Barber Consultation, Shampoo & Scalp Care Practice Questions
Consultation, Shampoo & Scalp Care makes up 5 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Barber practice test. Here are 10 of the 20 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Based on the NIC National Barber Theory Examination outline (bulletin effective June 1, 2025: 60 items, 50 scored, 90 minutes). Original questions. Some states use their own exam; check your board.
1. A condition that makes it unsafe to perform a service is called a:
- A.Indication
- B.Contraindication
- C.Predisposition
- D.Consultation
Answer: B. A contraindication, such as an open sore or a contagious scalp condition, means the service should not be done.
2. Where should a client's past services, allergies and product reactions be recorded?
- A.On the product's label
- B.On the client's receipt
- C.In the appointment book
- D.On the client record card
Answer: D. The client record (consultation) card keeps service history, medical notes and reactions so every visit starts safely.
3. A barber notices scalp abrasions before a chemical service. What should happen?
- A.Postpone the service
- B.Cover them with gel
- C.Proceed with extra care
- D.Apply the chemical lightly
Answer: A. Chemicals entering broken skin can cause burns and infection. The service is postponed until the scalp has healed.
4. How many towels are used when draping for a chemical service?
- A.Three
- B.None
- C.Two
- D.One
Answer: C. Chemical draping places a towel under the cape and a second over it at the neck to absorb drips and protect the skin.
5. Hair that stretches and does not return to its length when wet has poor:
- A.Hair texture
- B.Porosity
- C.Elasticity
- D.Hair density
Answer: C. Elasticity is the hair's ability to stretch and return. Normal wet hair can stretch up to about 50 percent and spring back.
6. Rough, raised cuticle that absorbs chemicals quickly indicates:
- A.High porosity
- B.Low density
- C.Fine texture
- D.Low porosity
Answer: A. Highly porous hair has a damaged or lifted cuticle and takes in chemicals fast. Resistant hair has low porosity and a tight cuticle.
7. During a shampoo, the scalp should be massaged with the:
- A.Backs of the knuckles
- B.Tips of the fingernails
- C.Heels of the palms
- D.Pads of the fingertips
Answer: D. The pads of the fingertips stimulate the scalp without scratching. Nails can cause abrasions that make chemical services unsafe.
8. A client's hair feels coated and heavy from daily gel. Which shampoo is the best choice?
- A.Acid-balanced shampoo
- B.Clarifying shampoo
- C.Conditioning shampoo
- D.Color-safe shampoo
Answer: B. Clarifying shampoos contain acidic or stronger cleansing ingredients that cut through residue and buildup. They can strip color.
9. Before a chemical service, why should the scalp not be brushed or massaged hard?
- A.It seals the cuticle shut
- B.It can irritate the scalp
- C.It dulls the finished cut
- D.It strips all natural oil
Answer: B. Vigorous brushing or manipulation can scratch or sensitize the scalp, so chemicals then burn or irritate.
10. Which water temperature is best for most shampoo services?
- A.Cold, to close pores
- B.Room temperature only
- C.As hot as possible
- D.Comfortably warm
Answer: D. Test the water on the inside of your wrist and keep it comfortably warm. Very hot water can burn and dry the scalp.
Practice all 20 consultation, shampoo & scalp care questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free Barber training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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