State Board Exam Preparation Flashcards

What is the correct pH range for the scalp's natural acid mantle?

Answer: 4.5–5.5

The scalp's acid mantle maintains a pH of 4.5–5.5, which protects against bacteria and fungi.

On the written state board exam, 'pediculosis capitis' refers to:

Answer: An infestation of head lice

Pediculosis capitis is the medical term for head lice infestation, a contraindication for barbering services.

Which layer of the hair shaft contains the pigment (melanin) that gives hair its color?

Answer: Cortex

The cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft and contains melanin granules responsible for hair color.

A state board examiner asks a barber to perform a 'taper fade.' The technique requires blending from:

Answer: Skin or very short at the sides to longer length higher up

A taper fade blends from skin or minimal hair at the neckline and sides to progressively longer hair higher on the head.

Which chemical process permanently straightens overly curly hair in a barbering context?

Answer: Thio (ammonium thioglycolate) relaxer

Thio relaxers use ammonium thioglycolate to break disulfide bonds and permanently restructure overly curly hair.

Before administering a scalp massage on the state board practical, the barber should first:

Answer: Examine the scalp for abrasions, lesions, or contraindications

Scalp inspection for contraindications (cuts, infections, inflammation) must precede any scalp massage to ensure client safety.

Which type of razor stroke moves the blade in the same direction as hair growth?

Answer: With-the-grain (freehand) stroke

A with-the-grain freehand stroke moves the razor in the direction of hair growth, producing a less close but safer shave.