20 Skin, Scalp & Nail Sciences Practice Questions & Answers

1. 1. Which layer of the skin is known as the "true skin"?

   • A.The spiny layer
   • B.The basal cell layer
   • C.The dermis✓ Answer
   • D.The horny layer

   The dermis — also called the derma, corium, or cutis — is termed the "true skin" because it is the living, highly vascular support layer roughly 25 times thicker than the epidermis; it contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, follicles, and glands. The horny (stratum corneum), spiny (stratum spinosum), and basal layers are all divisions of the epidermis, which has no blood supply of its own.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Histology of the Skin; NIC Cosmetology Theory content outline I.B.1.bReport a problem with this question

2. 2. In which layer of the epidermis are new cells produced and melanin formed?

   • A.Stratum corneum
   • B.Stratum lucidum
   • C.Stratum granulosum
   • D.Stratum germinativum (basale)✓ Answer

   The stratum germinativum (basale) is the deepest epidermal layer and sits against the dermis, so it receives nutrients by diffusion and is the only epidermal layer where active cell division occurs; melanocytes located there produce melanin through the action of tyrosinase. Cells pushed upward gradually keratinize and die, so the outer stratum corneum cannot generate new cells.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Layers of the Epidermis; NIC I.B.1.bReport a problem with this question

3. 3. Which statement about the stratum lucidum is correct?

   • A.It is thickest on the palms and soles and absent in thin skin✓ Answer
   • B.It is the layer where melanocytes produce pigment
   • C.It lies between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue
   • D.It is the outermost layer that is continuously shed

   The stratum lucidum is a clear, translucent band of flattened cells found only in thick skin, where friction and pressure are greatest — the palms and soles — and it is absent from thin skin such as the eyelids. The outermost shedding layer is the stratum corneum, and pigment is made in the stratum germinativum.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Histology of the Skin, Epidermal LayersReport a problem with this question

4. 4. Which two fibers in the dermis are primarily responsible for the skin's firmness and its ability to spring back?

   • A.Hemoglobin and lymph
   • B.Keratin and melanin
   • C.Collagen and elastin✓ Answer
   • D.Sebum and lipids

   Collagen makes up roughly 70 percent of the dermis and forms a fibrous network that gives skin its strength and firmness, while elastin fibers allow the skin to stretch and recoil to its original shape. UV exposure and intrinsic aging degrade both proteins, which is why sagging and wrinkling appear.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — The Dermis: Papillary and Reticular LayersReport a problem with this question

5. 5. Sudoriferous glands located in the underarm and genital areas that are attached to hair follicles and become active at puberty are called:

   • A.Apocrine glands✓ Answer
   • B.Sebaceous glands
   • C.Ceruminous glands
   • D.Eccrine glands

   Apocrine glands open into hair follicles in the underarm and genital regions, are activated by hormones at puberty, and secrete a thicker fluid that develops odor once skin bacteria break it down. Eccrine glands are distributed over the whole body, are not attached to follicles, and secrete an odorless watery perspiration; sebaceous glands secrete oil, not sweat.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Sudoriferous Glands; NIC I.B.1.bReport a problem with this question

6. 6. A client has a small blister filled with clear fluid on the forearm after contact with poison ivy. This lesion is classified as a:

   • A.Macule
   • B.Vesicle✓ Answer
   • C.Crust
   • D.Pustule

   A vesicle is a primary lesion consisting of a small elevation containing clear fluid, typical of poison ivy and chickenpox; primary lesions are defined by a change in skin color or elevation. A macule is flat and only discolored, a pustule contains pus rather than clear fluid, and a crust is a secondary lesion of dried serum or pus.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Primary Skin Lesions; NIC I.B.2.bReport a problem with this question

7. 7. Which group contains ONLY secondary skin lesions?

   • A.Nodule, pustule, tumor
   • B.Vesicle, bulla, cyst
   • C.Scale, fissure, keloid✓ Answer
   • D.Macule, papule, wheal

   Secondary lesions develop in the later stages of a disease and are characterized either by accumulated material piled on the skin or by depressions in the skin surface — scale, crust, excoriation, fissure, ulcer, scar, and keloid all fit that definition. The other groups list primary lesions, which are defined by a change in color or elevation.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Secondary Skin Lesions; NIC I.B.2.bReport a problem with this question

8. 8. Why does an open comedo (blackhead) appear dark?

   • A.Dirt has become trapped in the follicle
   • B.Melanin accumulates inside the follicle
   • C.The follicle wall is bruised
   • D.Sebum oxidizes when exposed to air✓ Answer

   An open comedo has a follicle opening exposed to air, so the sebum and keratin plug oxidizes and darkens — the color is a chemical change, not dirt. A closed comedo (whitehead) stays light because the follicle opening is covered, keeping the plug away from air.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Disorders of the Sebaceous GlandsReport a problem with this question

9. 9. Which statement correctly compares UVA and UVB rays?

   • A.UVA rays are the burning rays that cannot pass through glass
   • B.UVA rays are longer, penetrate deeper, and pass through glass✓ Answer
   • C.UVB rays penetrate deepest and break down collagen and elastin
   • D.UVB rays are blocked entirely by cloud cover

   UVA rays have a longer wavelength, so they reach into the dermis, pass through window glass and clouds, and cause photoaging by degrading collagen and elastin. UVB rays are shorter "burning" rays that act mainly on the epidermis, cause sunburn, and do not penetrate ordinary glass.

   Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Sun Damage and Photoaging; NIC I.B.2.bReport a problem with this question

10. 10. Which skin cancer is the most common and generally the least severe?

    • A.Actinic keratosis
    • B.Malignant melanoma
    • C.Squamous cell carcinoma
    • D.Basal cell carcinoma✓ Answer

    Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring skin cancer and the least severe because it grows slowly and rarely metastasizes; it typically appears as light or pearly nodules, sometimes with visible capillaries. Malignant melanoma is the least common of the three but the most serious, and squamous cell carcinoma falls in between. A cosmetologist never diagnoses — any suspicious lesion is referred to a physician.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Skin Cancer; ABCDE Cancer ChecklistReport a problem with this question

11. 11. A cosmetologist notices circular patches of hair loss with red papules and broken hairs on a client's scalp. What is the correct action?

    • A.Shampoo with a medicated dandruff product and proceed
    • B.Decline the service and refer the client to a physician✓ Answer
    • C.Apply a protein treatment and reschedule in two weeks
    • D.Perform a stimulating scalp massage to improve circulation

    Those signs are consistent with tinea capitis, a contagious fungal infection, and any contagious or inflamed scalp condition is outside a cosmetologist's scope. The professional rule is that broken, swollen, inflamed, painful, or infected skin means the service is not performed and the client is referred to a physician — the cosmetologist observes and refers but never diagnoses or treats.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Contagious Scalp Disorders; NIC I.B.2.aReport a problem with this question

12. 12. An infestation of the scalp with head lice is known as:

    • A.Tinea capitis
    • B.Pediculosis capitis✓ Answer
    • C.Scabies
    • D.Pityriasis steatoides

    Pediculosis capitis is the specific term for infestation of the scalp by head lice, which spread readily through shared combs, brushes, and hats and require a medicated treatment before any salon service. Tinea capitis is a fungal ringworm infection, scabies is caused by a burrowing itch mite, and pityriasis steatoides is a greasy form of dandruff.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Parasitic Scalp Infestations; NIC I.B.2.aReport a problem with this question

13. 13. Sudden, smooth, round patches of hair loss with no scaling or inflammation are characteristic of:

    • A.Androgenic alopecia
    • B.Traction alopecia
    • C.Postpartum alopecia
    • D.Alopecia areata✓ Answer

    Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks follicles, producing abrupt, well-defined smooth bald patches without scaling or broken hairs. Androgenic alopecia follows a gradual pattern of thinning, postpartum alopecia is diffuse shedding after childbirth, and traction alopecia occurs along hairlines where tight styles pull on the hair.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Hair Loss: Types of Alopecia; NIC I.B.2.aReport a problem with this question

14. 14. Which structure is the LIVING skin at the base of the nail plate that covers the matrix and must never be cut?

    • A.Eponychium✓ Answer
    • B.Hyponychium
    • C.Lunula
    • D.Cuticle

    The eponychium is living tissue that seals and protects the matrix, so cutting, tearing, or nipping it breaks the skin and opens a route for infection; it may only be gently pushed back. The cuticle, by contrast, is dead colorless tissue shed from the eponychium onto the nail plate and may be removed — everyday salon speech confuses the two.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Anatomy: Eponychium vs. Cuticle; NIC I.B.1.cReport a problem with this question

15. 15. Damage to which part of the nail unit can permanently deform the nail plate?

    • A.The nail grooves
    • B.The matrix✓ Answer
    • C.The hyponychium
    • D.The free edge

    The matrix is the only site where nail cells are produced, and it contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that supply that growth; if it is injured, the cells it produces are permanently altered and the nail plate grows in deformed. The free edge is already hardened dead keratin, and the hyponychium and grooves guide or protect the nail but do not create it.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Unit Anatomy: The Matrix; NIC I.B.1.cReport a problem with this question

16. 16. White spots appearing on the nail plate (leukonychia) are most commonly caused by:

    • A.A calcium or zinc deficiency in the diet
    • B.Minor injury to the matrix✓ Answer
    • C.A fungal infection of the nail bed
    • D.Prolonged exposure to nail polish remover

    Leukonychia results from small traumas to the matrix that trap air between the layers of forming nail cells, and the resulting white spot simply grows out with the nail — it is a serviceable disorder, not a disease. The widely repeated claim that white spots indicate a calcium or zinc deficiency is a nutritional myth, not a histological finding.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Disorders: Leukonychia; NIC I.B.2.cReport a problem with this question

17. 17. Which nail condition means the nail plate is separating and lifting from the nail bed beginning at the free edge, and requires referral to a physician?

    • A.Onycholysis✓ Answer
    • B.Onychophagy
    • C.Onychorrhexis
    • D.Koilonychia

    Onycholysis is the lifting of the nail plate from the bed starting at the free edge; the exposed bed can harbor infection, so the client is referred rather than serviced. Contrast it with onychomadesis, in which separation and shedding begin at the matrix; onychorrhexis (split, ridged nails) and onychophagy (bitten nails) are serviceable disorders.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Diseases: Onycholysis vs. Onychomadesis; NIC I.B.2.cReport a problem with this question

18. 18. A client's nail fold is red, swollen, tender, and shows a small amount of pus. What should the cosmetologist do?

    • A.Decline the nail service and refer the client to a physician✓ Answer
    • B.Cover the area with an enhancement product
    • C.Nip away the inflamed tissue and apply antiseptic
    • D.Soak the finger longer and gently push the tissue back

    Redness, swelling, tenderness, and pus around the nail indicate an active infection of the surrounding tissue (paronychia), which is a disease rather than a serviceable disorder. The governing rule is that any nail or surrounding skin that is infected, inflamed, broken, swollen, or painful is not serviced; performing manicure steps or applying product would spread the infection and trap it.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Diseases: Paronychia; NIC IV.A.2 ContraindicationsReport a problem with this question

19. 19. Approximately how fast does the average adult fingernail grow?

    • A.1/10 inch (about 3 mm) per month✓ Answer
    • B.1 inch (about 25 mm) per month
    • C.1/2 inch (about 13 mm) per month
    • D.1/10 inch (about 3 mm) per week

    Fingernails grow about 1/10 inch (roughly 3 mm) per month, which is why a full fingernail takes about four to six months to replace itself and a toenail about nine to twelve months. Growth is faster in summer and on the middle finger and slower during illness and in the very young or elderly; 1/2 inch per month is the growth rate of scalp hair, not nails.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Nail Growth Rate; NIC I.B.1.cReport a problem with this question

20. 20. Which massage movement is a light, continuous stroking used to soothe the client and begin and end a facial?

    • A.Friction
    • B.Effleurage✓ Answer
    • C.Tapotement
    • D.Petrissage

    Effleurage is light, gentle, continuous stroking with the fingers or palms; because it applies minimal pressure and a steady rhythm, it relaxes the nerves and is used to open and close a massage. Petrissage kneads and lifts tissue, friction applies deep pressure over an underlying structure, and tapotement is the most stimulating movement and is applied only briefly.

    Source: Milady Standard Cosmetology, 14th ed. — Massage Movements; NIC III.AReport a problem with this question

Practice questions based on the NIC national cosmetology theory content outline and standard salon science. Not affiliated with NIC, PSI, or any state board. Your state may add state-law and practical content — check your board's requirements before testing. About NIC exams →