Barber Anatomy and Physiology Practice Questions
Anatomy sits in NIC’s Scientific Concepts domain. The questions ask what a structure is called and what it does, from the cortex of a hair to the nerves of the face.
60 questions in 90 minutes across all four NIC domains, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or try the free anatomy and physiology drill- 34 original anatomy questions, every answer explained
- NIC domain: Scientific Concepts (35% of the exam)
Which layer of the hair shaft gives hair most of its strength, elasticity and natural color?
What the anatomy questions test
- The hair shaft has three layers: the cuticle (protective scales), the cortex (strength, elasticity and natural color) and the medulla (core). The dermal papilla nourishes the growing hair.
- Hair grows about half an inch a month through anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest) phases.
- Hydrogen bonds break with water or heat and re-form as hair dries or cools. Disulfide bonds break only with chemicals such as perm solutions and relaxers.
- The skin has the epidermis (outer, no blood vessels; new cells form in the stratum germinativum) and the dermis (blood vessels, nerves, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands).
- Cranium bones: occipital, two parietal, frontal, two temporal, ethmoid and sphenoid. The mandible is the lower jaw and the zygomatic bones form the cheeks.
- The masseter and temporalis chew, the orbicularis oris closes the lips, the platysma lowers the jaw, and the sternocleidomastoideus turns and bends the head.
- The fifth cranial (trifacial) nerve is the chief sensory nerve of the face; the seventh (facial) nerve is its chief motor nerve.
Start the free anatomy drill · NIC barber theory mock exam
Drill anatomy, then sit the full exam
60 questions in 90 minutes across all four NIC domains, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or try the free anatomy and physiology drillCommon questions
Which layer of the hair gives it color?
The cortex. It holds the melanin and the keratin fibers that give hair its strength and elasticity.
What are the three stages of hair growth?
Anagen, the active growth phase; catagen, a short transition; and telogen, the resting phase before the hair sheds.
60 questions in 90 minutes across all four NIC domains, with a score by topic and an explanation for every answer.
Or try the free anatomy and physiology drillMore barber topics
- Infection control and safety
- Hair, scalp and skin disorders
- Barbering chemistry
- Implements, tools and equipment
- Consultation, shampoo and scalp care
- Haircutting and styling
- Hair color and chemical services
- Shaving and facial hair design
- Facials, massage and electrotherapy
- NIC Barber Theory Practice Test
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- Florida Barber Practice Test
Domains and format: NIC: National Barber Theory Examination CIB (effective June 1, 2025) · NIC: National Barber Styling Theory Examination CIB (effective June 1, 2025), checked November 2026.
NIC exam names belong to the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology; PSI and Pearson VUE are trademarks of their owners. Original independent practice. Every question is written for practice to the published content outlines and the cited statutes and rules. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, TDLR, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida DBPR, the Florida Barbers’ Board or any state board.