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Free cosmetology written exam Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the cosmetology written exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A new practitioner plans to offer cosmetology services to paying clients in New York. What authorization must the practitioner obtain first?

    1. A. An individual cosmetology license
    2. B. An appearance-enhancement business license only
    3. C. A nail-specialty trainee registration
    4. D. A temporary event permit

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The rule says a person may not practice cosmetology “without first having obtained a license therefor.” The individual cosmetology license is therefore required before paid practice.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §160.2

  2. 2During a Department of State inspection, what duty does an individual cosmetology licensee have?

    1. A. Cooperate with the inspection
    2. B. Require 30 days' written notice
    3. C. Limit access to the reception area
    4. D. Provide records only through an attorney

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The individual licensee “shall cooperate with any inspection or investigation” made by the Department, so choice A states the required conduct.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §160.14(b)

  3. 3Which layer of the human hair shaft forms its outer surface?

    1. A. Cuticle
    2. B. Cortex
    3. C. Medulla
    4. D. Papilla

    Answer: A

    Explanation: After describing the medulla and cortex, the anatomy source says: “Moving outward, a single layer of cells makes up the shaft cuticle.”

    Reference: Anatomy, Hair Follicle - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Structure and Function—Hair shaft

  4. 4Which condition is expressly named in New York's Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases subject?

    1. A. Dandruff
    2. B. Paronychia
    3. C. Onycholysis
    4. D. Contact-lens irritation

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Subject 5, “HAIR AND SCALP DISORDERS AND DISEASES,” expressly lists “Dandruff.” The distractors are real nail or eye conditions outside this hair-and-scalp list.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §162.4(b), Subject 5—Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases

  5. 5Which salon-related example is a change in the state of matter?

    1. A. Oxidizing hair color
    2. B. Neutralizing a permanent wave
    3. C. Melting solid wax
    4. D. Polymerizing nail liquid and powder

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The source defines transformation broadly to include “a change in composition, state, or organization of matter.” Melting is the choice that directly changes state; the other three name chemical reactions.

    Reference: Chemical and Physical Transformations of Matter - Beyond the Molecular Frontier - NCBI Bookshelf — Goals—Transformations of matter

  6. 6Which design topic appears under New York's Hair Cutting and Shaping subject?

    1. A. Fundamentals, Principles and Concepts of Design
    2. B. Patterns in Hairstyling
    3. C. Corrective Procedures of Hair Coloring
    4. D. Nail Art

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Subject 8 lists “Fundamentals, Principles and Concepts of Design.” Each distractor is a real topic but belongs to styling, color, or nail care.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §162.4(b), Subject 8—Hair Cutting and Shaping

  7. 7Which technique is expressly listed first under New York's Hair Styling subject?

    1. A. Shaving
    2. B. Fingerwaving
    3. C. Nail wrapping
    4. D. Hair lightening

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Subject 9, “HAIR STYLING—245 HOURS,” begins its technique list with “Fingerwaving.” The distractors are real services from cutting, nail, or color subjects.

    Reference: Updates NHS Curriculum 03 25 2024 — 19 NYCRR §162.4(b), Subject 9—Hair Styling

  8. 8Which structural bonds are broken and reformed during permanent waving?

    1. A. Peptide bonds only
    2. B. Disulfide bonds
    3. C. Hydrogen atoms in water only
    4. D. Pigment granules only

    Answer: B

    Explanation: The NIH-hosted study states: “Permanent waving treatments are known to break and reform disulfide linkages in the hair.”

    Reference: Effect of shampoo, conditioner and permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair - PMC — Effect of permanent waving on hair

  9. 9A cosmetologist sees signs that could indicate a nail disease. Which action stays within the New York license scope?

    1. A. Diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment
    2. B. Treat it with a medicated product
    3. C. Document a medical diagnosis for the client
    4. D. Stop the service and refer the client to a qualified health professional

    Answer: D

    Explanation: An appearance-enhancement licensee is not “authorized to diagnose or treat diseases.” Stopping and referring avoids making a diagnosis or providing medical treatment.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §160.27(c)

  10. 10A cosmetologist is asked to provide manual lymphatic drainage as a beauty service. What is the correct response under New York rules?

    1. A. Perform it only on the face
    2. B. Decline because appearance-enhancement practitioners may not practice massage
    3. C. Perform it with written client consent
    4. D. Perform it if no product is used

    Answer: B

    Explanation: New York provides: “No appearance enhancement practitioner shall be authorized to practice massage, including manual lymphatic drainage.” Consent, body area, and product use do not change that scope limit.

    Reference: Appearance Enhancement Law — 19 NYCRR §160.27(b)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for cosmetology written exam. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Professional Requirements
    • New York State License Requirements
    • State and Federal Payroll Requirements
    • New York State Sales Tax Requirements
    • Career Opportunities and Placement
    • Professional Ethics, Conduct and Attitude
    • Professional Organizations, Trade Shows and Publications
    • View and discuss the mandatory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness online course
  • Safety And Health
    • New York State Laws, Rules and Regulations
    • OSHA Regulations Concerning Hazardous Materials Communications
    • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms
    • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Bacteria
    • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Viruses
    • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Molds
    • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Fungus
    • Growth and Reproduction of Infectious Organisms
    • Infections and Their Prevention
    • Immunity and Body Defenses
    • Decontamination and Infection Control
    • Physical and Chemical Agents
  • Anatomy And Physiology
    • Cells, Tissues and Organs
    • Body Systems
    • Basic Principles of Nutrition
    • Overview of Bones and Muscles of the Head, Arms, Hands, Legs and Feet
  • Hair Analysis
    • Structure
    • Growth Patterns
    • Hair Types and Textures
    • Hair Types and Textures — Hair Types – Fine, Medium, Thick
    • Hair Types and Textures — Hair Textures – Straight, Wavy, Curly, Wiry, Coily and Afro Textures
    • Porosity
    • Elasticity
    • Density
  • Hair And Scalp Disorders And Diseases
    • Dandruff
    • Alopecia
    • Fungal Infections
    • Infestations
    • Infections
  • Chemistry As Applied To Cosmetology
    • Forms and Properties of Matter
    • Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
    • Chemical Reactions and Solutions
    • The pH Scale
    • FDA Laws Governing Hair Care Products and Product Safety
  • Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners And Treatments
    • Client Preparation, Analysis and Consultation for all hair types and textures
    • Hair Analysis Instruments and Equipment
    • Shampooing Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
    • Detangling and Treating for Coily and Curly Textures
    • Rinsing Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
    • Conditioning Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
    • Procedures for Hair and Scalp Disorders
    • Scalp Manipulations
  • Hair Cutting And Shaping
    • Fundamentals, Principles and Concepts of Design
    • Scissor Haircutting
    • Scissor Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Scissors
    • Scissor Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
    • Razor Haircutting
    • Razor Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Razor
    • Razor Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
    • Clipper Haircutting
    • Clipper Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Tools
    • Clipper Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
    • Removal/Trim of Superfluous Hair
    • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting
    • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Curly and Coily Styles
    • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Female Styles
    • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Male Styles
    • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Children Styles
    • Mustache and Beard Shaping
    • Shaving
    • Shaving — Dexterity of the Hands and Razor
    • Shaving — Preparation and Procedures
  • Hair Styling
    • Fingerwaving
    • Pincurling
    • Skipwaving
    • Roller Styling
    • Curly and Coily Styling
    • Patterns in Hairstyling
    • Patterns in Hairstyling — Waves, Pin Curls, Rollers and Combinations
    • Finishing Techniques
    • Finishing Techniques — Twisting, Wrapping, Weaving, Extending, Locking and Braiding
    • Traditional Weaving and Styling
    • Services in Hairstyling
    • Services in Hairstyling — Tools and Implements
    • Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing
    • Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing — Blowdrying with Controlled Tension
    • Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing — Diffusing Curly and Coily Hair
    • Services in Hairstyling — Flatiron and Thermal Iron
    • Services in Hairstyling — Flatiron and Thermal Iron — Preventing Heat Damage
    • Services in Hairstyling — Thermal Curling
    • Services in Hairstyling — Hair Pressing and Silk Press on Natural Hair
    • Hair Pieces
  • Chemical Restructuring
    • Chemistry
    • Chemical Restructuring Products
    • Client Consultation and Texture Hair Integrity
    • Hair Loss and Potential Health Risks Associated with Chemical Restructuring
    • Preliminary Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
    • Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
    • Corrective Chemical Restructuring
  • Hair Coloring And Lightening
    • Color Theory
    • Chemistry
    • Preliminary Procedures of Hair Coloring
    • Client Consultation
    • Hair Coloring Procedures
    • Hair Lightening and Texture Hair Integrity
    • Special Effects
    • Corrective Procedures
  • Nail Care And Procedures
    • Nail Structure
    • Nail Disorders and Diseases
    • Nail Shape and Color Analysis
    • Basic Manicuring and Pedicuring
    • Manipulations of the Hand, Arm, Leg and Foot
    • Nail Tip Application
    • Nail Tip Application — Adhesives
    • Nail Tip Application — Fitting, Design and Application
    • Nail Wrap Application
    • Nail Wrap Application — Silk, Fiberglass and Linen Procedures
    • Nail Wrap Application — Surface Wrapping Natural Nail and Mending
    • Nail Wrap Application — Tip Overlay Wrapping
    • Nail Wrap Application — Repair, Maintenance and Removal
    • Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions
    • Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Application Procedures for Tips with Overlays, Natural Nails and Sculptured Nails
    • Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Repair, Maintenance and Removal
    • Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Chemical Reactions to Liquid and Powder
  • Skin Care And Procedures
    • Structure and Function of the Skin
    • Skin Conditions and Disorders
    • Facial and Body Procedures
    • Facial and Body Procedures — Client Preparation
    • Facial and Body Procedures — Skin Analysis and Consultation
    • Wet and Dry Exfoliations and Applications
    • Use of Various Products to Enhance the Appearance of the Skin:
    • Use of Various Products to Enhance the Appearance of the Skin: — Seaweed, salt, paraffin, mud, ampules, creams, etc.
    • Discussion for Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques Such as Aromatherapy and Water Therapies
    • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal
    • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Manual Tweezing
    • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Depilatory Lotion
    • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Waxing
    • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Bleaching
    • Make-Up Application
    • Make-Up Application — Color Analysis
    • Make-Up Application — Morphology of the Face
    • Make-Up Application — Product Knowledge, Chemistry and Related Composition
    • Make-Up Application — Eyebrow Contouring
    • Make-Up Application — Corrections and Contouring
    • Make-Up Application — False Eyelashes
    • Make-Up Application — Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques

How to use these free practice questions

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view cosmetology written exam details.