Cosmetology State Board Prep26 Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which statement about ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing cabinets is CORRECT according to standard cosmetology curriculum?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

UV cabinets may be used only to store already-disinfected implements and do not disinfect. UV sanitizing cabinets do not penetrate all surfaces and are not EPA-registered as disinfectants; they are only approved for storing previously cleaned and disinfected tools, not for achieving disinfection.

Question 2

A cosmetologist is mixing a new batch of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) disinfectant solution. The standard effective dilution for salon disinfection of surfaces is:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

1 part bleach to 100 parts water (1:100). A 1:100 dilution of household bleach (yielding approximately 500–600 ppm available chlorine) is the CDC- and Milady-recommended concentration for disinfecting non-porous salon surfaces against bloodborne pathogens including HIV and HBV.

Question 3

Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which of the following is classified as an 'Other Potentially Infectious Material' (OPIM) that requires Standard Precautions?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard explicitly lists cerebrospinal fluid as an OPIM requiring Standard Precautions, whereas sweat and saliva without visible blood contamination are not classified as OPIMs under the standard.

Question 4

A client's skin shows no active infection, but the cosmetologist notices a small healing abrasion on the client's forearm during a waxing service. According to Standard Precautions and infection-control best practice, the cosmetologist should:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cover the abrasion with a bandage, wear gloves during the service, and avoid direct contact with the compromised skin. Standard Precautions require treating any break in skin integrity as a potential route for pathogen transmission; the cosmetologist must protect both the client and themselves by covering the area and using personal protective equipment.

Question 5

Which layer of the hair shaft is the outermost protective covering, made up of overlapping scale-like cells?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cuticle. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping, transparent, scale-like cells that protect the inner layers from damage.

Question 6

During which phase of the hair growth cycle does the hair follicle rest completely and the hair is retained but no longer growing?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Telogen. The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle, during which the follicle is inactive and the club hair is retained until it is shed and replaced by new growth.

Question 7

Before shampooing a client, a cosmetologist places a waterproof cape and a towel around the client's neck. This procedure is called:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Draping. Draping is the process of covering the client with a waterproof cape and towels to protect their clothing and skin from water, chemicals, and hair clippings during a service.

Question 8

Which layer of the hair shaft contains the melanin pigment that gives hair its natural color?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cortex. The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains melanin granules (eumelanin and pheomelanin) that are responsible for the hair's natural color.

Question 9

Which scalp condition is characterized by excessive shedding of dead epidermal cells from the scalp, often appearing as white flakes?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Dandruff (pityriasis). Dandruff, technically known as pityriasis, is the most common scalp disorder and is characterized by excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, visible as white or yellowish flakes.

Question 10

A client's scalp shows small, red, raised areas around the hair follicles. This condition is most accurately described as:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Folliculitis. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, typically presenting as red, raised pustules or papules around individual follicle openings, and may be caused by bacterial infection or mechanical irritation.

Cosmetology State Board Prep26 Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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