NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam
Hair styling: practice questions
Our NIC Cosmetology Theory bank has 22 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
Why should pressing oil or cream be used before thermal pressing?
- To remove all moisture from the cortex
- To make the comb hotter
- To protect the hair from heat and add shine
- To lighten the hair
Show the answer
C. To protect the hair from heat and add shine — It also helps the hair hold the pressed shape.
Question 2
Why should braids not be installed too tightly?
- It makes the braids look thinner
- Tight braids dry too fast
- Tight braids grow out faster
- Constant tension can cause traction alopecia
Show the answer
D. Constant tension can cause traction alopecia — Check for pain, bumps or redness at the hairline.
Question 3
Which pin curl stem gives the tightest, longest-lasting curl with the least movement?
- No-stem
- Off-base stem
- Half-stem
- Full-stem
Show the answer
A. No-stem — The stem determines the curl's movement.
Question 4
What is a Marcel iron?
- A crimping tool
- A thermal iron heated in a stove and used to create curls and waves
- An electric flat iron with ceramic plates and a digital temperature control
- A diffuser attachment
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B. A thermal iron heated in a stove and used to create curls and waves — Test temperature on tissue first.
Question 5
What is a hard press?
- Pressing each side of the section twice to remove nearly all curl
- Using a cool comb with no heat on the hair
- A chemical relaxer service
- Pressing only the ends, leaving the roots in their natural curl pattern
Show the answer
A. Pressing each side of the section twice to remove nearly all curl — Hard pressing uses more heat and passes; use with care.