AK Barber study guide
AK Barber · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Alaska barber license is the credential that lets you legally cut, shave, color, and chemically treat hair for paying clients in the state. It is issued by the state Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, and it is meant for people who have completed the required training hours at an approved barbering school (or the equivalent path the board recognizes) and are ready to demonstrate both hands-on skill and book knowledge. The AK Barber study guide has 10 sections and about 2,260 words.
01Sanitation, Sterilization, and Infection Control
Know the difference between cleaning (removing visible debris), disinfection (destroying most pathogens on surfaces), and sterilization (destroying all microbial life, including spores). In barbering, sterilization is reserved for items that contact blood or are reusable and penetrable; most tools are cleaned then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.
305 words, about 2 min02Hair and Scalp Care; Shampooing and Conditioning
Know hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla) and how water and surfactants affect it. Shampoo surfactants lift sebum and debris; the cuticle swells with water, so wet hair is weaker and more fragile.
256 words, about 1 min03Haircutting and Hair Shaping
Master the foundational cuts and the geometry behind them: blunt, graduated, layered, and combination cuts; the four basic shapes (solid, graduated, layered, and their combinations). Understand elevation (0–90 degrees and beyond), distribution (natural fall, shifted, perpendicular), and projection.
257 words, about 1 min04Shaving, Beard and Mustache Design, and Facial Hair Services
Know the straight razor's parts (blade, tang, shank, scales, point), the types of points (square, round, concave), and stropping versus honing. Understand lather preparation, the direction of hair growth, and the classic shave sequence (with the grain first, then across/against as tolerated).
255 words, about 1 min05Hair Coloring and Lightening
Understand the color wheel, levels (1–10), and undertones. Know the difference between temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color, and how developers (10, 20, 30, 40 volume) affect lift and deposit.
235 words, about 1 min06Chemical Texture Services (Permanent Waving and Relaxing)
Know the two-step chemistry: a reducing agent (ammonium thioglycolate) breaks disulfide bonds; a neutralizer (hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate) rebuilds them in the new shape. Understand relaxers (sodium hydroxide, no-lye/calcium hydroxide, thio relaxers) and how they straighten by breaking bonds.
205 words, about 1 min07Anatomy and Physiology of the Hair, Skin, and Scalp
Know the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous), the hair follicle, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili muscle. Understand the hair growth cycle (anagen, catagen, telogen) and that shedding is normal.
186 words, under 1 min08Barbering Chemistry and Product Knowledge
Understand pH (0–14), acids, bases, and how pH affects hair (the hair and scalp are slightly acidic, around pH 4.5–5.5). Know the difference between solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, and the role of surfactants.
194 words, under 1 min09Implements, Tools, and Equipment Safety
Know the tools: shears, clippers, trimmers, razors, combs, brushes, and their proper use and care. Understand how to hold and manipulate shears and clippers, and the difference between cutting and thinning shears.
180 words, under 1 min10Alaska Barbering Laws, Rules, and Scope of Practice
Know that Alaska barbering is regulated by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers (within the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing). Understand licensure requirements, renewal, continuing education, sanitation standards, and scope of practice.
187 words, under 1 min