Barber Hair Color and Chemical Services Questions
Chemical services carry real risk, so the exam asks about tests, timing and compatibility. Texas has 12 questions on haircoloring and chemical texture and Florida 10%.
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 color and chemical services drill- 38 original hair color and chemical services questions, every answer explained
- NIC domain: Hair Care Services (40% of the exam)
What does the neutralizer do in a permanent wave?
What the hair color and chemical services questions test
- A patch (predisposition) test checks for allergy to aniline derivative tints and is read 24 to 48 hours later. A strand test shows the result and processing time.
- Temporary color coats the cuticle and washes out; semi-permanent deposits without developer; permanent color lightens and deposits in the cortex with a developer.
- Developer strength: 10 volume is 3% hydrogen peroxide, 20 volume 6%, 30 volume 9% and 40 volume 12%.
- Complementary colors neutralize each other: blue cancels orange, violet cancels yellow and green cancels red.
- Permanent waving breaks disulfide bonds with a reducing agent and re-forms them with a neutralizer. Alkaline waves run about pH 9.0 to 9.6; acid waves use GMTG.
- Hydroxide relaxers break bonds permanently (lanthionization) and are not compatible with thio perms. Relaxer retouches go on new growth only, over a protective base.
- Metallic (progressive) dyes can react with hydrogen peroxide, so a strand test comes before lightening or permanent color.
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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 hair color and chemical services drillCommon questions
When is a patch test given?
24 to 48 hours before an aniline derivative (oxidation) color service, to check for an allergic reaction.
Can you perm hair that was relaxed with sodium hydroxide?
No. Hydroxide relaxers and thio perms are not compatible, and combining them causes serious breakage.
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 color and chemical services drillMore barber topics
- Infection control and safety
- Anatomy and physiology
- Hair, scalp and skin disorders
- Barbering chemistry
- Implements, tools and equipment
- Consultation, shampoo and scalp care
- Haircutting and styling
- 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.