Cosmetology Stateboard exam 102
questions with complete solutions
Course
Milady\\\\\\\'s Cosmetology State Board
1. What is the main purpose of a patch test in hair coloring?
A. To determine hair porosity
B. To assess scalp condition
C. To check for allergic reactions
D. To lighten the hair
Correct Answer: C. To check for allergic reactions
Rationale: A patch test (predisposition test) is done 24–48 hours before a color service using
aniline derivative tints to ensure the client doesn’t have an allergic reaction.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Haircoloring Chapter
2. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Subcutaneous tissue
Correct Answer: B. Dermis
Rationale: The dermis is the inner layer of skin that contains connective tissue, blood vessels,
nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Structure Chapter
3. Which of the following implements must be disinfected after each use?
A. Emery board
B. Orangewood stick
C. Metal cuticle pusher
D. Cotton balls
Correct Answer: C. Metal cuticle pusher
Rationale: Metal tools must be properly disinfected using an EPA-registered disinfectant after
each client. Items like emery boards and cotton balls are single-use and should be discarded.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control Chapter
,4. What is the proper way to mix disinfectants to ensure safety?
A. Mix with warm water and vinegar
B. Add disinfectant to water
C. Add water to disinfectant
D. Shake the bottle vigorously
Correct Answer: B. Add disinfectant to water
Rationale: To avoid splashing concentrated chemicals, always add disinfectant to water—not
the reverse. This minimizes risk of chemical burns or vapor release.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Safety and Sanitation Chapter
5. What is the purpose of using a neutralizer in a permanent waving procedure?
A. To straighten the hair
B. To soften the cortex
C. To lock in the curl pattern
D. To open the cuticle
Correct Answer: C. To lock in the curl pattern
Rationale: The neutralizer (typically hydrogen peroxide) rebuilds the disulfide bonds in the new
shape, ensuring the curl pattern is set.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Chemical Texture Services Chapter
6. What is the proper procedure for dealing with blood exposure during a
service?
A. Rinse with alcohol and continue
B. Stop service, clean wound, apply glove, and follow state guidelines
C. Ignore unless bleeding is severe
D. Ask client to handle it
Correct Answer: B. Stop service, clean wound, apply glove, and follow state guidelines
Rationale: Blood exposure requires you to stop the service, clean the wound, use PPE, and
dispose of contaminated items properly.
Reference: State Board Guidelines, Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control Chapter
7. Which type of bacteria causes boils and abscesses?
, A. Bacilli
B. Spirilla
C. Cocci
D. Staphylococci
Correct Answer: D. Staphylococci
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters and are responsible for
skin infections like boils.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Microbiology Chapter
8. What is the effect of alkaline products on the hair shaft?
A. Harden the cuticle
B. Close the cuticle
C. Soften and swell the hair shaft
D. Strengthen disulfide bonds
Correct Answer: C. Soften and swell the hair shaft
Rationale: Alkaline substances open the cuticle and allow products like color and relaxers to
penetrate the cortex.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Hair Chemistry Chapter
9. How often should towels and linens be laundered?
A. Every week
B. Only if visibly soiled
C. After each client
D. Once a day
Correct Answer: C. After each client
Rationale: To prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene, all linens must be washed and
disinfected after each use.
Reference: State Sanitation Guidelines, Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control
Chapter
10. Which nail shape is most recommended for professional clients?
A. Pointed
B. Square
questions with complete solutions
Course
Milady\\\\\\\'s Cosmetology State Board
1. What is the main purpose of a patch test in hair coloring?
A. To determine hair porosity
B. To assess scalp condition
C. To check for allergic reactions
D. To lighten the hair
Correct Answer: C. To check for allergic reactions
Rationale: A patch test (predisposition test) is done 24–48 hours before a color service using
aniline derivative tints to ensure the client doesn’t have an allergic reaction.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Haircoloring Chapter
2. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Subcutaneous tissue
Correct Answer: B. Dermis
Rationale: The dermis is the inner layer of skin that contains connective tissue, blood vessels,
nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Structure Chapter
3. Which of the following implements must be disinfected after each use?
A. Emery board
B. Orangewood stick
C. Metal cuticle pusher
D. Cotton balls
Correct Answer: C. Metal cuticle pusher
Rationale: Metal tools must be properly disinfected using an EPA-registered disinfectant after
each client. Items like emery boards and cotton balls are single-use and should be discarded.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control Chapter
,4. What is the proper way to mix disinfectants to ensure safety?
A. Mix with warm water and vinegar
B. Add disinfectant to water
C. Add water to disinfectant
D. Shake the bottle vigorously
Correct Answer: B. Add disinfectant to water
Rationale: To avoid splashing concentrated chemicals, always add disinfectant to water—not
the reverse. This minimizes risk of chemical burns or vapor release.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Safety and Sanitation Chapter
5. What is the purpose of using a neutralizer in a permanent waving procedure?
A. To straighten the hair
B. To soften the cortex
C. To lock in the curl pattern
D. To open the cuticle
Correct Answer: C. To lock in the curl pattern
Rationale: The neutralizer (typically hydrogen peroxide) rebuilds the disulfide bonds in the new
shape, ensuring the curl pattern is set.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Chemical Texture Services Chapter
6. What is the proper procedure for dealing with blood exposure during a
service?
A. Rinse with alcohol and continue
B. Stop service, clean wound, apply glove, and follow state guidelines
C. Ignore unless bleeding is severe
D. Ask client to handle it
Correct Answer: B. Stop service, clean wound, apply glove, and follow state guidelines
Rationale: Blood exposure requires you to stop the service, clean the wound, use PPE, and
dispose of contaminated items properly.
Reference: State Board Guidelines, Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control Chapter
7. Which type of bacteria causes boils and abscesses?
, A. Bacilli
B. Spirilla
C. Cocci
D. Staphylococci
Correct Answer: D. Staphylococci
Rationale: Staphylococci are pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters and are responsible for
skin infections like boils.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Microbiology Chapter
8. What is the effect of alkaline products on the hair shaft?
A. Harden the cuticle
B. Close the cuticle
C. Soften and swell the hair shaft
D. Strengthen disulfide bonds
Correct Answer: C. Soften and swell the hair shaft
Rationale: Alkaline substances open the cuticle and allow products like color and relaxers to
penetrate the cortex.
Reference: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Hair Chemistry Chapter
9. How often should towels and linens be laundered?
A. Every week
B. Only if visibly soiled
C. After each client
D. Once a day
Correct Answer: C. After each client
Rationale: To prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene, all linens must be washed and
disinfected after each use.
Reference: State Sanitation Guidelines, Milady Standard Cosmetology, Infection Control
Chapter
10. Which nail shape is most recommended for professional clients?
A. Pointed
B. Square
