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CHSE Odisha Voc. Beauty Therapist study materials
CHSE Odisha Voc. Beauty Therapist study resources

CHSE Odisha Voc. Beauty Therapist practice questions

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Question 1Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

In a professional beauty therapy salon, which practice best demonstrates the principle of informed consent before a facial treatment?

  1. Beginning the cleanse while casually describing the steps as you work
  2. Asking the client to sign the consent form after the treatment is finished
  3. Assuming consent because the client booked and paid for the appointment
  4. Explaining the procedure, products and possible reactions, then obtaining the client's signed agreement Correct answer.

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the client understands the nature of the treatment, the products used and the foreseeable risks before agreeing. Explaining first and recording a signed agreement protects both client autonomy and the therapist's professional accountability.

Question 2Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A beauty therapist notices a small cut on her own finger before starting a manicure. What is the correct professional action?

  1. Ask the client whether they mind the uncovered cut
  2. Proceed without covering it, since the cut is small and dry
  3. Cover the cut with a waterproof dressing and wear gloves before continuing Correct answer.
  4. Wash the hands once and continue with bare hands

Explanation

Open lesions on the therapist's hands are a route for cross-contamination in both directions. A waterproof dressing plus gloves creates a barrier that protects the client and the therapist, which is standard infection-control practice.

Question 3Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Which action correctly describes sanitisation as distinct from sterilisation in a beauty salon?

  1. Applying a cosmetic spray that masks odours on equipment
  2. Removing visible dirt only, without affecting microorganisms
  3. Destroying all microbial life, including bacterial spores
  4. Reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to a safe level Correct answer.

Explanation

Sanitisation lowers the microbial load on surfaces and tools to a level considered safe for normal use. Sterilisation is a stronger process that destroys all microorganisms including spores, so the two terms are not interchangeable.

Question 4Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Under professional ethics, how should a beauty therapist handle a client's personal information collected on a consultation card?

  1. Leave it openly on the reception desk for staff convenience
  2. Share it with other clients as an interesting case study
  3. Post photographs of the completed card on salon social media
  4. Store it securely and disclose it only with the client's consent or where the law requires Correct answer.

Explanation

Client records contain sensitive health and personal data, so confidentiality is a core ethical duty. Secure storage and disclosure only with consent or legal obligation respects privacy and professional trust.

Question 5Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Why must a beauty therapist perform a patch test before applying a tint or oxidative hair colour product to a new client?

  1. To detect a possible allergic reaction before a larger area is exposed Correct answer.
  2. To measure how long the colour will last on the skin
  3. To confirm the product's shelf life has not expired
  4. To check whether the product will match the client's skin tone

Explanation

Patch testing exposes a small area of skin to the product so that a sensitised or allergic client reacts before full application. This reduces the risk of a severe reaction during the actual treatment.

Question 6Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Which behaviour best reflects the professional boundary a beauty therapist should maintain with clients?

  1. Accepting expensive personal gifts to build loyalty
  2. Keeping the relationship focused on treatment while remaining courteous and respectful Correct answer.
  3. Meeting clients socially during working hours for personal conversation
  4. Sharing details of the therapist's own medical history during treatments

Explanation

Professional boundaries keep the relationship centred on the client's treatment needs and protect both parties. Courtesy and respect are maintained without personal entanglement that could compromise judgement or trust.

Question 7Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A client arrives for a waxing appointment with an inflamed, broken rash on the treatment area. What is the most appropriate professional response?

  1. Treat the area quickly before the rash spreads further
  2. Apply a thicker layer of wax to protect the skin
  3. Decline the treatment on the affected area and advise the client to seek medical advice Correct answer.
  4. Proceed carefully, avoiding only the largest spots

Explanation

Waxing over inflamed or broken skin risks infection, tearing and worsening of the condition. A therapist must recognise contraindications and refer the client for medical assessment rather than proceed.

Question 8Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

After treating a client, a therapist places metal extractor tools in a covered container of disinfectant. Which additional step is required for tools that have contacted blood?

  1. Wipe them with a dry tissue and reuse on the next client
  2. Rinse them in water and return them to the drawer
  3. Clean them first, then disinfect and sterilise according to the salon's policy Correct answer.
  4. Spray them with air freshener before storage

Explanation

Organic matter such as blood can shield microorganisms from disinfectants, so cleaning must precede disinfection and sterilisation. Tools contaminated with blood require the highest level of reprocessing the salon policy specifies.

Question 9Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A therapist is about to use an electrical facial steamer when she notices the plug's insulation is frayed. What should she do?

  1. Use the steamer only for a shorter period to reduce risk
  2. Wrap the frayed section in tape and continue the treatment
  3. Ask the client to hold the plug steady during the treatment
  4. Take the equipment out of service and report it for repair before use Correct answer.

Explanation

Frayed insulation is an electrical hazard that can cause shock or fire, especially near water and steam. Removing the equipment from service and reporting it prevents injury and meets the salon's safety duty.

Question 10Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Which step correctly follows the removal of a used wax strip during a leg waxing service?

  1. Discard it immediately into a closed waste bin without re-dipping into the wax pot Correct answer.
  2. Shake it over the floor to remove loose hair
  3. Place it back into the wax pot to reuse the remaining wax
  4. Lay it on the trolley for use on the other leg

Explanation

Used strips carry skin cells, hair and possibly blood, so they must be discarded at once. Re-dipping or reusing strips contaminates the wax pot and risks cross-infection between clients.

Question 11Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A therapist develops a heavy cold with a persistent cough on a working day. What is the most ethical course of action?

  1. Work as normal but cough into the treatment towel
  2. Continue treating clients while wearing no mask and saying nothing
  3. Inform the salon and avoid close client contact until fit to work Correct answer.
  4. Ask clients to bring their own masks while the therapist works unmasked

Explanation

The therapist has a duty not to expose clients to infectious illness during close-contact treatments. Informing the salon and avoiding client contact protects vulnerable clients and colleagues.

Question 12Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A client asks a therapist to recommend a specific skincare brand that the therapist personally sells outside the salon. What is the most ethical approach?

  1. Recommend the most expensive product regardless of skin type
  2. Recommend the therapist's own brand without mentioning the personal interest
  3. Refuse to discuss any products at all with the client
  4. Disclose any personal interest and recommend products based on the client's assessed needs Correct answer.

Explanation

Ethical retailing requires transparency about any financial interest and recommendations grounded in the client's assessed needs. Disclosure lets the client judge advice fairly.

Question 13Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

When should a beauty therapist replace a disposable razor or blade used for dermaplaning?

  1. Only when the blade becomes visibly blunt or rusty
  2. After each client, discarding it as single-use waste Correct answer.
  3. When the next client requests a fresh blade
  4. After every ten clients, regardless of visible wear

Explanation

Single-use blades cannot be reliably decontaminated and can carry blood-borne pathogens between clients. Disposing of them after each client is the accepted infection-control standard.

Question 14Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A therapist is unsure whether a particular electrical facial device is safe for a client with a pacemaker. What is the best professional action?

  1. Ask the client to sign a waiver and then proceed
  2. Use the device at the lowest setting to reduce any risk
  3. Withhold the treatment and advise the client to check with their doctor Correct answer.
  4. Proceed because the device is approved for salon use generally

Explanation

Electrical devices may interfere with implanted medical devices, and the therapist lacks the clinical knowledge to judge that risk. Withholding treatment and referring to the client's doctor is the safe and ethical choice.

Question 15Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

Which practice best prevents cross-contamination of implements kept on a beauty trolley during a busy day?

  1. Separating clean and used implements into clearly marked containers Correct answer.
  2. Keeping all implements in one tray and choosing by feel
  3. Wiping implements on the therapist's uniform between clients
  4. Placing used implements beside clean ones on the same cloth

Explanation

Clear separation of clean and contaminated implements prevents accidental use of a dirty tool. Marked containers make the status of each implement obvious even when the therapist is rushed.

Question 16Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A client discloses during a facial that she is pregnant and asks whether a particular essential oil blend is safe. How should the therapist respond?

  1. Acknowledge the limitation of her role and advise the client to consult her doctor before use Correct answer.
  2. Apply the blend as planned and observe for a reaction
  3. Guarantee the blend is safe because it is a natural product
  4. Recommend a stronger blend to ensure the treatment works

Explanation

A beauty therapist is not qualified to give medical advice during pregnancy, and some essential oils are best avoided. Recognising the limits of one's competence and referring to the doctor is the ethical response.

Question 17Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A regular client asks the therapist to perform a chemical peel that is beyond the therapist's certified training. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Perform the peel because the client has been loyal for years
  2. Explain the limit of her qualification and offer a treatment she is trained to provide Correct answer.
  3. Perform a stronger peel than requested to save a return visit
  4. Ask an untrained colleague to watch while she performs the peel

Explanation

Working outside one's certified competence endangers the client and breaches professional standards. Declining the out-of-scope service and offering a qualified alternative maintains trust and safety.

Question 18Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A client develops redness and mild swelling minutes after a patch test application. What is the correct interpretation and action?

  1. Ignore it because patch tests often cause temporary marks
  2. Treat it as a possible allergic reaction, do not proceed, and record and refer the client Correct answer.
  3. Treat it as a normal sign and continue with the full application
  4. Apply a second patch test to confirm the first result

Explanation

Redness and swelling at a patch test site suggest sensitisation or allergy, so the product must not be applied more widely. The reaction should be documented and the client advised to seek medical advice.

Question 19Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A therapist suspects a colleague is reusing single-use needles and not recording sterilisation cycles. What is the most professionally responsible action?

  1. Confront the colleague in front of clients to force an admission
  2. Say nothing because it is not her own treatment room
  3. Warn clients privately to avoid that colleague
  4. Report the concern through the salon's safety or management channel so it can be investigated Correct answer.

Explanation

Unsafe practice that could transmit blood-borne infection must be raised through the proper reporting channel. This allows investigation and correction while protecting clients and maintaining accountability.

Question 20Professional Ethics, Hygiene and Salon Safety

A client with a known allergy to a specific preservative asks for a treatment using a product that lists that preservative. What is the correct decision?

  1. Use the product but dilute it with water first
  2. Use the product and monitor the client for the first five minutes
  3. Use the product because the concentration is likely to be low
  4. Do not use the product and select a verified alternative that avoids the allergen Correct answer.

Explanation

A documented allergy is an absolute contraindication to the allergen, and dilution does not make a sensitised client safe. Checking ingredients and choosing a verified alternative is the only defensible action.

Question 21Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which layer of the skin contains the sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands?

  1. Stratum corneum
  2. Dermis Correct answer.
  3. Hypodermis
  4. Epidermis

Explanation

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and houses the sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, blood vessels and nerve endings. The epidermis has no glands or follicles, and the hypodermis is mainly fat and connective tissue below the dermis.

Question 22Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The protein that gives the epidermis its protective, water-resistant quality is:

  1. Collagen
  2. Elastin
  3. Keratin Correct answer.
  4. Melanin

Explanation

Keratin is a tough fibrous protein produced by keratinocytes as they move toward the skin surface, giving the epidermis its barrier and water-resistant properties. Collagen and elastin provide strength and elasticity mainly in the dermis, while melanin provides pigment.

Question 23Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

A client has a burn that has destroyed the entire epidermis and part of the dermis, with blistering and severe pain. This is best classified as:

  1. First-degree burn
  2. Third-degree burn
  3. Fourth-degree burn
  4. Second-degree burn Correct answer.

Explanation

A second-degree (partial-thickness) burn damages the epidermis and part of the dermis, producing blisters and intense pain because nerve endings remain intact. First-degree burns involve only the epidermis, while third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the dermis and are often painless.

Question 24Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The nail plate is produced by which structure?

  1. Nail matrix Correct answer.
  2. Hyponychium
  3. Eponychium
  4. Nail bed

Explanation

The nail matrix is the actively dividing tissue at the base of the nail that produces the nail plate, so damage here can permanently deform the nail. The nail bed supports the plate, while the hyponychium and eponychium are the seals at the free edge and cuticle area respectively.

Question 25Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which pigment is produced by melanocytes and transferred to surrounding keratinocytes?

  1. Melanin Correct answer.
  2. Haemoglobin
  3. Sebum
  4. Carotene

Explanation

Melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis synthesise melanin and transfer it via melanosomes to neighbouring keratinocytes, giving skin and hair their colour and shielding DNA from UV damage. Carotene and haemoglobin contribute to skin tone but are not produced by melanocytes.

Question 26Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The phase of the hair growth cycle in which the hair is actively growing is called:

  1. Kenogen
  2. Catagen
  3. Anagen Correct answer.
  4. Telogen

Explanation

Anagen is the active growth phase during which cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly and the hair shaft lengthens. Catagen is a short transitional phase and telogen is the resting phase before shedding.

Question 27Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

A Beauty Therapist notices a client's skin feels tight and shows fine flaking on the cheeks after cleansing. Which skin condition is most consistent with this presentation?

  1. Rosacea
  2. Oily skin
  3. Acne vulgaris
  4. Dry skin (xerosis) Correct answer.

Explanation

Tightness after cleansing with fine flaking is typical of dry skin, which has reduced sebum and a compromised moisture barrier. Oily skin shows shine and enlarged pores, acne shows comedones and inflamed lesions, and rosacea shows persistent redness and flushing.

Question 28Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which structure in the dermis provides the skin with its ability to stretch and return to shape?

  1. Elastin fibres Correct answer.
  2. Melanocytes
  3. Adipocytes
  4. Keratinocytes

Explanation

Elastin fibres in the dermal connective tissue allow the skin to stretch and recoil, which keeps it firm and resilient. Keratinocytes are epidermal cells, adipocytes are fat cells, and melanocytes produce pigment.

Question 29Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The stratum corneum functions mainly to:

  1. Provide a protective, water-resistant barrier Correct answer.
  2. Detect temperature and pressure
  3. Supply blood to the epidermis
  4. Produce new skin cells

Explanation

The stratum corneum consists of flattened, keratin-rich dead cells that form the skin's main protective barrier and limit water loss. Cell division occurs in the basal layer, blood vessels do not enter the epidermis, and sensory receptors lie deeper in the skin.

Question 30Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

A client's nails show deep horizontal grooves across the nail plate following a severe illness three months earlier. This finding is best described as:

  1. Leukonychia
  2. Koilonychia
  3. Beau's lines Correct answer.
  4. Clubbing

Explanation

Beau's lines are transverse grooves that form when nail matrix growth is temporarily interrupted by illness, injury or stress, appearing weeks later as the nail grows out. Leukonychia is white spotting, koilonychia is spooning, and clubbing is enlargement of the fingertip.

Question 31Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which gland secretes sebum onto the skin surface?

  1. Apocrine sweat gland
  2. Ceruminous gland
  3. Sebaceous gland Correct answer.
  4. Eccrine sweat gland

Explanation

Sebaceous glands are usually attached to hair follicles and secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. Eccrine and apocrine glands produce sweat, and ceruminous glands produce earwax.

Question 32Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The layer of the hair shaft that contains the pigment granules responsible for hair colour is the:

  1. Cortex Correct answer.
  2. Cuticle
  3. Inner root sheath
  4. Medulla

Explanation

The cortex is the thickest layer of the hair shaft and contains the melanin granules that determine hair colour and give the hair strength. The cuticle is the outer protective layer, and the medulla is the central core.

Question 33Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

A client with darker skin is concerned about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after waxing. Which mechanism best explains this change?

  1. Increased melanin production by melanocytes following inflammation Correct answer.
  2. Loss of melanocytes in the affected area
  3. Thickening of the stratum corneum only
  4. Reduced blood flow to the dermis

Explanation

Inflammation or trauma such as aggressive waxing can stimulate melanocytes to produce extra melanin, leaving darker patches known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is not caused by melanocyte loss, simple thickening of the stratum corneum, or reduced blood flow.

Question 34Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which statement correctly describes the blood supply of the epidermis?

  1. It is supplied only by arteries in the hypodermis
  2. It contains a dense capillary network within the stratum corneum
  3. It contains lymph vessels but no nutrients
  4. It is avascular and receives nutrients by diffusion from dermal vessels Correct answer.

Explanation

The epidermis has no blood vessels of its own; oxygen and nutrients diffuse from capillaries in the underlying dermis. This avascularity is why superficial epidermal injuries do not bleed and why the epidermis depends on dermal health.

Question 35Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The lunula visible at the base of a nail is:

  1. Part of the hyponychium
  2. The visible portion of the nail matrix Correct answer.
  3. A sign of fungal infection
  4. The free edge of the nail plate

Explanation

The lunula is the pale half-moon area at the proximal nail, representing the visible portion of the nail matrix where the plate is formed. It is a normal structure, not a sign of infection, and is unrelated to the free edge or hyponychium.

Question 36Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which sensory receptors in the skin are primarily responsible for detecting fine touch and pressure?

  1. Pacinian corpuscles
  2. Meissner's corpuscles Correct answer.
  3. Thermoreceptors
  4. Nociceptors

Explanation

Meissner's corpuscles are located in the dermal papillae and detect fine, light touch, while Pacinian corpuscles detect deep pressure and vibration. Nociceptors detect pain and thermoreceptors detect temperature.

Question 37Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

During a facial treatment, a client reports stinging when a strong exfoliant is applied. Which skin barrier component is most directly compromised when stinging occurs?

  1. Nail matrix
  2. Dermal elastin fibres
  3. Lipid barrier of the stratum corneum Correct answer.
  4. Hair medulla

Explanation

The lipid matrix between corneocytes in the stratum corneum forms the main permeability barrier; when it is disrupted, irritants penetrate more easily and cause stinging. Elastin, the nail matrix and the hair medulla are unrelated to this surface barrier response.

Question 38Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) is composed mainly of:

  1. Cartilage and bone
  2. Adipose tissue and loose connective tissue Correct answer.
  3. Keratinised cells and melanin
  4. Dense collagen bundles only

Explanation

The hypodermis is made mainly of adipose tissue and loose connective tissue, providing insulation, cushioning and energy storage while anchoring the skin to underlying structures. It does not contain keratinised cells, cartilage or only dense collagen.

Question 39Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

A client's hair has a very tight curl pattern and breaks easily when combed dry. Which property of the hair shaft best explains this fragility?

  1. The cuticle scales are flat and tightly closed
  2. The cortex has a reduced number of disulphide bonds
  3. The medulla is unusually wide
  4. The hair has an oval or flattened cross-section with uneven stress points Correct answer.

Explanation

Curly hair tends to have an oval or flattened cross-section, which creates uneven stress points along the shaft and makes it more prone to breakage, especially when combed dry. Flat cuticle scales and a wide medulla do not explain fragility, and fewer disulphide bonds would reduce curl rather than cause breakage.

Question 40Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails

Which part of the hair follicle supplies nutrients to the growing hair?

  1. Arrector pili muscle
  2. Dermal papilla Correct answer.
  3. Shaft cuticle
  4. Sebaceous gland

Explanation

The dermal papilla at the base of the follicle contains blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the actively dividing matrix cells. The cuticle is protective, the arrector pili muscle causes goosebumps, and the sebaceous gland secretes oil.

Question 41Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

In a professional facial treatment, which product is applied first to cleanse the skin before any exfoliation step?

  1. A cleansing milk or gel suited to the client's skin type Correct answer.
  2. A clay mask
  3. A granular scrub with coarse particles
  4. A toner with a high alcohol content

Explanation

Cleansing precedes every other step because it removes sebum, dirt and makeup that would otherwise block penetration of later products. A mild cleanser matched to skin type prepares the skin without stripping it. Exfoliants, masks and toners are applied only after the skin surface has been cleaned.

Question 42Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

A client reports stinging and redness whenever she uses products containing fragrance. Which ingredient listing should the beauty therapist advise her to avoid?

  1. Zinc oxide
  2. Parfum or fragrance Correct answer.
  3. Glycerin
  4. Sodium hyaluronate

Explanation

Fragrance mixtures are among the most common causes of contact sensitisation in cosmetics and are declared on labels as parfum or fragrance. A client with a history of stinging and redness from scented products should choose fragrance-free formulations. The other listed ingredients are humectants or a mineral filter and are not fragrance components.

Question 43Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

Which statement correctly describes the purpose of a patch test before a tinting or colouring service?

  1. It measures how long the product will last on the skin
  2. It predicts the final colour result on the hair or lashes
  3. It checks for allergic sensitisation to the dye or developer before full application Correct answer.
  4. It confirms the pH of the product

Explanation

A patch test is a small-area exposure carried out in advance to detect an allergic reaction to the colouring product. It does not predict colour outcome, longevity or pH. A positive reaction means the service must not proceed and the client should be referred for medical advice.

Question 44Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

A beauty therapist is choosing a massage medium for a client with oily, acne-prone facial skin. Which medium is most appropriate?

  1. A light, water-based gel or oil-free lotion Correct answer.
  2. A rich shea butter cream
  3. A coconut oil blend
  4. A heavy mineral oil

Explanation

Oily and acne-prone skin benefits from a light, non-comedogenic medium that allows slip without adding occlusive lipids. Water-based gels and oil-free lotions provide glide and are easily removed. Heavy oils and rich butters can congest follicles and worsen breakouts.

Question 45Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

Which of the following is the correct definition of a contraindication in beauty therapy?

  1. An ingredient that boosts product shelf life
  2. A record of the products a client has purchased
  3. A technique used to increase product absorption
  4. A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable Correct answer.

Explanation

A contraindication is any condition, medication or circumstance that means a treatment should not be carried out, or should be modified, because of risk to the client. Recognising contraindications protects both client safety and the therapist's professional standing. It is distinct from a precaution, which requires modification rather than avoidance.

Question 46Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

Which product group is designed to remove dead surface cells by chemical rather than mechanical action?

  1. Facial toners
  2. Cleansing milks
  3. Clay masks
  4. AHA and BHA exfoliants Correct answer.

Explanation

Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids loosen the bonds between dead corneocytes, producing chemical exfoliation without abrasion. Mechanical exfoliation relies on scrubs, brushes or granules. Masks, milks and toners serve other functions such as absorption, cleansing and pH rebalancing.

Question 47Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

A client taking isotretinoin (a systemic retinoid) requests a facial with steam and exfoliation. What is the correct professional response?

  1. Proceed with steam but omit exfoliation
  2. Proceed with a gentle scrub only
  3. Decline the treatment and advise the client to consult the prescriber Correct answer.
  4. Carry out the full treatment but use a milder mask

Explanation

Systemic retinoids markedly thin the epidermis and reduce sebum, leaving skin fragile and prone to irritation and delayed healing. Steam, exfoliation and massage can cause significant damage in this state. The treatment should be deferred and the client referred to the prescribing doctor.

Question 48Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

Why is sodium hydroxide avoided in leave-on facial products?

  1. It is a strong fragrance allergen
  2. It is a comedogenic lipid
  3. It is a photosensitising UV filter
  4. It is strongly alkaline and can damage the skin barrier Correct answer.

Explanation

Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali that, at high concentration or in leave-on form, disrupts the acid mantle and can cause chemical irritation or burns. It is used in small buffered amounts in some cleansers and in hair relaxers, where pH is carefully controlled. It is neither a fragrance, a UV filter nor a lipid.

Question 49Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

Which ingredient in a cleanser is primarily responsible for lifting oil and dirt so that water can rinse them away?

  1. A surfactant Correct answer.
  2. A preservative
  3. An emollient
  4. A humectant

Explanation

Surfactants have a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, allowing them to surround oil and suspend it in water for rinsing. Humectants attract water, emollients soften and smooth, and preservatives prevent microbial growth. The cleansing action of any face wash depends on its surfactant system.

Question 50Cosmetology Products, Ingredients and Contraindications

A client with a known allergy to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) asks about having her eyebrows tinted. Which statement is correct?

  1. PPD-free products should be used, and a patch test is still required Correct answer.
  2. Any tint may be used because eyebrow skin is thicker
  3. The tint may be used if the client has had it before without reaction
  4. A patch test can be skipped if the tint is mixed with developer

Explanation

PPD is a potent sensitiser found in many oxidative tints, and a client with a confirmed allergy must not be exposed to it again. A PPD-free tint is the appropriate choice, and a patch test remains mandatory because other ingredients can also sensitise. Previous tolerance does not remove the need for testing.