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NIC National Cosmetology Theory Exam — Practice Exam

Haircutting: 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 a traveling guide?

  1. A section left uncut until the very end of the service
  2. A part line used only for color
  3. A guide that moves with each section, taking a little of the last cut section
  4. A guide that stays in one fixed place while all other hair is combed to it
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C. A guide that moves with each section, taking a little of the last cut section — Used for uniform layers.

Question 2

What does cross-checking a haircut mean?

  1. Checking the cut by parting the hair the opposite way to the cutting direction
  2. Cutting each section twice
  3. Asking another stylist to finish the cut
  4. Checking the client's ID
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A. Checking the cut by parting the hair the opposite way to the cutting direction — It reveals uneven lengths.

Question 3

Why should curly hair be cut with little tension?

  1. Curly hair can't be combed
  2. Tension makes curly hair grow faster after the cut
  3. Curly hair shrinks as it dries, so tension can make it end up too short
  4. Little tension makes the cut quicker, so the client spends less time in the chair
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C. Curly hair shrinks as it dries, so tension can make it end up too short — Allow for shrinkage when cutting curly hair.

Question 4

Why should a razor be used with a guard by students and on wet hair?

  1. A guard makes the razor blade sharper and lets the stylist cut dry hair faster
  2. To thin hair faster
  3. To reduce the chance of cutting the skin and to cut smoothly
  4. It is only for appearance
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C. To reduce the chance of cutting the skin and to cut smoothly — Safety with implements.

Question 5

What is overdirection?

  1. Cutting below the fingers with heavy tension so the hair stretches before it is cut
  2. Cutting with a razor on dry hair
  3. Combing hair away from its natural fall to create length or weight
  4. Using two guidelines at once on the same section
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C. Combing hair away from its natural fall to create length or weight — Overdirecting to a stationary guide creates increasing length.

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