initial makeup-removal and cleansing steps.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Removing makeup and cleansing first prepares this client for the planned steam and exfoliation, subject to the treatment plan and California scope.18 / 25 Eyelash and eyebrow A 15-year-old requests a brow tint using an FDA-permitted professional-use silver-nitrate cosmetic. What should the cosmetologist decide? Choose one answer
A. Apply it for half the usual time.B. Apply it if a parent signs consent.C. Use it on brows but not lashes.D. Decline this tint for the 15-year-old.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Decline this tint for the 15-year-old.
Option A: Shorter application does not remove the under-16 restriction.Option B: Parental permission does not change the product-use restriction.Option C: The age restriction applies to both brow and lash use.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. 21 CFR §73.2550(c)(3) says silver-nitrate tint cosmetics are not intended for persons under 16.19 / 25 Hair removal A client requests wax on part of the upper lip. Hair growth extends beyond the area the client points to. What should happen before wax is applied? Choose one answer
A. Wax only where the client pointed, without discussing the extra growth.B. Wax all visible growth because it looks untidy.C. Wax the pointed area, then tweeze extra growth without asking.D. Confirm and record the skin and hair-growth area the client wants waxed.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Confirm and record the skin and hair-growth area the client wants waxed.
Option A: That avoids an unwanted extension, but it skips clarifying the client’s intended treatment area before applying wax.Option B: The worker’s preference does not replace confirming the area the client wants treated and obtaining consent.Option C: Tweezing beyond the agreed area still changes the service without confirming the client’s wishes.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Clarifying the skin and hair-growth area, confirming the service and getting consent come before any wax is applied.20 / 25 Nail care A California salon plans to sell a nail hardener whose formula intentionally includes formaldehyde. Which action complies with the current state cosmetic statute? Choose one answer
A. Offer it with an ingredient warning and use directions.B. Sell it only to licensed nail professionals in the salon.C. Sell it from stock purchased before the 2025 law took effect.D. Do not offer it; stock a hardener without banned added ingredients.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Do not offer it; stock a hardener without banned added ingredients.
Option A: A warning does not permit sale of a cosmetic with intentionally added formaldehyde under California Health and Safety Code §108980(a)(3).Option B: The statute applies to sale of any such cosmetic product; it does not exempt licensed buyers.Option C: The statute applies to sale and offers for sale after January 1, 2025; it states no old-stock exception.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Section 108980(a) bars sale of cosmetics with listed intentionally added ingredients, including formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, and methylene glycol.21 / 25 Safety and infection control A cosmetologist needs product-specific guidance on gloves and ventilation while mixing a lightener. Which safety data sheet (SDS) section should they read? Choose one answer
A. Section 8, exposure controls and personal protection.B. Section 2, hazard identification and warning statements.C. Section 6, accidental-release and spill measures.D. Section 14, information about transporting the product.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: A. Section 8, exposure controls and personal protection.
Option A · Correct answer: Correct. Section 8 covers engineering controls such as ventilation and personal protection such as suitable gloves.Option B: Section 2 identifies hazards, but Section 8 provides the specific exposure-control and PPE guidance.Option C: Section 6 addresses an accidental release, not routine PPE selection during mixing.Option D: Section 14 concerns transport; it is not the place for gloves or ventilation during service.22 / 25 Consultation and hair, skin and nail analysis Which hair property describes a strand’s ability to stretch and return without snapping? Choose one answer
A. Density.B. Porosity.C. Elasticity.D. Texture.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. Elasticity.
Option A: Density concerns the amount of hair, not how an individual strand responds to stretching.Option B: Porosity concerns absorption; the question describes stretching and recovery.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. Elasticity is the capacity to stretch and return without breaking; poor elasticity can signal a weakened cortex.Option D: Texture describes strand diameter in this hair-analysis context, not stretch and recovery.23 / 25 Hairstyling A client’s braid looks uneven along its length. What should the cosmetologist adjust while continuing? Choose one answer
A. Add more holding product to the finished braid.B. Switch to a tighter band at the braid end.C. Increase tension only on the smallest pieces.D. Pick up clean, even pieces with even tension.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: D. Pick up clean, even pieces with even tension.
Option A: Holding product does not correct uneven section pickup.Option B: The end band secures the braid but does not correct its uneven sections.Option C: Unequal tension compounds inconsistency rather than maintaining even braiding.Option D · Correct answer: Correct. Even sections and even tension produce a uniform braid along its length.24 / 25 Haircutting While setting a one-length perimeter, the client repeatedly tilts their head. What should the cosmetologist correct before comparing the sides? Choose one answer
A. Return the head to the planned neutral position.B. Pull the shorter side farther downward.C. Raise every section above the crown.D. Check the line only after styling.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: A. Return the head to the planned neutral position.
Option A · Correct answer: Correct. Head position affects access and natural fall during a solid cut; compare the line in a consistent position.Option B: Changing tension on one side does not make the comparison consistent.Option C: High elevation changes the solid structure rather than correcting head position.Option D: The source calls for cross-checking the guideline during the cut, not only at the end.25 / 25 Haircoloring A client’s hair analysis suggests structural damage before lightening. Which test addresses the hair’s response to the planned color service? Choose one answer
A. A porosity assessment.B. A skin patch test.C. A strand test.D. An elasticity assessment.
Answer and explanations Correct answer: C. A strand test.
Option A: Porosity is a useful hair characteristic, but this assessment alone does not show the response to the planned color process.Option B: A skin patch test addresses a possible skin reaction; it does not show how a damaged hair strand responds.Option C · Correct answer: Correct. A strand test is called for when hair analysis indicates risk to its structure or condition.Option D: Elasticity reveals existing hair strength, but a strand test directly checks its response to the proposed chemical service.