CHS CHS Tools, Equipment & Product Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Shears with a convex edge (razor edge) are preferred for:
- Point cutting on thick hair
- Slide cutting and precise blunt cuts (Correct answer)
- Thinning overly dense hair
- Texturizing dry hair only
Correct answer: Slide cutting and precise blunt cuts
Convex-edge shears are extremely sharp and smooth, making them ideal for slide cutting and clean blunt cuts with minimal hair damage.
Question 2: A clipper guard numbered #4 typically cuts hair to what length?
- 1/2 inch (Correct answer)
- 1/4 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 1/8 inch
Correct answer: 1/2 inch
Clipper guard #4 leaves hair at 1/2 inch (12 mm), with each guard number representing an additional 1/8 inch of length.
Question 3: What does 'pH balanced' mean on a hair product label?
- The product has a neutral pH of 7
- The product's pH is close to the natural pH of hair and scalp (4.5–5.5) (Correct answer)
- The product contains no sulfates
- The product has been tested for color safety
Correct answer: The product's pH is close to the natural pH of hair and scalp (4.5–5.5)
pH-balanced hair products are formulated near the hair's natural acidic range of 4.5–5.5, which helps maintain a smooth, closed cuticle.
Question 4: When sanitizing metal shears between clients, the stylist should:
- Soak them in 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes
- Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry (Correct answer)
- Rinse with hot water only
- Place them in a UV sanitizer cabinet for 1 minute
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 5: Which product is applied before heat styling to protect hair from thermal damage?
- Finishing spray
- Curl activator
- Heat protectant (Correct answer)
- Pomade
Correct answer: Heat protectant
Heat protectants form a coating over the hair shaft that reduces moisture loss and limits direct heat transfer to the cuticle and cortex.
Question 6: A thinning shear (texturizing shear) removes bulk without:
- Removing length (Correct answer)
- Adding curl to straight hair
- Increasing moisture retention
- Changing hair color
Correct answer: Removing length
Thinning shears have one serrated blade that removes internal weight and bulk while leaving the outer length intact.
CHS CHS Tools, Equipment & Product Knowledge 2
Shears with a convex edge (razor edge) are preferred for: