Barber Facials & Electrotherapy Practice Questions
Facials & Electrotherapy makes up 3 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Barber practice test. Here are 10 of the 12 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. Which massage movement is the most soothing and relaxing?
- A.Friction
- B.Effleurage
- C.Petrissage
- D.Tapotement
Answer: B. Effleurage is a light, continuous stroking movement used to begin and end a massage. Petrissage is kneading and tapotement is tapping, both more stimulating.
2. Kneading movements that lift and squeeze the tissue are called:
- A.Vibration
- B.Tapotement
- C.Effleurage
- D.Petrissage
Answer: D. Petrissage kneads the muscles for deeper stimulation. It is used on fleshier areas such as the cheeks and shoulders.
3. Massage movements should generally be directed:
- A.From insertion toward origin
- B.Away from the heart
- C.From origin toward insertion
- D.Across the muscle only
Answer: A. Massage moves from the muscle's insertion (movable end) toward its origin (fixed end) to avoid stretching and damaging the tissue.
4. An open comedone is commonly known as a:
- A.Milium
- B.Skin tag
- C.Blackhead
- D.Whitehead
Answer: C. An open comedone is a follicle plugged with sebum and dead cells; the exposed top darkens. A closed comedone is a whitehead.
5. A client with large pores and a shiny T-zone would benefit most from which mask?
- A.An oil-rich mask
- B.A warm paraffin mask
- C.A clay mask
- D.A cream mask
Answer: C. Clay masks absorb excess oil and tighten, which suits oily skin. Cream, oil-rich and paraffin masks are for dry or mature skin.
6. Galvanic current is a:
- A.Direct current
- B.High-frequency current
- C.Light wave
- D.Alternating current
Answer: A. Galvanic current is constant direct current with chemical effects. High-frequency (Tesla) current is a rapidly alternating current.
7. Using galvanic current to soften sebum in the follicles is called:
- A.Iontophoresis
- B.Cataphoresis
- C.Anaphoresis
- D.Desincrustation
Answer: D. Desincrustation uses the negative pole and an alkaline solution to soften and emulsify sebum and blackheads.
8. A barber uses a violet-ray electrode on a client's scalp mainly for its:
- A.Coloring effect
- B.Germicidal effect
- C.Chemical effects
- D.Tanning effect
Answer: B. High-frequency (Tesla, violet ray) current produces heat and a germicidal action that stimulates the skin and scalp.
9. Which client should not receive electrotherapy?
- A.One with fine hair
- B.One with a pacemaker
- C.One with oily skin
- D.One with a full beard
Answer: B. Electrical current can interfere with a pacemaker. Metal implants, pregnancy, epilepsy and heart conditions are also contraindications.
10. During any light therapy treatment, the client's eyes should be:
- A.Exposed to the lamp
- B.Kept moist with toner
- C.Open and fully relaxed
- D.Protected with eye pads
Answer: D. Ultraviolet and other strong light can damage the eyes, so both client and barber protect their eyes.
Practice all 12 facials & electrotherapy 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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