California State Board Barber Exam Practice Questions
1. All of the following products contain a strong alkali known as lye or sodium hydroxide EXCEPT:
A. Hair relaxers
B. Drain cleaners
C. Callous removers
D. *Neutralizers
2. Which stroke should be used when shaving beneath the lower lip?
A. Freehand
B. Backhand
C. *Reverse freehand
D. Reverse backhand
3. Which of the following is TRUE of normal hair growth?
A. Massage increases hair growth
B. *Shaving or cutting the hair has no effect on hair growth
C. Grey hair is always coarser than pigmented hair
D. Natural curl is always determined by racial background
4. Which of the following is a skin pigment disorder?
A. Eczema
B. *Lentigo
C. Mole
D. Verruca
5. What is the meaning of immunity?
A. Germs in the air
B. The practice of cleanliness
C. Microorganisms that cause disease
D. *Resistance of an organism to infection or disease
6. What is an alternative option to a scalp steamer when preparing for a shave?
A. Cream
B. Ointment
C. Tonic
D. *Towel
7. Which ingredient in shampoo attracts oily dirt in the hair and washes it away?
A. Protein
B. Silicone
C. *Surfactant
D. Moisturizer
8. Which is the first step when handling broken skin or exposure to blood?
A. Clean the work area and implements
B. Apply a bandage to exposed area
C. Wash exposed area with antibacterial soap
D. *Stop performing the service
9. All of the following are reasons for having an SDS available EXCEPT:
A. Knowing safety procedures when handling supplies
B. Having quick access to medical and first aid information
C. Knowing chemical hazards
D. *Knowing what supplies are in stock
10. What precaution should be used when applying a hot towel before a shave?
A. Boiling the towel in a ceramic bowl
B. Wringing the towel over a cool basin
C. Spraying the towel with a mild astringent
D. *Testing the water temperature on your wrist
11. All of the following are functions of the skin EXCEPT:
A. Absorption
B. Excretion
C. Lubrication
D. *Maturation
12. Which hair condition resists color?
A. *Low porosity hair
B. Small-diameter hair
C. Medium-textured hair
D. Chemically relaxed hair
13. What MUST a new client do before their first service is performed?
A. Pay for service
B. Schedule their next appointment
C. *Complete a consultation card
D. Fill out an emergency contact card
14. Which hair color procedure will lighten hair prior to depositing color?
A. *Double process
B. Predisposition
C. Secondary color
D. Virgin application
15. Which is the proper way to wash hands?
A. Run water until hot over hands
B. Rinse, lather, and dry
C. *Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry
D. Apply lotion, scrub 20 seconds, rinse, and dry
16. The following are fundamental colors EXCEPT:
A. Blue
B. *Green
C. Red
D. Yellow
17. OSHA regulates all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Chemical hazards
B. Employee-owned equipment
C. Personal protective equipment
D. *Evaluation of skilled and competent services
18. Which procedure prepares implements that may accidentally be exposed to blood or body fluid?
A. Sterilization
B. *Disinfection
C. Decontamination
D. Washing with soap only
19. In which phase of hair growth is new hair produced?
A. *Anagen
B. Catagen
C. Collagen
D. Telogen
20. Which of the following is considered a variation of friction and is mainly used to massage the arms and legs?
A. Fulling
B. Hacking
C. Vibration
D. *Wringing
21. All of the following are tips for the clipper-over-comb technique EXCEPT:
A. Work against the growth pattern
B. *Stand above the working area
C. Hold comb parallel to the head
D. Work with small sections
22. Which is a place used for storing disinfected tools and implements in the salon?
A. Utility cart
B. *Covered container
C. Laundry facility
D. Back bar
23. All of the following are foundations of cornrows EXCEPT:
A. *Elevation
B. Even partings
C. Lay close to scalp
D. Three-strand technique
24. Which stroke should be used when shaving across the chin?
A. *Freehand
B. Backhand
C. Reverse freehand
D. Reverse backhand
25. Which is MOST recommended for a new cutter to remove excess bulk?
A. Chunking shears
B. *Thinning shears
C. Texturizing shears
D. Swivel shears
26. What type of stroke should be used when performing a backhand stroke?
A. Leading with the heel of the razor
B. Using a circular motion
C. *Leading with the point of the razor
D. Pulling the razor upward
27. How should used linens, towels, and capes be handled in the barbershop?
A. Folded and placed back on the shelf
B. Sprayed with disinfectant and reused
C. *Placed in the laundry
D. Stored near clean supplies
28. What should be used to clean under nails during hand washing?
A. Cotton towel
B. Comb
C. *Nail brush
D. Razor brush
29. In order to prevent slipping, what should be kept dry on the left hand during the backhand stroke?
A. Palm
B. Thumb
C. Wrist
D. *Fingertips of the left hand
30. What is the position of the right hand when performing a reverse backhand stroke?
A. Razor pointing downward
B. Razor held sideways
C. *Razor in freehand position, turned upward
D. Razor held with both hands
31. What type of stroke is used during the reverse backhand stroke?
A. Upward stroking motion
B. Circular motion
C. *Downward gliding stroke
D. Tapping motion
32. What type of movement should be used when performing the reverse freehand stroke for a smooth glide?
A. Downward scraping motion
B. Circular motion
C. *Upward semi-arc stroke
D. Short tapping motion
33. What is the amount of hair follicles per square inch on the scalp called?
A. Texture
B. Porosity
C. Elasticity
D. *Density
34. What is an EPA-registered disinfectant required for?
A. Making tools look clean
B. Removing hair from tools
C. *Destroying most bacteria and microorganisms
D. Replacing sanitation procedures
35. If perm solution gets into your eyes, what should you do?
A. Apply eye drops
B. Wipe eyes with a towel
C. Continue the service
D. *Immediately flush eyes with cool running water for at least 15 minutes
36. What bond does a relaxer solution break down?
A. Hydrogen bonds
B. Salt bonds
C. *Disulfide bonds
D. Peptide bonds
37. Humectants are ingredients in conditioners that:
A. Remove oil from hair
B. Strengthen the scalp
C. *Retain moisture
D. Remove artificial color
38. One of the main ingredients in shampoos is:
A. Protein
B. Silicone
C. *Surfactant
D. Alcohol
39. Scabies are what type of parasites?
A. Bacteria
B. Virus
C. Fungus
D. *Parasitic skin infection
40. Where is the reverse backhand stroke used?
A. Forehead and cheeks
B. Upper lip only
C. *Neck and behind the ear
D. Eyebrow area
41. What direction do you move the razor with a freehand stroke?
A. Upward
B. Side-to-side
C. Circular
D. *Downward
42. How do you stretch the skin with a freehand stroke?
A. Loose and relaxed
B. Toward the razor
C. *Taut and behind the razor
D. Away from the client
43. What implement is used for a 0-degree elevation haircut?
A. Razor
B. Clippers
C. *Shears
D. Thinning shears
44. Before pressing, the hair must be thoroughly dried because:
A. It creates more volume
B. It makes hair curlier
C. *It prevents burning the hair
D. It increases moisture
45. In a relaxer service, what is the purpose of a test strand?
A. Determine hair color
B. Measure hair length
C. *Determine if the client will have a reaction
D. Increase processing time
46. What is the process of lifting natural pigment from the hair called?
A. Depositing
B. Coloring
C. Toning
D. *Lightening
47. When holding a razor, where does the pinky finger rest?
A. Handle
B. Blade
C. Finger grip
D. *Tang
48. What is the most sensitive area during a facial shave?
A. Cheek
B. Upper lip
C. Jawline
D. *Adam’s apple
49. If a client’s skin is too sensitive for astringent, what can be used instead?
A. Alcohol
B. Toner
C. *Witch hazel
D. Peroxide
50. What is the purpose of an antiseptic?
A. Remove dead skin
B. Add moisture
C. *Slow or stop the growth of microorganisms
D. Increase blood circulation
51. What are thinning shears used for?
A. Creating hard lines
B. Cutting all hair evenly
C. *Blending and removing excess bulk
D. Creating curls
52. When using trimmers, what can cause cuts, irritation, and ingrown hairs?
A. Using a guard
B. Cleaning the trimmer
C. *Applying too much pressure
D. Holding the trimmer correctly
53. What should you do if a client is cut during a service?
A. Continue the service
B. Cover the cut and continue
C. Apply product immediately
D. *Stop the service
54. When are you required to wear gloves during a service?
A. Haircutting service
B. Shampoo service
C. Styling service
D. *Chemical service
55. An infection around the beard known as folliculitis barbae is also known as:
A. Ringworm
B. Scabies
C. *Barber’s itch
D. Psoriasis
56. When lightening virgin hair, where should color product be applied first?
A. Scalp area
B. Hairline
C. Roots
D. *Mid-lengths and ends
57. How should wave solution be applied?
A. Only to the top of rods
B. In random sections
C. *Evenly across and side-to-side, fully saturating the hair
D. Only to the ends
58. Knowing that hair grows approximately ½ inch per month allows the barber to determine:
A. Hair texture
B. Hair porosity
C. *How much hair to cut off to achieve the desired length
D. Hair density
59. As a licensee, what should you do if a client only asks for a trim?
A. Refuse service
B. Cut more than requested
C. *Recommend what you believe would be best for the client
D. Ignore the request
60. What is a sign or symptom of a local infection?
A. Dryness
B. Redness only
C. *Pus
D. Oily skin
61. What are the two types of immunity?
A. Active and passive
B. Temporary and permanent
C. *Natural and acquired
D. Internal and external
62. When mixing chemicals according to manufacturer instructions, what are you required to have?
A. A timer only
B. Gloves only
C. *A measuring device
D. A towel
63. What is the proper draping for clients receiving a chemical service?
A. Single drape
B. Cape only
C. *Double drape
D. No drape required
64. How often should a barber disinfect a razor?
A. Once per day
B. Weekly
C. After several clients
D. *After each client
65. What disinfectant is commonly required to be used in a barber shop?
A. Alcohol
B. Bleach only
C. *EPA-registered disinfectant such as Barbicide
D. Shampoo
66. What does an SDS provide?
A. Client information
B. Product pricing
C. *Safety information about chemical hazards and proper handling
D. Employee schedules
67. Lathering before a shave serves all of the following purposes EXCEPT:
A. Softening facial hair
B. Providing lubrication
C. Preparing the skin
D. *Increasing hair growth
68. Which finger is inserted into the finger grip on the still blade?
A. Index finger
B. Middle finger
C. *Ring finger
D. Pinky finger
69. Shorter shaving strokes should be used around:
A. Large flat areas
B. Cheeks
C. *Close areas and curves
D. Neck only
70. Body-building conditioners penetrate the hair strand to deposit protein into:
A. Cuticle
B. Medulla
C. *Cortex of the hair shaft
D. Scalp
71. Hair color products containing metallic salts may cause what effect with excessive sunlight?
A. Faster growth
B. Increased moisture
C. *Chemical reaction
D. Permanent curl
72. The main determining factor of hair absorption of chemicals is:
A. Density
B. Texture
C. Elasticity
D. *Porosity
73. What is the proper way to detangle curly hair using a wide-tooth comb?
A. Comb from roots to ends quickly
B. Use a fine-tooth comb
C. *Divide hair into sections and detangle carefully
D. Brush dry hair
74. What is the best way to achieve an even shave when only lathering one time?
A. Use more pressure
B. Apply less lather
C. *Build a thick, consistent lather and work it thoroughly into facial hair
D. Shave without stretching the skin
75. Which blow-dryer attachment dries hair without disturbing the curl pattern?
A. Concentrator
B. Comb attachment
C. Brush attachment
D. *Diffuser attachment
76. What should you do immediately after a disinfectant comes in contact with your skin?
A. Apply lotion
B. Wipe it off with a towel
C. Continue working
D. *Rinse the affected area with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes
77. How would you sterilize an implement with a metal surface?
A. Soak in shampoo
B. Spray with alcohol
C. Place in disinfectant only
D. *Use an autoclave
78. How should permanent waving solution be applied?
A. Only to the top of rods
B. Lightly over the rods
C. *Liberally to the top and underside of rods, fully saturating the hair
D. Only to the ends
79. In what area of the face is the reverse freehand stroke used?
A. Cheeks and forehead
B. Sideburns only
C. *Neck and chin areas (No. 14, 13, 10, and 5 strokes)
D. Upper lip only
80. What is the purpose of neck strips?
A. Protect the cape from stains
B. Hold the client’s hair in place
C. *Provide a barrier between the cape neckband and the client’s neck
D. Replace a towel
81. Clay facial products should be used on what type of skin?
A. Dry skin
B. Sensitive skin
C. *Oily and combination skin
D. Normal skin only
82. Prior to a shave, what should you check for?
A. Hair length only
B. Hair texture
C. *Skin infections or pustules
D. Client’s haircut style
83. Hot towels should NOT be used on clients who have:
A. Oily skin
B. Normal skin
C. *Chapped, blistered, thin, or sensitive skin
D. Thick facial hair
84. Skin that has become thick or rough due to friction is called:
A. Eczema
B. Psoriasis
C. *Callous
D. Lentigo
85. When using a chemical relaxer, where should application begin?
A. Hairline
B. Crown
C. *Back of the head, specifically the nape area
D. Front hairline
86. What type of comb should NEVER be used when thermal pressing?
A. Plastic comb
B. Carbon comb
C. *Metal comb
D. Heat-resistant comb
87. What should be used on dry hair?
A. Clarifying shampoo only
B. Strong shampoo
C. *Leave-in conditioners and hydrating shampoo-conditioner products
D. Alcohol-based products
88. What type of shampoo is used to remove product buildup?
A. Moisturizing shampoo
B. Color-safe shampoo
C. *Clarifying shampoo
D. Protein shampoo
89. What type of dye is vegetable dye?
A. Permanent dye
B. Metallic dye
C. Synthetic dye
D. *Henna
90. How do you test the temperature of a thermal iron?
A. Place it on the scalp
B. Touch it with your hand
C. *Clamp it onto a piece of tissue paper or white cloth for a few seconds
D. Place it in water
91. Which stroke is used behind the ear and down the neckline?
A. Freehand
B. Backhand
C. Reverse freehand
D. *Reverse backhand
92. When performing a head shave, where do you start?
A. Crown of the head
B. Back of the head
C. Side of the head
D. *Front hairline
93. How is a graduated bob or beveled cut created?
A. Hair is cut one length
B. Hair is cut with no elevation
C. *Hair is cut with stacked layers that gradually become longer toward the front
D. Hair is razor cut only
94. A long-layered haircut is also referred to as:
A. Bob haircut
B. Fade haircut
C. *Shag haircut
D. Blunt haircut
95. A razor is used to make the ends of the hair:
A. Blunt and heavy
B. Strong and thick
C. *Feathered and textured
D. Even and straight
96. What part of the razor leads the shaving stroke?
A. Heel
B. Handle
C. *Point of the razor
D. Guard
97. What is used to apply electrotherapy to the skin?
A. Massage brush
B. Steam towel
C. *Electrode
D. Cotton pad
98. What can be used on hair that has been treated with ammonium thioglycolate relaxer?
A. Bleach
B. Metallic dye
C. *Neutralizing shampoo
D. Strong alkaline shampoo
99. When performing a virgin lightener service, where should product be applied first?
A. Scalp area
B. Hairline
C. *Mid-lengths and ends of the hair
D. Roots only
100. Fish hooks can be avoided when end papers are:
A. Folded over the scalp
B. Placed above the hair
C. *Past the ends of the hair
D. Removed before processing
101. Which of the following is a contraindication for electrotherapy?
A. Aging skin
B. Oily skin
C. *Broken skin
D. Acne-prone skin
102. If you give a haircut at a 90-degree elevation, how do you properly cross-check your work?
A. *90 degrees vertical and horizontal
B. 45 degrees vertical and horizontal
C. 0 degrees vertical and horizontal
D. 180 degrees vertical and horizontal
103. What indicates a reverse backhand shaving stroke?
A. Gliding stroke upward
B. *Gliding stroke downward
C. Circular movement
D. Short tapping movement
104. When using chemical products, where should you refer for safety information?
A. Product advertisement
B. *Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
C. Client record card
D. Barber manual
105. Where can a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) be found?
A. Client consultation card
B. State Board office
C. *Manufacturer or supplier
D. Barber textbook only
106. If you accidentally nick a client during a haircut or shave, what should you apply?
A. Alcohol
B. Water
C. Conditioner
D. *Styptic powder
107. Which stroke is described as a short scooping movement?
A. Freehand stroke
B. Reverse backhand stroke
C. *No. 14 stroke
D. Backhand stroke
108. If disinfectant gets on your skin, what should you do?
A. Ignore it
B. Apply lotion
C. Cover the area
D. *Wash with soap and water
109. Which shaving stroke is used for a second pass over the same area?
A. *Freehand stroke
B. Backhand stroke
C. Reverse backhand stroke
D. Rolling stroke
110. Which shaving method works best for coarse hair?
A. Once-over shave
B. *Twice-over shave
C. Dry shave
D. Electric shave
111. What type of comb should be used during a thermal iron procedure?
A. Metal comb
B. Wooden comb
C. Rubber comb
D. *Plastic comb
112. Which type of bowl should NOT be used for hair color?
A. Plastic bowl
B. Glass bowl
C. *Metal bowl
D. Disposable bowl
113. Hair that has already been chemically processed is usually:
A. Less porous
B. Stronger than virgin hair
C. Unaffected
D. *More porous
114. A double-process color service consists of:
A. Shampoo and conditioning
B. Cutting and styling
C. Coloring twice with the same color
D. *Lightening followed by depositing color
115. Using a razor to cut hair generally creates:
A. Hard, blunt shapes
B. Stronger lines
C. *Softer, textured shapes
D. More weight