Barber Shaving and Facial Hair Practice Questions
Shaving is the service that sets barbering apart, and the exams weight it heavily: 15 of 85 questions in Texas and 22% in California.
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 shaving and facial hair design drill- 33 original shaving questions, every answer explained
- NIC domain: Facial Hair and Skin Care Services (15% of the exam)
Which item must never be shared between clients?
What the shaving questions test
- Hot towels and lather soften the beard and help the razor glide; the towel temperature is checked first and the nostrils are left clear.
- The four standard strokes are freehand, backhand, reverse freehand and reverse backhand. Freehand is used most.
- The free hand stretches the skin taut so the razor cuts the hair cleanly. The first time over goes with the grain.
- Nicks are treated with gloves and styptic powder or liquid on a single-use applicator. A styptic pencil is never shared.
- Inflamed, infected or broken skin, and contagious conditions such as tinea barbae, are contraindications.
- Facial hair is designed in proportion to the face: more length at the chin lengthens a round face; rounded lines soften a square jaw.
Start the free shaving drill · NIC barber theory mock exam
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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 shaving and facial hair design drillCommon questions
What are the four shaving strokes?
Freehand, backhand, reverse freehand and reverse backhand.
Why is a hot towel used before a shave?
Moist heat softens the beard and relaxes the skin so the razor cuts cleanly with less irritation.
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 shaving and facial hair design 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
- Hair color and chemical services
- 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.