18 Skin, Scalp & Nail Sciences Practice Questions & Answers

1. 1. What is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, keratinized cells that continuously shed?

   • A.Stratum granulosum (granular layer)
   • B.Stratum corneum (horny layer)✓ Answer
   • C.Stratum germinativum (basal layer)
   • D.Papillary layer of the dermis

   The stratum corneum is the topmost epidermal layer; its cells are dead, flattened, and fully keratinized, so they are continuously shed and replaced from below. The basal layer is the deepest epidermal layer where cell division occurs, and the papillary layer belongs to the dermis, not the epidermis.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Structure — layers of the epidermis (stratum corneum outermost)Report a problem with this question

2. 2. In which epidermal layer does cell division (mitosis) primarily occur, producing new skin cells?

   • A.Stratum lucidum
   • B.Stratum corneum
   • C.Stratum granulosum
   • D.Stratum germinativum (basal layer)✓ Answer

   The stratum germinativum (basal layer) is the deepest living layer of the epidermis and rests on the dermis; it is where new cells are continuously produced by mitosis and where melanocytes reside. Cells then migrate upward and keratinize as they rise toward the surface.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Structure — stratum germinativum / basal layer functionReport a problem with this question

3. 3. Which of the following correctly names the three main layers of a hair strand from outside to inside?

   • A.Root, shaft, bulb
   • B.Cuticle, cortex, medulla✓ Answer
   • C.Cortex, cuticle, medulla
   • D.Medulla, cortex, cuticle

   The hair strand has three layers: the cuticle is the tough, transparent outer layer of overlapping scales that protects the hair; the cortex is the middle layer containing the pigment and providing strength and elasticity; and the medulla is the innermost core. Root, shaft, and bulb are not layers of the strand.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Properties of the Hair — cuticle, cortex, medullaReport a problem with this question

4. 4. Which phase of the hair growth cycle is the active growing phase, during which the cell in the hair root divides rapidly?

   • A.Exogen
   • B.Anagen✓ Answer
   • C.Telogen
   • D.Catagen

   Anagen is the active growth phase in which cells in the hair bulb divide and produce new hair; it is the longest phase and determines hair length. Catagen is the brief transition phase and telogen is the resting phase before the hair sheds.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Hair Growth Cycle — anagen (growth phase)Report a problem with this question

5. 5. During the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle, what is happening to the hair?

   • A.It is transitioning as the follicle shrinks and detaches from the papilla
   • B.It is in the resting stage, with the hair no longer growing and eventually shedding✓ Answer
   • C.It is growing at its fastest rate
   • D.It is producing new pigment in the cortex

   Telogen is the resting phase: the hair is no longer growing and remains in the follicle until it is pushed out and shed, after which a new anagen cycle begins. The shrinking/transition of the follicle describes catagen, not telogen.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Hair Growth Cycle — telogen (resting phase)Report a problem with this question

6. 6. What is the technical term for the natural nail plate, the hardened keratin portion that rests on the nail bed?

   • A.Hyponychium
   • B.Nail plate✓ Answer
   • C.Lunula
   • D.Eponychium

   The nail plate is the visible, hardened keratin structure that sits on and is attached to the nail bed. The lunula is the whitish half-moon at the base, the eponychium is the living skin at the base overlapping the plate, and the hyponychium is the skin under the free edge.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Nail Structure and Growth — nail plateReport a problem with this question

7. 7. Which part of the nail unit is the area of living tissue beneath the nail plate where the nail plate is formed?

   • A.Matrix✓ Answer
   • B.Lunula
   • C.Free edge
   • D.Nail fold

   The matrix (nail matrix) is the living tissue beneath the base of the nail plate where cells are produced and keratinize to form the nail plate; damage to the matrix can permanently deform nail growth. The free edge is the portion that extends past the fingertip and grows nothing.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Nail Structure and Growth — matrixReport a problem with this question

8. 8. A client arrives with a nail that is red, swollen, warm, and has pus around the nail fold. What should the cosmetologist do?

   • A.File down the inflamed skin to smooth it
   • B.Decline the service and refer the client to a physician✓ Answer
   • C.Drain the pus with a sanitized implement before starting
   • D.Proceed with a manicure but avoid the sore area

   Redness, swelling, warmth, and pus indicate an infection (such as paronychia); performing a service risks spreading the infection and injuring the client, so a cosmetologist must not service an infected or inflamed area and must refer the client to a physician. Cosmetologists are not licensed to diagnose, drain, or treat infections.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Scope of Practice — do not service infected/inflamed conditions; refer to physicianReport a problem with this question

9. 9. Which of the following scalp or skin conditions is contagious and therefore means a cosmetologist must NOT perform the service?

   • A.Simple dry (dandruff-free) scalp
   • B.Male-pattern androgenic hair loss
   • C.Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)✓ Answer
   • D.A healed scar from an old injury

   Tinea capitis is a fungal (ringworm) infection that is contagious, so the service must be declined and the client referred to a physician to avoid spreading it. Androgenic hair loss, a simple dry scalp, and a healed scar are non-contagious and do not, by themselves, prohibit service.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Disorders of the Scalp — tinea (ringworm) is contagious, contraindicatedReport a problem with this question

10. 10. A cosmetologist notices a mole on a client's face that has recently changed in size, color, and shape. What is the appropriate action?

    • A.Recommend the client see a physician or dermatologist✓ Answer
    • B.Cover it with makeup and continue the facial
    • C.Remove it with an exfoliating treatment
    • D.Diagnose it and reassure the client it is harmless

    A mole that changes in size, color, or shape can be a warning sign of skin cancer, and a cosmetologist is not licensed to diagnose or treat it; the correct, ethical action is to recommend the client consult a physician or dermatologist. Attempting to remove or diagnose it would exceed the cosmetologist's scope of practice and could harm the client.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Disorders — refer suspicious/changing lesions to a physicianReport a problem with this question

11. 11. When analyzing a client's skin, which characteristic BEST describes normal (balanced) skin?

    • A.Enlarged pores with heavy shine across the entire face
    • B.Neither too oily nor too dry, with fine pores and good elasticity✓ Answer
    • C.Visible flaking with tight, rough texture throughout
    • D.Persistent redness and broken capillaries over most areas

    Normal (balanced) skin has a healthy sebum-moisture balance, so it is neither excessively oily nor dry, with fine pores, smooth texture, and good elasticity. Persistent flaking suggests dry skin, all-over shine and large pores suggest oily skin, and widespread redness/broken capillaries suggests a sensitive or couperose condition.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Analysis — normal/balanced skin type characteristicsReport a problem with this question

12. 12. What is the primary factor that determines whether skin is classified as oily, dry, or combination during skin analysis?

    • A.The client's natural hair color
    • B.The number of freckles present
    • C.The amount of sebum (oil) the skin produces✓ Answer
    • D.The client's blood type

    Skin type is determined largely by sebaceous (oil) gland activity: high sebum production yields oily skin, low production yields dry skin, and an uneven distribution (oily T-zone, drier cheeks) yields combination skin. Hair color, freckles, and blood type do not define these skin types.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Skin Analysis — sebaceous activity determines oily/dry/combinationReport a problem with this question

13. 13. Which bone forms the forehead in the cranium, an area relevant to facial massage?

    • A.Occipital bone
    • B.Frontal bone✓ Answer
    • C.Zygomatic bone
    • D.Mandible

    The frontal bone forms the forehead. The mandible is the lower jaw, the zygomatic bones form the cheeks, and the occipital bone forms the back of the skull, so only the frontal bone corresponds to the forehead region.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Bones of the Cranium — frontal bone forms foreheadReport a problem with this question

14. 14. The zygomatic bones are commonly known by what name, and where are they located?

    • A.The temporal bones, forming the temples
    • B.The jawbones, forming the lower jaw
    • C.The cheekbones, forming the prominence of the cheeks✓ Answer
    • D.The nasal bones, forming the bridge of the nose

    The zygomatic bones (also called malar bones) form the prominence of the cheeks, which is why they are commonly called the cheekbones. The lower jaw is the mandible, the nasal bones form the bridge of the nose, and the temporal bones form the sides of the head.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Bones of the Face — zygomatic/malar (cheekbones)Report a problem with this question

15. 15. Which muscle is the broad muscle covering the top of the skull, consisting of the frontalis and occipitalis, that a cosmetologist may address during a scalp massage?

    • A.Epicranius (occipitofrontalis)✓ Answer
    • B.Masseter
    • C.Orbicularis oris
    • D.Sternocleidomastoideus

    The epicranius (occipitofrontalis) is the broad muscle covering the top of the skull and is made up of the frontalis (front) and occipitalis (back) joined by a tendon; it is the scalp muscle worked during scalp massage. The orbicularis oris circles the mouth, the masseter is a chewing muscle, and the sternocleidomastoideus is a neck muscle.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Muscles of the Head — epicranius/occipitofrontalisReport a problem with this question

16. 16. Which cranial nerve is the chief motor nerve of the face and controls the muscles of facial expression, making it important during facial massage?

    • A.Fifth (trifacial/trigeminal) nerve
    • B.Second (optic) nerve
    • C.Eleventh (accessory) nerve
    • D.Seventh (facial) nerve✓ Answer

    The seventh cranial nerve, the facial nerve, is the chief motor nerve of the face and controls the muscles of facial expression. The fifth (trigeminal) nerve is the chief sensory nerve of the face; the optic nerve serves vision and the accessory nerve serves certain neck and shoulder muscles.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Nerves of the Head, Face, and Neck — seventh (facial) nerve, chief motor nerveReport a problem with this question

17. 17. The fifth cranial nerve (trifacial/trigeminal) is best described as which of the following?

    • A.The chief sensory nerve of the face✓ Answer
    • B.The chief motor nerve controlling facial expression
    • C.The nerve controlling the muscles of the neck only
    • D.The nerve responsible for hearing

    The fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal or trifacial) is the chief sensory nerve of the face and also supplies the muscles of chewing; it carries sensation from the skin of the face, which is why massage stimulates it. The chief motor nerve of facial expression is the seventh (facial) nerve, not the fifth.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, Nerves of the Head, Face, and Neck — fifth (trigeminal) nerve, chief sensory nerveReport a problem with this question

18. 18. In cosmetology terminology, what is the difference between a disease and a disorder?

    • A.A disease is an abnormal condition of body systems/organs with characteristic symptoms, while a disorder is an abnormal condition of a specific structure, such as the skin or nail✓ Answer
    • B.There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable in all contexts
    • C.A disease is always temporary, while a disorder is always permanent
    • D.A disease affects only the skin, while a disorder affects only the hair

    A disease is an abnormal condition of the body's systems or organs that produces characteristic signs and symptoms, whereas a disorder is an abnormality of a specific structure (such as a skin or nail disorder), and a condition is simply a state of the skin or nail without implying disease. The terms are not interchangeable, and neither is defined by being temporary versus permanent.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, General Anatomy/Skin Disorders — definitions of disease vs. disorder vs. conditionReport a problem with this question

Practice questions based on the NIC national cosmetology theory content outline and standard salon science. Not affiliated with NIC, PSI, or any state board. Your state may add state-law and practical content — check your board's requirements before testing. About NIC exams →