BARBER PRACTICE TEST, STATE BOARD SHAVING QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026
Question 1
Which statement is true regarding 99% isopropyl alcohol in a barbershop setting?
A) It is the most effective tool for disinfecting shears.
B) It is an EPA-registered disinfectant.
C) It is not an EPA-registered disinfectant.
D) It is used to sterilize porous implements.
E) It is a required chemical for blood spill kits.
Correct Answer: C) it is not an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Rationale: While isopropyl alcohol has antiseptic properties, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) does not register it as a disinfectant for use on surfaces and tools in the
barbershop because it evaporates too quickly to meet required contact times.
Question 2
What was the significant contribution of A.B. Moler to the history of barbering?
A) He invented the first electric clipper.
B) He designed the first barber pole.
C) He was the first barber-surgeon to the King of France.
D) He published the first barbering textbook.
E) He founded the Journeymen Barbers' International Union.
Correct Answer: D) Published the first barbering textbook
Rationale: A.B. Moler is a pivotal figure in barbering education; in addition to opening the
first barber school in the U.S. in 1893, he authored the first technical textbook for the craft.
Question 3
According to current trends, barbers must be prepared to meet a variety of _________
preferences.
A) Female
B) Unisex
C) Male
D) Child-only
E) Medical
Correct Answer: C) Male
Rationale: While barbering can encompass many clients, the modern trend in the industry
is a resurgence of specialized grooming services, styles, and preferences specifically tailored
to the male demographic.
Question 4
What happens when acids and alkalis are mixed together in equal proportions?
A) They create a highly corrosive solution.
B) They increase the pH of the hair.
C) They produce hydrogen gas.
, 2
D) They neutralize each other.
E) They cause the hair to swell.
Correct Answer: D) Neutralize each other
Rationale: In chemistry, an acid-alkali neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a
base (alkali) react to form water and a salt, effectively bringing the pH closer to neutral
(7.0).
Question 5
The adjustable lamp on a manicuring table should utilize a bulb of which wattage?
A) 15 watts
B) 25 watts
C) 40 watts
D) 75 watts
E) 100 watts
Correct Answer: C) 40
Rationale: A 40-watt incandescent or equivalent LED bulb is standard for manicuring
because it provides sufficient light for detail work without generating excessive heat that
could dry out products or burn the client.
Question 6
After tools have been properly cleaned and sanitized, where should they be stored?
A) In an open tray on the station.
B) In the pockets of the barber’s smock.
C) In a clean and closed container.
D) In a wet sanitizer jar.
E) In a drawer with used towels.
Correct Answer: C) a clean and closed container
Rationale: To maintain sanitation, tools must be kept in a clean, closed environment (often
called a "dry sanitizer") to protect them from airborne dust and contaminants until their
next use.
Question 7
Alkalis have a pH above 7.0 and affect the hair by performing which action?
A) Hardening and shrinking the hair.
B) Softening and swelling the hair.
C) Dehydrating the cortex.
D) Sealing the cuticle layer.
E) Increasing the hair's acidity.
Correct Answer: B) Soften and swell
Rationale: Alkaline substances (pH above 7.0) cause the cuticle layer of the hair to open or
, 3
swell, which allows chemicals like hair color or permanent wave solution to penetrate the
cortex.
Question 8
Which current is described as an altering and interrupted current that produces a mechanical
reaction without a chemical effect?
A) Galvanic Current
B) Tesla High-Frequency Current
C) Faradic Current
D) Direct Current
E) Sinusoidal Current
Correct Answer: C) Faradic Current
Rationale: The Faradic Current is used to stimulate muscle tissue. It is a mechanical current
that causes muscles to contract and relax without the chemical changes associated with
Galvanic current.
Question 9
Amino acids are joined end-to-end to form the basic structure of the hair via:
A) Sulfur bonds
B) Hydrogen bonds
C) Peptide Bonds
D) Salt bonds
E) Disulfide bonds
Correct Answer: C) Peptide Bonds
Rationale: Peptide bonds, also known as end bonds, link amino acids together in a long
chain. If these bonds are broken, the hair fiber is destroyed and cannot be repaired.
Question 10
A long chain of amino acids joined together by end bonds is referred to as a:
A) Helix
B) Side bond
C) Keratin molecule
D) Polypeptide Chain
E) Cuticle layer
Correct Answer: D) Polypeptide Chain
Rationale: When numerous amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, they form a
polypeptide chain. These chains are the building blocks of the keratin proteins found in
hair.
Question 11
What two elements compose the colorless gas known as ammonia?
, 4
A) Carbon and Oxygen
B) Hydrogen and Nitrogen
C) Sulfur and Nitrogen
D) Hydrogen and Oxygen
E) Carbon and Hydrogen
Correct Answer: B) Hydrogen and Nitrogen
Rationale: Ammonia (NH3) is a compound made of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen
atoms. It is used in permanent hair color to swell the hair and provide a vehicle for the
developer.
Question 12
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ammonia-free waves?
A) Use of an alkanolamine
B) Low odor
C) Rapid Evaporation
D) Penetration of the hair shaft
E) Use in permanent waving
Correct Answer: C) Rapid Evaporation
Rationale: Ammonia-free waves use substitutes like monoethanolamine (MEA) which do
not evaporate as rapidly as ammonia, meaning the chemical stays in the hair longer and
can be more difficult to rinse out.
Question 13
Which category of hair color contains the largest pigment molecules?
A) Permanent hair color
B) Demi-permanent hair color
C) Semi-permanent hair color
D) Temporary hair color
E) Metallic dyes
Correct Answer: D) Temporary hair color
Rationale: Temporary colors have the largest molecules, which prevents them from
penetrating the cuticle. Instead, they simply coat the hair shaft and are easily removed by
shampooing.
Question 14
The process of anaphoresis involves the use of which pole and product type?
A) A positive pole and an acid product
B) A negative pole and al alkaline product
C) A positive pole and an alkaline product
D) A negative pole and an acid product
E) A neutral pole and water
Question 1
Which statement is true regarding 99% isopropyl alcohol in a barbershop setting?
A) It is the most effective tool for disinfecting shears.
B) It is an EPA-registered disinfectant.
C) It is not an EPA-registered disinfectant.
D) It is used to sterilize porous implements.
E) It is a required chemical for blood spill kits.
Correct Answer: C) it is not an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Rationale: While isopropyl alcohol has antiseptic properties, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) does not register it as a disinfectant for use on surfaces and tools in the
barbershop because it evaporates too quickly to meet required contact times.
Question 2
What was the significant contribution of A.B. Moler to the history of barbering?
A) He invented the first electric clipper.
B) He designed the first barber pole.
C) He was the first barber-surgeon to the King of France.
D) He published the first barbering textbook.
E) He founded the Journeymen Barbers' International Union.
Correct Answer: D) Published the first barbering textbook
Rationale: A.B. Moler is a pivotal figure in barbering education; in addition to opening the
first barber school in the U.S. in 1893, he authored the first technical textbook for the craft.
Question 3
According to current trends, barbers must be prepared to meet a variety of _________
preferences.
A) Female
B) Unisex
C) Male
D) Child-only
E) Medical
Correct Answer: C) Male
Rationale: While barbering can encompass many clients, the modern trend in the industry
is a resurgence of specialized grooming services, styles, and preferences specifically tailored
to the male demographic.
Question 4
What happens when acids and alkalis are mixed together in equal proportions?
A) They create a highly corrosive solution.
B) They increase the pH of the hair.
C) They produce hydrogen gas.
, 2
D) They neutralize each other.
E) They cause the hair to swell.
Correct Answer: D) Neutralize each other
Rationale: In chemistry, an acid-alkali neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a
base (alkali) react to form water and a salt, effectively bringing the pH closer to neutral
(7.0).
Question 5
The adjustable lamp on a manicuring table should utilize a bulb of which wattage?
A) 15 watts
B) 25 watts
C) 40 watts
D) 75 watts
E) 100 watts
Correct Answer: C) 40
Rationale: A 40-watt incandescent or equivalent LED bulb is standard for manicuring
because it provides sufficient light for detail work without generating excessive heat that
could dry out products or burn the client.
Question 6
After tools have been properly cleaned and sanitized, where should they be stored?
A) In an open tray on the station.
B) In the pockets of the barber’s smock.
C) In a clean and closed container.
D) In a wet sanitizer jar.
E) In a drawer with used towels.
Correct Answer: C) a clean and closed container
Rationale: To maintain sanitation, tools must be kept in a clean, closed environment (often
called a "dry sanitizer") to protect them from airborne dust and contaminants until their
next use.
Question 7
Alkalis have a pH above 7.0 and affect the hair by performing which action?
A) Hardening and shrinking the hair.
B) Softening and swelling the hair.
C) Dehydrating the cortex.
D) Sealing the cuticle layer.
E) Increasing the hair's acidity.
Correct Answer: B) Soften and swell
Rationale: Alkaline substances (pH above 7.0) cause the cuticle layer of the hair to open or
, 3
swell, which allows chemicals like hair color or permanent wave solution to penetrate the
cortex.
Question 8
Which current is described as an altering and interrupted current that produces a mechanical
reaction without a chemical effect?
A) Galvanic Current
B) Tesla High-Frequency Current
C) Faradic Current
D) Direct Current
E) Sinusoidal Current
Correct Answer: C) Faradic Current
Rationale: The Faradic Current is used to stimulate muscle tissue. It is a mechanical current
that causes muscles to contract and relax without the chemical changes associated with
Galvanic current.
Question 9
Amino acids are joined end-to-end to form the basic structure of the hair via:
A) Sulfur bonds
B) Hydrogen bonds
C) Peptide Bonds
D) Salt bonds
E) Disulfide bonds
Correct Answer: C) Peptide Bonds
Rationale: Peptide bonds, also known as end bonds, link amino acids together in a long
chain. If these bonds are broken, the hair fiber is destroyed and cannot be repaired.
Question 10
A long chain of amino acids joined together by end bonds is referred to as a:
A) Helix
B) Side bond
C) Keratin molecule
D) Polypeptide Chain
E) Cuticle layer
Correct Answer: D) Polypeptide Chain
Rationale: When numerous amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, they form a
polypeptide chain. These chains are the building blocks of the keratin proteins found in
hair.
Question 11
What two elements compose the colorless gas known as ammonia?
, 4
A) Carbon and Oxygen
B) Hydrogen and Nitrogen
C) Sulfur and Nitrogen
D) Hydrogen and Oxygen
E) Carbon and Hydrogen
Correct Answer: B) Hydrogen and Nitrogen
Rationale: Ammonia (NH3) is a compound made of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen
atoms. It is used in permanent hair color to swell the hair and provide a vehicle for the
developer.
Question 12
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ammonia-free waves?
A) Use of an alkanolamine
B) Low odor
C) Rapid Evaporation
D) Penetration of the hair shaft
E) Use in permanent waving
Correct Answer: C) Rapid Evaporation
Rationale: Ammonia-free waves use substitutes like monoethanolamine (MEA) which do
not evaporate as rapidly as ammonia, meaning the chemical stays in the hair longer and
can be more difficult to rinse out.
Question 13
Which category of hair color contains the largest pigment molecules?
A) Permanent hair color
B) Demi-permanent hair color
C) Semi-permanent hair color
D) Temporary hair color
E) Metallic dyes
Correct Answer: D) Temporary hair color
Rationale: Temporary colors have the largest molecules, which prevents them from
penetrating the cuticle. Instead, they simply coat the hair shaft and are easily removed by
shampooing.
Question 14
The process of anaphoresis involves the use of which pole and product type?
A) A positive pole and an acid product
B) A negative pole and al alkaline product
C) A positive pole and an alkaline product
D) A negative pole and an acid product
E) A neutral pole and water
