Barber Hair, Scalp and Skin Disorders Questions
Barbers do not diagnose, but the exam expects you to recognize conditions, know which are contagious and decide when to decline a service and refer the client.
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 hair, scalp and skin disorders drill- 31 original hair and skin disorders questions, every answer explained
- NIC domain: Scientific Concepts (35% of the exam)
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What the hair and skin disorders questions test
- Tinea barbae (barber’s itch) is a contagious fungal infection of the beard area. Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp. Neither client is serviced.
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) comes from curly hairs growing back into the skin. It is not contagious; shaving with the grain and avoiding very close shaves helps.
- Pediculosis capitis is head lice and scabies is caused by itch mites. Both are contagious and are referred for treatment.
- Alopecia areata causes round bald patches, androgenetic alopecia is hereditary pattern loss, and traction alopecia comes from repeated pulling.
- Pityriasis capitis simplex is dry dandruff; pityriasis steatoides is the greasy type. Canities is gray hair and trichoptilosis is split ends.
- Primary lesions include macules (flat spots), papules, vesicles, pustules and wheals. Secondary lesions include crusts, scales, fissures and scars; a keloid is an overgrown scar.
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Drill hair and skin disorders, 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 hair, scalp and skin disorders drillCommon questions
Is tinea barbae contagious?
Yes. Tinea barbae is a fungal infection of the beard area that spreads by contact and shared tools. The barber declines the service and refers the client to a physician.
What is the difference between tinea barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae?
Tinea barbae is a contagious fungal infection. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is irritation from ingrown hairs after shaving and is not contagious.
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 hair, scalp and skin disorders drillMore barber topics
- Infection control and safety
- Anatomy and physiology
- 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
- Texas Barber Practice Test
- California Barber Practice Test
- 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.