332A Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield 332A facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the colour wheel relationship between violet and yellow? → They are complementary (opposite) colours
2. What is a weight line in a haircut? → The visual line where the most bulk or volume concentrates in the haircut
3. What is the purpose of 'pin curling' in a styling service? → To set wet or damp hair into defined curl shapes that are revealed after drying
4. What does the technique 'backcombing' (teasing) accomplish when finishing a style? → Creates volume and lift by roughing up the cuticle
5. What is the role of a salon's infection control plan? → To establish procedures for preventing the spread of infections between clients and staff
6. What is the term for the line that divides the hair into sections during a haircut? → Parting
7. How should used disinfectant solution be handled when it becomes contaminated? → Dispose of it properly and prepare a fresh solution according to manufacturer directions
8. What are the three primary colours in hair colour theory? → Red, blue, yellow
9. What is the purpose of cross-checking a haircut? → To verify accuracy by cutting in the opposite direction from the original cut
10. What is the catagen phase of the hair growth cycle? → The short transition phase between growth and rest
11. What is the purpose of a colour remover or colour stripper? → To break down and remove artificial colour molecules from the hair
12. What condition might a stylist suspect if a client presents with yellow, crusted patches on the scalp and significant itching? → Seborrheic dermatitis or severe dandruff
13. What volume of developer is most commonly used for standard grey coverage with permanent colour? → 20 volume (6%)
14. Which amino acid is most responsible for the formation of disulfide bonds in hair? → Cysteine
15. What is a double-process colour service? → A two-step service involving lightening the hair first then toning to the desired shade
16. What is the 'wrap' or 'molding' technique used to achieve in hairstyling? → To wrap hair smoothly around the head for a sleek, wave-free blowout
17. What is the term for the first time a client receives an all-over permanent colour application? → Virgin application
18. Which layer of the hair shaft is responsible for the hair's strength and elasticity? → Cortex
19. What is pediculosis capitis? → An infestation of head lice
20. What is the minimum required contact time for most salon disinfectants to be effective? → 10 minutes or as specified by the manufacturer
21. What is a travelling guide in haircutting? → A guide that moves with each new section as you work through the haircut
22. Which finishing product is most appropriate for adding shine and eliminating frizz on a completed style? → Silicone-based serum or shine spray
23. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during chemical services? → Gloves at minimum, and depending on the service, also an apron and safety glasses
24. What is a test curl and why is it performed? → A small section processed to evaluate curl development before processing the entire head
25. Which bond in the hair is the strongest and can only be broken by chemical treatments? → Disulfide bond
26. What is a base cream or barrier cream used for in permanent waving? → To protect the scalp and skin around the hairline from chemical irritation
27. What is notching in haircutting? → An aggressive form of point cutting that removes larger chunks for maximum texture
28. What is a disconnection in a haircut? → A deliberate, abrupt length change between sections creating a visible contrast
29. What does 'exothermic' mean in relation to perm products? → The product generates its own heat through a chemical reaction
30. What determines the size of the curl in a permanent wave? → The size of the perm rod used