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NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam

Chemistry: practice questions

Our NIC Cosmetology Theory bank has 21 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

What is an oxidizing agent used in hair color?

  1. Sodium hydroxide
  2. Ammonia
  3. Ammonium thioglycolate
  4. Hydrogen peroxide
Show the answer

D. Hydrogen peroxide — Peroxide supplies oxygen to develop color and lighten melanin.

Question 2

What is the best way to reduce breathing in vapors and dust in a salon?

  1. Good ventilation, including local exhaust at the station
  2. Keeping windows and doors closed so fumes stay out of the reception area
  3. Spraying air freshener near the work area
  4. Working faster
Show the answer

A. Good ventilation, including local exhaust at the station — OSHA recommends ventilation, closed containers and minimal product use.

Question 3

What is a surfactant?

  1. A thickener that makes creams more stable
  2. A preservative that kills germs in products
  3. A surface active agent that lets oil and water mix, as in shampoos
  4. A dye whose small molecules enter and color the hair cortex
Show the answer

C. A surface active agent that lets oil and water mix, as in shampoos — Surfactants have a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail.

Question 4

What does an alkaline product do to the hair cuticle?

  1. Softens and swells the hair, lifting the cuticle
  2. Hardens and closes the cuticle
  3. Removes all color from the cortex instantly
  4. Has no effect on the hair at all
Show the answer

A. Softens and swells the hair, lifting the cuticle — Alkaline solutions open the cuticle so chemicals can enter; acids close it.

Question 5

What do silicones in conditioners do?

  1. Coat the hair to add shine, reduce friction and protect from heat
  2. Raise the hair's pH to 12
  3. Break disulfide bonds to relax curl and smooth very coarse, curly hair
  4. Lighten the natural pigment
Show the answer

A. Coat the hair to add shine, reduce friction and protect from heat — They form a film that smooths the cuticle.

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