Certified Hair Stylist (CHS) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is eumelanin primarily responsible for in terms of hair color?

Brown and black tones (Correct answer)
Blonde highlights
Red and yellow tones
Gray hair after UV exposure

Correct answer: Brown and black tones

Eumelanin produces brown and black pigmentation in hair, while pheomelanin is responsible for red and yellow tones; the ratio of both determines final hair color.

Question 2: When creating a voluminous blowout, at what angle should the nozzle be directed onto the brush?

Directly into the roots from above
Upward against the cuticle to maximize volume
Perpendicular (90°) to the hair strand
Down the hair cuticle from root to end (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Down the hair cuticle from root to end

Directing airflow down the cuticle from root to end smooths the cuticle layer, adding shine and reducing frizz.

Question 3: The correct way to store sharp shears in a salon is:

In a container of barbicide solution
Hanging on a magnetic strip near the mirror
In a closed case or pouch between uses (Correct answer)
Open on the counter for quick access

Correct answer: In a closed case or pouch between uses

Storing shears in a closed case or pouch protects the blade edge from damage and prevents accidental cuts during breaks between clients.

Question 4: When a client arrives unhappy about the result of their last visit at your salon, what should be your first step?

Explain why the previous stylist made the decisions they did
Offer a discount on future services immediately
Listen to the client's concerns without interrupting before proposing a solution (Correct answer)
Tell the client the result was what they asked for

Correct answer: Listen to the client's concerns without interrupting before proposing a solution

Listening first allows the client to feel heard and gives you complete information before addressing the problem.

Question 5: Which pH range is considered ideal for scalp and hair health?

8.0–9.0
6.5–7.5
4.5–5.5 (Correct answer)
2.0–3.5

Correct answer: 4.5–5.5

The scalp and hair have a natural acid mantle with a pH of 4.5–5.5, which keeps the cuticle closed and protects against bacteria and fungi.

Question 6: A new client wants a dramatic color change from dark brown to platinum blonde in one visit. What is the most responsible response?

Agree and apply maximum bleach immediately
Apply a single bleach pass and promise to finish next time
Explain that the process may require multiple sessions to maintain hair integrity (Correct answer)
Decline the service entirely

Correct answer: Explain that the process may require multiple sessions to maintain hair integrity

Attempting to lift dark hair to platinum in one session often causes severe damage; a multi-session plan protects hair health.

Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a clarifying shampoo?

Enhance curl definition
Protect hair from heat damage
Add moisture to dry hair
Remove product buildup and mineral deposits (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove product buildup and mineral deposits

Clarifying shampoos contain stronger surfactants that strip accumulated styling products, hard water minerals, and oils from the hair.

Question 8: Leave-in conditioners differ from rinse-out conditioners primarily because they:

Are applied to dry hair only
Have a lower pH to close the cuticle
Are not rinsed out and continue to moisturize throughout the day (Correct answer)
Contain stronger proteins

Correct answer: Are not rinsed out and continue to moisturize throughout the day

Leave-in conditioners are formulated at a lower concentration to remain on the hair shaft all day, providing ongoing moisture and detangling benefits.

Question 9: What is a key factor when cutting curly hair?

Using thinning shears
Cutting the hair while wet
Cutting with a razor
Considering the curl pattern (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Considering the curl pattern

Cutting curly hair requires special consideration of its unique curl pattern, as curls behave differently when wet versus dry, and their elasticity varies. Cutting curly hair dry or taking into account how the curls will spring up after drying is often preferred to avoid cutting too much length. Understanding the natural fall and shrinkage of curls is paramount for a successful cut.

Question 10: Which strategy is most effective for reducing no-show appointment rates?

Offering walk-in services only
Charging higher prices to deter casual bookings
Removing the online booking option
Sending automated appointment reminders via text or email (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sending automated appointment reminders via text or email

Automated reminders prompt clients to confirm or cancel in advance, significantly reducing no-shows.

Question 11: Which of the following is an example of an open-ended consultation question?

Do you want a trim?
Have you colored your hair before?
Tell me about the look you're trying to achieve. (Correct answer)
Is your hair dry?

Correct answer: Tell me about the look you're trying to achieve.

Open-ended questions invite clients to describe in detail rather than respond with yes or no, yielding richer information.

Question 12: What is the purpose of using thinning shears in hair cutting?

To increase length
To add volume
To cut hair straight
To remove bulk and create texture (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To remove bulk and create texture

Thinning shears, also known as texturizing shears, have notched blades that remove only a portion of the hair with each cut. Their primary purpose is to reduce excessive bulk in thick hair without significantly altering the length. This also helps to soften lines, blend layers, and create a more textured, natural look.

Question 13: A client with an active scalp infection presents for a haircut. Proceeding with the service would most likely violate:

FDA cosmetic regulations
State board sanitation and public health rules (Correct answer)
Federal labor law
OSHA chemical standards

Correct answer: State board sanitation and public health rules

State board rules prohibit performing services on clients with contagious skin or scalp conditions to protect both client and stylist.

Question 14: What does 'break-even analysis' help a salon owner determine?

The exact point at which total revenue equals total costs, with no profit or loss (Correct answer)
The optimal discount percentage for promotional events
The best days of the week to schedule high-revenue services
The maximum number of clients that can be served per day

Correct answer: The exact point at which total revenue equals total costs, with no profit or loss

Break-even analysis identifies the minimum revenue or number of services needed to cover all costs before the salon starts generating profit.

Question 15: What is the primary purpose of using a razor when cutting hair?

Adding volume at the roots
Removing bulk from the interior only
Softening ends and adding texture (Correct answer)
Creating blunt, precise lines

Correct answer: Softening ends and adding texture

A razor thins and softens hair ends through a slicing motion, creating natural-looking texture and movement.

Question 16: Which layer of the skin contains the papillary and reticular layers?

Hypodermis
Stratum corneum
Epidermis
Dermis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dermis

The dermis is divided into the papillary layer (upper) and reticular layer (lower), which provide skin structure and elasticity.

Question 17: Under US labor law, which factor most clearly distinguishes an employee from an independent contractor in a salon?

Whether the worker is full-time or part-time
The degree of behavioral and financial control the salon exerts over the worker (Correct answer)
How many years the worker has been in the industry
Whether the worker has a cosmetology license

Correct answer: The degree of behavioral and financial control the salon exerts over the worker

The IRS and Department of Labor assess behavioral control (how work is done) and financial control (business aspects) to determine worker classification.

Question 18: What is the purpose of a non-compete clause in a salon employment contract?

To prevent staff from sharing technical skills with other employees
To restrict a departing employee from working for competing salons or soliciting clients within a defined area and time frame (Correct answer)
To require employees to purchase the salon's retail products at cost
To prevent the employee from earning income from any source while employed

Correct answer: To restrict a departing employee from working for competing salons or soliciting clients within a defined area and time frame

A non-compete clause protects the salon's business interests by limiting where and how a former employee can work or solicit clients after leaving.

Question 19: Which of the following is a TRUE contraindication for performing a chemical service?

Client prefers a milder-smelling product
Client has a known allergy to PPD (paraphenylenediamine) (Correct answer)
Client has fine hair that processes quickly
Client's hair was last colored 8 weeks ago

Correct answer: Client has a known allergy to PPD (paraphenylenediamine)

A known PPD allergy is a direct contraindication for oxidative hair color services because PPD is the most common allergenic ingredient in permanent dye.

Question 20: Which type of brush is specifically designed to smooth hair and add shine while blow-drying?

Vent brush
Boar bristle brush (Correct answer)
Paddle brush
Round brush

Correct answer: Boar bristle brush

Boar bristle brushes distribute natural scalp oils along the hair shaft, adding smoothness and shine during blow-drying.

Question 21: A salon's 'cost of goods sold' (COGS) primarily refers to what?

The direct cost of products and materials used to deliver services (Correct answer)
Employee wages and benefits
Marketing and advertising expenses
Monthly rent and utility bills

Correct answer: The direct cost of products and materials used to deliver services

COGS in a salon represents the cost of hair color, chemicals, and retail products directly consumed in providing services.

Question 22: Which cutting method is most appropriate for a client with fine, limp hair who wants the appearance of more volume?

Uniform short layers all over
Razor cutting throughout
Blunt perimeter cut with minimal interior layering (Correct answer)
Heavy thinning shear use throughout

Correct answer: Blunt perimeter cut with minimal interior layering

A blunt perimeter with minimal interior layering preserves weight and density, making fine hair appear thicker and fuller.

Question 23: What is a needs assessment in CHS Anatomy of Skin & Hair practice?

Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes (Correct answer)
Office supply list
Property appraisal
Benefits survey

Correct answer: Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes

A needs assessment identifies gaps between current performance and desired outcomes to justify improvements.

Question 24: When executing a 'ponytail elevation cut,' what visual effect does a high ponytail position create when the hair is released?

Short interior layers with a longer perimeter (Correct answer)
Longer interior layers with a shorter perimeter
Uniform length throughout
A blunt one-length perimeter

Correct answer: Short interior layers with a longer perimeter

Cutting a high-pulled ponytail creates shorter lengths in the interior and longer framing layers at the perimeter when hair falls naturally.

Question 25: In hair anatomy, what does the term 'follicular bulge' refer to?

The point where the arrector pili muscle attaches to the shaft
A reservoir of epithelial stem cells located in the mid-follicle region (Correct answer)
The expanded lower portion of the follicle containing the dermal papilla
The swelling at the base of the hair shaft where melanin is produced

Correct answer: A reservoir of epithelial stem cells located in the mid-follicle region

The follicular bulge, located in the mid-follicle region near the arrector pili attachment, houses epithelial stem cells that can regenerate the follicle and contribute to wound healing.

Question 26: Hair in the catagen phase undergoes which key change?

Shedding of the hair from the follicle
Complete dormancy with no cellular activity
Transition as follicle shrinks and growth stops (Correct answer)
Rapid cell division and growth

Correct answer: Transition as follicle shrinks and growth stops

Catagen is a brief transitional phase (2–3 weeks) during which cell division stops, the follicle shrinks, and the hair detaches from the blood supply.

Question 27: During a hair strand test, a strand breaks with little tension. What does this indicate?

The hair is overprocessed and should not receive further chemical services (Correct answer)
The strand test was performed incorrectly
The hair is healthy and ready for chemical processing
The client needs a deep conditioning treatment before a haircut

Correct answer: The hair is overprocessed and should not receive further chemical services

A strand that breaks easily indicates severe damage or overprocessing, meaning additional chemical services could cause hair breakage.

Question 28: When sanitizing metal shears between clients, the stylist should:

Place them in a UV sanitizer cabinet for 1 minute
Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry (Correct answer)
Rinse with hot water only
Soak them in 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes

Correct answer: Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry

70% isopropyl alcohol effectively disinfects metal shears quickly; prolonged bleach exposure can corrode the metal and damage the blade.

Question 29: A thinning shear (texturizing shear) removes bulk without:

Changing hair color
Increasing moisture retention
Removing length (Correct answer)
Adding curl to straight hair

Correct answer: Removing length

Thinning shears have one serrated blade that removes internal weight and bulk while leaving the outer length intact.

Question 30: What is the purpose of 'combing against the grain' when cutting men's hair with scissors over comb?

To create a natural part
To lift the hair so short lengths are exposed for cutting (Correct answer)
To make the hair look thicker
To prepare hair for clipper use

Correct answer: To lift the hair so short lengths are exposed for cutting

Combing against the natural growth direction lifts short hairs so they can be caught and cut evenly with the scissors.

Question 31: How does professional liability insurance protect CHS practitioners?

Paying health premiums
Covering disaster damage
Protecting against equipment theft
Covering financial losses from claims of negligence or errors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Covering financial losses from claims of negligence or errors

This insurance covers financial consequences of claims alleging negligence or mistakes in professional services.

Question 32: Which of the following practices violates proper sanitation protocols in a salon?

Storing clean and soiled towels in separate containers
Discarding single-use items after each client
Using the same comb on multiple clients without disinfecting between uses (Correct answer)
Keeping disinfectant solution in a closed container when not in use

Correct answer: Using the same comb on multiple clients without disinfecting between uses

Reusing combs on multiple clients without disinfection between uses is a cross-contamination violation.

Question 33: Which of the following is an example of a direct contact mode of disease transmission?

Using unsterilized equipment
Touching a contaminated comb
Breathing in airborne droplets
Skin-to-skin contact with an infected client (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected client

Direct contact transmission occurs through immediate physical contact between the source of infection and a susceptible host, such as skin-to-skin touching.

Question 34: What is the primary purpose of documenting consultation notes in a client record card?

To report to state licensing boards
To track inventory usage
To comply with salon marketing requirements
To provide consistent service and reference for future appointments (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide consistent service and reference for future appointments

Client record cards ensure that stylists can replicate successful results and avoid repeating mistakes across visits.

Question 35: What is the technical term for the visible part of the hair above the skin surface?

Hair shaft (Correct answer)
Hair follicle
Hair bulb
Hair root

Correct answer: Hair shaft

The hair shaft is the portion of the hair that extends above the skin surface and is composed of the cuticle, cortex, and sometimes the medulla.

Question 36: What is 'trichorrhexis nodosa' and which chemical service most commonly causes it?

Brittle swellings along the hair shaft caused by over-processing from chemical relaxers or perms (Correct answer)
Scalp inflammation caused by allergic reaction to hair dye
A fungal infection triggered by acidic perm solutions
Cuticle erosion from repeated high-volume developer use

Correct answer: Brittle swellings along the hair shaft caused by over-processing from chemical relaxers or perms

Trichorrhexis nodosa appears as white nodes on the shaft where the cuticle has been destroyed, often caused by over-processing during chemical relaxing or perming.

Question 37: Which scalp condition involves inflammation of the hair follicle, often appearing as small red pustules?

Folliculitis (Correct answer)
Alopecia areata
Pediculosis capitis
Pityriasis

Correct answer: Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection and inflammation of the hair follicle, typically caused by bacteria, and presents as red, pus-filled bumps around follicle openings.

Question 38: The sebaceous gland secretes sebum into which structure?

Blood vessel
Hair follicle (Correct answer)
Lymph capillary
Sweat duct

Correct answer: Hair follicle

Sebaceous glands empty their sebum directly into the hair follicle, lubricating both the hair shaft and the surrounding skin.

Question 39: When setting retail product prices, what does the term 'keystone markup' mean?

Pricing products 10% above competitor rates
Marking up the wholesale price by 100% to set the retail price (Correct answer)
Setting prices based solely on customer demand
Charging the same price the distributor charges

Correct answer: Marking up the wholesale price by 100% to set the retail price

Keystone markup doubles the wholesale cost, so a product bought for $10 sells for $20, providing a 50% gross margin.

Question 40: What is stakeholder mapping in CHS practice?

Creating geographical maps
Identifying parties with project interest and assessing their influence (Correct answer)
Mapping demographics
Tracking competitor locations

Correct answer: Identifying parties with project interest and assessing their influence

Stakeholder mapping identifies everyone affected by a project, categorizing them by influence and expectations for targeted engagement.

Question 41: Which tool is used to create clean, precise partings and assist in sectioning during color application?

Pintail comb (Correct answer)
Detangling comb
Paddle brush
Vent brush

Correct answer: Pintail comb

A pintail (rat-tail) comb has a fine metal or plastic point specifically designed for creating neat sections and partings.

Question 42: What is the term for the gradual loss of melanocyte function that causes hair to turn gray or white?

Hypertrichosis
Albinism
Canities (Correct answer)
Alopecia

Correct answer: Canities

Canities is the technical term for graying hair, caused by a progressive decline in melanocyte activity in the hair bulb, reducing melanin production over time.

Question 43: What is the name of the protein that makes up the majority of the hair fiber?

Collagen
Keratin (Correct answer)
Melanin
Elastin

Correct answer: Keratin

Hair is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous structural protein also found in nails and the outer layer of skin.

Question 44: A 'disconnected' haircut is characterized by:

A single length throughout
Two or more sections that do not blend into each other (Correct answer)
Seamless blending between all sections
Heavily layered interior with blunt perimeter

Correct answer: Two or more sections that do not blend into each other

A disconnected haircut intentionally leaves two or more sections unblended, creating a visible contrast between different lengths or textures.

Question 45: Volumizing mousse achieves its effect primarily by:

Providing lightweight hold that expands the hair shaft when dried (Correct answer)
Depositing protein to rebuild damaged cuticles
Permanently altering the wave pattern
Coating each strand with heavy oils

Correct answer: Providing lightweight hold that expands the hair shaft when dried

Mousse contains polymers that lightly coat hair strands, creating a film that adds body and volume when the hair is dried with heat.

Question 46: Which structure at the base of the hair follicle supplies oxygen and nutrients to actively growing hair?

Arrector pili muscle
Sebaceous gland duct
Capillary network in the dermal papilla (Correct answer)
Lymphatic vessel in the cortex

Correct answer: Capillary network in the dermal papilla

A rich capillary network within the dermal papilla delivers oxygen, amino acids, and other nutrients to the hair matrix cells, fueling rapid hair growth during anagen.

Question 47: A stylist should NOT perform a scalp service on a client with which condition?

Dry scalp
Slightly oily scalp
Open sores or abrasions on the scalp (Correct answer)
Mild dandruff

Correct answer: Open sores or abrasions on the scalp

Open sores or abrasions on the scalp are a contraindication for scalp services because treatments could worsen irritation, introduce infection, or spread disease.

Question 48: A cosmetologist accidentally nicks a client's ear. What is the first step?

Apply hydrogen peroxide without gloves
Continue the service and monitor the client
Apply a chemical disinfectant directly to the wound
Put on gloves, stop the bleeding, and follow exposure control procedures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Put on gloves, stop the bleeding, and follow exposure control procedures

When an accidental nick occurs, the stylist must don gloves immediately, stop the bleeding, and follow the salon's exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogen incidents.

Question 49: A hairstylist uses a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer primarily to:

Smooth frizz on straight hair
Speed up drying time on thick hair
Dry curly hair while preserving curl definition (Correct answer)
Add volume at the roots

Correct answer: Dry curly hair while preserving curl definition

A diffuser disperses airflow gently to dry curly or wavy hair without disrupting the natural curl pattern.

Question 50: What does 'shrinkage' refer to in salon inventory management?

A reduction in the size of product containers by the manufacturer
Product loss due to theft, damage, or improper use that reduces sellable inventory (Correct answer)
The natural evaporation of chemical products over time
A deliberate reduction in inventory to lower storage costs

Correct answer: Product loss due to theft, damage, or improper use that reduces sellable inventory

Shrinkage in retail and salon inventory refers to unplanned loss of products through theft, employee misuse, spillage, or expiration.

Certified Hair Stylist (CHS)

The CHS certification exam, administered by AIBM, validates professional competency across six core domains of hair styling including cutting techniques, chemical services, trichology, salon management, and advanced styling. It is designed for working professionals seeking an industry-recognized credential in hair styling.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

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