Barbering Chemistry Practice Questions
Chemistry questions explain why products work: why alkaline products open the cuticle, why a neutralizer re-forms bonds and why some chemicals must never be mixed.
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 barbering chemistry drill- 26 original chemistry questions, every answer explained
- NIC domain: Scientific Concepts (35% of the exam)
A solution with a pH of 3 is
What the chemistry questions test
- The pH scale runs from 0 to 14; 7 is neutral. Each whole number is a tenfold change, so pH 9 is ten times more alkaline than pH 8.
- Healthy hair and skin are slightly acidic, about pH 4.5 to 5.5. Alkaline products swell the hair and lift the cuticle; acidic products close it.
- Oxidation adds oxygen or removes hydrogen; reduction does the opposite. Thioglycolates are reducing agents; hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer.
- An emulsion holds oil and water together with an emulsifier. Surfactant molecules have a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail.
- Humectants such as glycerin attract moisture; volatile alcohols evaporate quickly and can dry hair; silicones coat the hair for shine.
- Chemical safety: good ventilation, closed containers, gloves, and mixing products only as the manufacturer directs.
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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 barbering chemistry drillCommon questions
What is the pH of hair?
Healthy hair and skin have a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5, slightly acidic.
Why do alkaline products open the cuticle?
Alkaline solutions swell and soften the hair, raising the cuticle scales so chemicals can reach the cortex. Acidic products contract the hair and smooth the cuticle.
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 barbering chemistry drillMore barber topics
- Infection control and safety
- Anatomy and physiology
- Hair, scalp and skin disorders
- 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
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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.