Texas Barber State Board – Shaving (Advanced Level)
Practice Test | Questions and answers | 2025/2026
The questions emphasize advanced theory, sanitation law (TDLR), straight-razor technique,
skin analysis, safety, and scenario-based decision making, with answers and rationales.
1. Before performing a straight-razor shave on a client with sensitive skin, the
barber should FIRST:
A. Apply hot towels for maximum time
B. Perform a skin and hair analysis
C. Use alcohol-based astringent
D. Stretch the skin aggressively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Skin and hair analysis determines contraindications, sensitivity, and appropriate product
selection.
2. According to Texas sanitation rules, a straight razor blade must be:
A. Disinfected between clients
B. Reused only on the same client
C. Disposed of after each client
D. Cleaned with soap and water only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Straight razor blades are single-use only and must be discarded after each client.
3. Scenario: A client has inflamed acne in the beard area. The barber should:**
A. Proceed carefully and shave lightly
B. Shave around inflamed areas
C. Refuse service and refer to a physician
D. Use extra pressure
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Active acne is a relative contraindication; shaving around inflamed areas prevents injury.
4. The PRIMARY purpose of lather during shaving is to:
A. Cool the skin
B. Lubricate and soften hair
C. Disinfect the skin
D. Tighten pores
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Lather hydrates hair, reduces friction, and protects the skin.
5. Which beard growth direction requires the MOST caution during shaving?
A. Downward growth
B. Horizontal growth
C. Upward (against gravity) growth
D. Diagonal growth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Upward growth increases the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
6. The correct shaving angle for a straight razor is approximately:
A. 5°
B. 15°
C. 30°
D. 45°
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A 30-degree angle allows effective cutting without excessive skin trauma.
,7. Scenario: During a shave, the barber notices pinpoint bleeding. The MOST
appropriate response is to:**
A. Apply alcohol
B. Apply pressure and styptic
C. Continue shaving
D. Rinse with hot water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Styptic and pressure stop capillary bleeding safely.
8. Which product should be avoided immediately after shaving sensitive skin?
A. Aloe-based lotion
B. Witch hazel
C. Alcohol-based aftershave
D. Cold towel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Alcohol can cause irritation and excessive dryness on freshly shaved skin.
9. Texas law requires barbers to wash hands:
A. At the start of the day only
B. After every client
C. When visibly soiled
D. Once per hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Handwashing is required before and after each client to prevent cross-contamination.
, 10. A client requests a shave but has visible signs of ringworm. The barber
should:
A. Disinfect tools and proceed
B. Shave carefully
C. Decline service
D. Use medicated cream
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Contagious skin disorders are absolute contraindications for shaving.
11. The purpose of skin stretching during shaving is to:
A. Increase pressure
B. Expose hair and reduce cuts
C. Speed up the service
D. Cool the skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper stretching allows closer shaving while minimizing nicks.
12. Scenario: A client experiences razor bumps frequently. The barber should
recommend:**
A. Shaving against the grain
B. Short, light strokes with the grain
C. Increased blade pressure
D. Daily shaving
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Shaving with the grain reduces ingrown hairs and irritation.
13. The MOST sanitary way to handle a straight razor during service is to:
Practice Test | Questions and answers | 2025/2026
The questions emphasize advanced theory, sanitation law (TDLR), straight-razor technique,
skin analysis, safety, and scenario-based decision making, with answers and rationales.
1. Before performing a straight-razor shave on a client with sensitive skin, the
barber should FIRST:
A. Apply hot towels for maximum time
B. Perform a skin and hair analysis
C. Use alcohol-based astringent
D. Stretch the skin aggressively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Skin and hair analysis determines contraindications, sensitivity, and appropriate product
selection.
2. According to Texas sanitation rules, a straight razor blade must be:
A. Disinfected between clients
B. Reused only on the same client
C. Disposed of after each client
D. Cleaned with soap and water only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Straight razor blades are single-use only and must be discarded after each client.
3. Scenario: A client has inflamed acne in the beard area. The barber should:**
A. Proceed carefully and shave lightly
B. Shave around inflamed areas
C. Refuse service and refer to a physician
D. Use extra pressure
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Active acne is a relative contraindication; shaving around inflamed areas prevents injury.
4. The PRIMARY purpose of lather during shaving is to:
A. Cool the skin
B. Lubricate and soften hair
C. Disinfect the skin
D. Tighten pores
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Lather hydrates hair, reduces friction, and protects the skin.
5. Which beard growth direction requires the MOST caution during shaving?
A. Downward growth
B. Horizontal growth
C. Upward (against gravity) growth
D. Diagonal growth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Upward growth increases the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
6. The correct shaving angle for a straight razor is approximately:
A. 5°
B. 15°
C. 30°
D. 45°
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A 30-degree angle allows effective cutting without excessive skin trauma.
,7. Scenario: During a shave, the barber notices pinpoint bleeding. The MOST
appropriate response is to:**
A. Apply alcohol
B. Apply pressure and styptic
C. Continue shaving
D. Rinse with hot water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Styptic and pressure stop capillary bleeding safely.
8. Which product should be avoided immediately after shaving sensitive skin?
A. Aloe-based lotion
B. Witch hazel
C. Alcohol-based aftershave
D. Cold towel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Alcohol can cause irritation and excessive dryness on freshly shaved skin.
9. Texas law requires barbers to wash hands:
A. At the start of the day only
B. After every client
C. When visibly soiled
D. Once per hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Handwashing is required before and after each client to prevent cross-contamination.
, 10. A client requests a shave but has visible signs of ringworm. The barber
should:
A. Disinfect tools and proceed
B. Shave carefully
C. Decline service
D. Use medicated cream
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Contagious skin disorders are absolute contraindications for shaving.
11. The purpose of skin stretching during shaving is to:
A. Increase pressure
B. Expose hair and reduce cuts
C. Speed up the service
D. Cool the skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Proper stretching allows closer shaving while minimizing nicks.
12. Scenario: A client experiences razor bumps frequently. The barber should
recommend:**
A. Shaving against the grain
B. Short, light strokes with the grain
C. Increased blade pressure
D. Daily shaving
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Shaving with the grain reduces ingrown hairs and irritation.
13. The MOST sanitary way to handle a straight razor during service is to:
