NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam
Hair care: practice questions
Our NIC Cosmetology Theory bank has 14 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What is the goal of a scalp treatment for an oily scalp?
- To close the hair follicles permanently
- To add oil to the scalp and hair
- To remove excess oil, often with a clarifying or astringent product
- To lighten the hair
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C. To remove excess oil, often with a clarifying or astringent product — Choose products by scalp condition.
Question 2
Which kind of shampoo is used after a hydroxide relaxer to restore the hair's normal pH?
- Color-depositing shampoo
- Dry shampoo
- Clarifying shampoo with a high pH
- Acid-balanced neutralizing shampoo
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D. Acid-balanced neutralizing shampoo — Neutralizing shampoos stop the relaxer's action.
Question 3
How should water temperature be tested before shampooing a client?
- On the inside of your wrist, then adjust while watching the client's comfort
- By running water over the client's face first
- Use the hottest water possible to remove buildup
- Test only after wetting the client's hair
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A. On the inside of your wrist, then adjust while watching the client's comfort — Keep water comfortable, usually warm.
Question 4
What is a deep conditioning treatment usually used for?
- Removing all artificial color so the client can start fresh with a new shade
- Relaxing curl
- Restoring moisture and improving the condition of dry or damaged hair
- Closing the follicles
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C. Restoring moisture and improving the condition of dry or damaged hair — Often used with heat.
Question 5
What does a protein conditioner do?
- Temporarily strengthens damaged hair by filling gaps in the cuticle and cortex
- Lightens the hair one level
- Breaks disulfide bonds
- Removes all buildup from the scalp
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A. Temporarily strengthens damaged hair by filling gaps in the cuticle and cortex — Protein treatments help reinforce the hair shaft.