IL Barber study guide
IL Barber · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Illinois barber credential is issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and authorizes the holder to practice barbering in the state. It is intended for candidates who have completed the required training and are ready to demonstrate entry-level knowledge; IDFPR also lists a Barber Teacher license and salon/shop registration as separate credentials. The licensing examination is the National Barber Written Examination, and IDFPR provides a candidate study guide for it. Expect the written exam to sample the full scope of barbering: safety, sanitation and infection control; scientific concepts such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry and skin and hair analysis; hair care, shampooing, haircutting and styling; chemical services including relaxing, permanent waving, coloring and lightening; and shaving, facial hair services, and shop and client practices. The IL Barber study guide has 5 sections and about 2,912 words.
01Safety, Sanitation and Infection Control
Safety questions ask whether you can spot a hazard before it reaches a client. Group hazards into three families and study them separately: electrical, chemical, and physical/ergonomic.
648 words, about 3 min02Scientific Concepts
Skin has three layers: the epidermis, whose outer stratum corneum is the barrier; the dermis, holding nerves, glands, and collagen; and the subcutaneous layer of fat. The acid mantle sits near pH 4.5 to 5.5.
323 words, about 2 min03Hair Care, Shampooing, Haircutting and Styling
Hair care questions reward a systematic analysis. Assess four properties first.
947 words, about 5 min04Chemical Services
Relaxing, permanent waving, and coloring all change bonds inside the cortex, so they share one rule: analyze first, test always, and never stack processes. Sodium hydroxide (lye) products are strongly alkaline and require a protective base cream.
316 words, about 2 min05Shaving, Facial Hair Services and Shop/Client Practices
Shaving questions cluster around three ideas: soften the beard, keep the skin taut, and control the blade angle. A hot towel and lather soften the hair and lubricate the skin.
678 words, about 3 min