Cosmetology Client Consultation & Hair Analysis Practice Questions
Client Consultation & Hair Analysis makes up 4 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Cosmetology practice test. Here are 10 of the 16 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. These sets follow the NIC theory exam only: 110 items, 100 scored, 90 minutes (outline effective July 1, 2022). PSI states, including California from April 1, 2026, use a 120-minute outline. This bank is not weighted to PSI.
1. Which form should a new client complete before the first chemical service?
- A.An appointment card
- B.A client intake form
- C.A service ticket
- D.A retail receipt
Answer: B. The intake form records health conditions, medications, allergies and previous services that affect how the hair will react. It is reviewed with the client before any chemical service begins.
2. Hair porosity describes the hair's ability to absorb:
- A.Light
- B.Pressure
- C.Natural oil
- D.Moisture
Answer: D. Porosity is the hair's ability to absorb moisture, which depends on how open or closed the cuticle is. Porous hair takes in chemicals faster and may need a gentler formula.
3. Wet hair with normal elasticity can stretch about how far and return without breaking?
- A.Up to 50 percent
- B.Up to 80 percent
- C.Up to 10 percent
- D.Up to 20 percent
Answer: A. Wet hair with normal elasticity stretches up to 50 percent of its length and returns to its original shape. Dry hair stretches only about 20 percent.
4. Hair density is measured by the:
- A.Length of each strand
- B.Curl in each strand
- C.Strands per square inch
- D.Diameter of each strand
Answer: C. Density is the number of individual hairs per square inch of scalp and is described as low, medium or high. It is a separate quality from texture, which is strand diameter.
5. Hair texture refers to the:
- A.Shape of the hair follicle
- B.Length of the growth phase
- C.Diameter of a single strand
- D.Number of strands per inch
Answer: C. Texture is the thickness or diameter of the individual hair strand: fine, medium or coarse. Coarse hair is usually more resistant to chemical services than fine hair.
6. Which test is done by sliding the fingers up a strand from the ends toward the scalp?
- A.Porosity test
- B.Density test
- C.Patch test
- D.Elasticity test
Answer: A. In the porosity test, a rough or ruffled feel as the fingers slide toward the scalp means a raised cuticle and high porosity. A smooth feel means low porosity.
7. A cowlick is an example of a:
- A.Scalp skin disorder
- B.Hair porosity level
- C.Hair density level
- D.Hair growth pattern
Answer: D. A cowlick is a tuft of hair standing up in a direction different from the surrounding hair, a growth pattern that affects how the hair is cut and styled.
8. A whorl is hair that grows in a:
- A.Forward sweep
- B.Circular pattern
- C.Straight downward line
- D.Tufted upright clump
Answer: B. A whorl is hair growing in a circular pattern, often at the crown. Cutting it too short or against its direction makes it stand up.
9. The client record card should be updated:
- A.Only when a problem occurs
- B.After every service
- C.Once a year
- D.Only after chemical services
Answer: B. Each visit is recorded with the formula, timing and results so the next service can be repeated or adjusted. Waiting for a problem means the record is missing the services that led to it.
10. Which scalp condition means a chemical service should not be performed?
- A.Light dandruff flakes
- B.Dry, tight-feeling skin
- C.A mildly oily scalp
- D.Open sores or abrasions
Answer: D. Chemical products on broken skin can cause burns, infection and a severe reaction, so open sores and abrasions are a contraindication. Oiliness, mild dandruff and dryness are not.
Practice all 16 client consultation & hair analysis questions, and the rest of the 200-question bank, in the free Cosmetology training sets. Questions you miss come back until you have mastered them.
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