New York State Exam New York State Cosmetology Exam 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of the cuticle in nail structure?
- Provides the nail with color
- Seals and protects the area where the nail meets the skin (Correct answer)
- Anchors the nail to the bone
- Produces melanin for the nail
Correct answer: Seals and protects the area where the nail meets the skin
The cuticle is a thin layer of skin at the base of the nail that seals the junction between the nail plate and surrounding skin to prevent infection.
Question 2: When performing a chemical relaxer service in New York salons, which safety step is mandatory?
- Applying relaxer directly without a patch test
- Performing a scalp analysis and patch test before the service (Correct answer)
- Mixing bleach with the relaxer to boost strength
- Skipping base cream application for fine hair
Correct answer: Performing a scalp analysis and patch test before the service
A scalp analysis and strand/patch test must be performed before applying a chemical relaxer to assess sensitivity and avoid scalp burns.
Question 3: Which hair type is most prone to dryness and requires the most moisture-based products?
- Type 1 (straight hair)
- Type 2 (wavy hair)
- Type 4 (tightly coiled hair) (Correct answer)
- All hair types equally
Correct answer: Type 4 (tightly coiled hair)
Type 4 (tightly coiled or kinky hair) has the fewest cuticle layers aligned to allow natural oils to travel down the shaft, making it most prone to dryness.
Question 4: Which pH range is considered neutral and is the natural pH of the hair and skin?
- 0–2
- 4.5–5.5 (Correct answer)
- 7
- 9–14
Correct answer: 4.5–5.5
Healthy hair and skin have a slightly acidic pH of 4.5–5.5, which helps keep the cuticle closed and protects against bacteria.
Question 5: In New York, which chemical process permanently waves straight hair by breaking and reforming disulfide bonds?
- Thermal straightening
- Permanent waving (Correct answer)
- Highlights
- Toning
Correct answer: Permanent waving
Permanent waving uses a reducing agent to break disulfide bonds and a neutralizer to reform them in a new curled shape.
Question 6: Which law governs cosmetology practice standards and salon safety inspections in New York?
- New York Health and Safety Code
- New York General Business Law Article 27 (Correct answer)
- New York Labor Law Section 12
- New York Civil Practice Law
Correct answer: New York General Business Law Article 27
New York General Business Law Article 27 governs the practice of cosmetology and the licensing and inspection of salons.
New York State Exam New York State Cosmetology Exam 2
What is the function of the cuticle in nail structure?