NIC National Barber Theory Exam — Practice Exam
Chemistry: practice questions
Our NIC Barber Theory bank has 15 questions on this topic. Here are 3 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What does an alkaline product do to the hair cuticle?
- Has no effect on the hair at all
- Shrinks the hair shaft so the cortex becomes denser
- Removes all color from the cortex instantly
- Softens and swells the hair, lifting the cuticle
Show the answer
D. Softens and swells the hair, lifting the cuticle — Alkaline solutions open the cuticle so chemicals can enter; acids close it.
Question 2
Which hair-smoothing ingredient can release formaldehyde gas when heated, according to FDA?
- Methylene glycol
- Dimethicone
- Cetyl alcohol
- Hydrolyzed keratin protein
Show the answer
A. Methylene glycol — Methylene glycol becomes formaldehyde when heated by blow-drying or flat ironing.
Question 3
About what percentage of hydrogen peroxide is 20-volume developer?
- 3%
- 6%
- 9%
- 12%
Show the answer
B. 6% — 10-vol ≈ 3%, 20-vol ≈ 6%, 30-vol ≈ 9%, 40-vol ≈ 12%.