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MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty study materials
MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty study resources

MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty practice questions

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Question 1Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A metal comb has been used on a client and is visibly soiled. What must be done before the comb is placed in disinfectant?

  1. Wipe it with a dry paper towel only
  2. Wash it with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly Correct answer.
  3. Spray it with air freshener and wipe it
  4. Place it directly into disinfectant without cleaning

Explanation

Visible soil, sebum and hair must be removed before disinfection because dirt can stop the disinfectant from reaching the surface. The comb should be washed with warm soapy water, rinsed and dried thoroughly before immersion in the approved disinfectant.

Question 2Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

At which point is a stylist required to wash their hands with soap and water?

  1. Only at the start of the working day
  2. Whenever the hands look clean
  3. Only after using the toilet
  4. After removing gloves and before the next client Correct answer.

Explanation

Hands must be washed after glove removal and before contact with the next client, because gloves can fail or be removed incorrectly and hands may become contaminated. Hand hygiene is also required after toilet use, before eating and whenever hands are visibly soiled, so it is not limited to one moment in the day.

Question 3Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

Which item should a stylist wear when mixing a strong bleaching powder with hydrogen peroxide?

  1. A surgical face mask
  2. A disposable apron
  3. Safety goggles that fit closely around the eyes Correct answer.
  4. Nitrile gloves

Explanation

Bleach powder and peroxide can splash or release dust that irritates the eyes, so close-fitting safety goggles are the appropriate eye protection. A mask, apron and gloves protect other areas but do not shield the eyes from splashes or airborne particles.

Question 4Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A new client books a hair tint. When should the patch test be carried out?

  1. One week after the previous tint
  2. On the same day, ten minutes before the tint
  3. At least 48 hours before the tint is applied Correct answer.
  4. Twelve hours before the tint

Explanation

A patch test must be done at least 48 hours before a colour service so that a delayed allergic reaction has time to appear. Testing ten minutes or twelve hours beforehand does not allow this reaction to develop and does not give a safe result.

Question 5Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A client arrives with an inflamed, broken and weeping scalp and asks for a colour service. What is the correct action?

  1. Carry out a patch test and then proceed immediately
  2. Do not carry out the service and advise the client to seek medical advice Correct answer.
  3. Apply a milder tint to reduce the risk
  4. Apply a barrier cream and proceed with the colour

Explanation

Broken, weeping or inflamed skin is a contraindication to chemical services because products can enter the skin, cause pain and worsen the condition. The stylist should decline the service and refer the client for medical advice rather than attempt to adapt the treatment.

Question 6Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

Which safety device is designed to cut off power quickly if an electrical fault occurs in a wet salon area?

  1. A fuse in the plug
  2. A residual current device (RCD) Correct answer.
  3. A circuit breaker used only for lighting
  4. An extension lead with a surge protector

Explanation

A residual current device detects small differences in current flowing to and from an appliance and trips quickly to reduce the risk of electric shock. This protection is especially important near water, where a fault can become dangerous very fast.

Question 7Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

How should a bottle of hydrogen peroxide developer be stored in the salon?

  1. Decanted into an unlabelled spray bottle
  2. In a clear bottle on a sunny windowsill
  3. Next to heat styling tools for easy access
  4. Upright in its original labelled container, in a cool cupboard away from sunlight Correct answer.

Explanation

Hydrogen peroxide can decompose and become dangerous if it is exposed to heat, light or contamination. It should stay in its original labelled container, upright, in a cool place away from sunlight and out of reach of clients and children.

Question 8Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A used razor blade has been removed from a shaper. Where should it be placed?

  1. In the general waste bin wrapped in tissue
  2. In a rigid, leak-proof sharps container Correct answer.
  3. In the recycling bin with metal items
  4. In a plastic bag in the staff room

Explanation

Used blades are sharps and can cut anyone handling the waste, so they must go straight into a rigid, leak-proof sharps container. General waste, recycling and loose bags do not protect cleaners from injury or blood exposure.

Question 9Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A small amount of blood is spilled on the salon floor. Which sequence follows correct infection-control practice?

  1. Put on gloves, cover the spill with disposable paper towels, clean with detergent, disinfect with a chlorine-releasing product, then bag the waste as clinical waste Correct answer.
  2. Rinse with hot water, then mop with the same mop used for the client area
  3. Wipe with a dry mop, spray perfume over the area, then return the mop to the cupboard
  4. Pour disinfectant directly onto the blood, leave for one minute, then sweep it into general waste

Explanation

Blood spills require personal protection, removal of the spill with disposable absorbent material, cleaning with detergent and then disinfection with a product effective against blood-borne viruses. The contaminated materials must be bagged and disposed of as clinical waste, and hands washed afterwards.

Question 10Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

Metal nail nippers have been used on a client and have drawn blood. Which reprocessing step is required before they are used again?

  1. Soak in a surface disinfectant only
  2. Wipe with alcohol-free hand gel
  3. Rinse under cold water and reuse
  4. Clean, then sterilise in an autoclave Correct answer.

Explanation

When an implement has contacted blood, cleaning alone or disinfection alone is not enough because some blood-borne pathogens survive. The nippers must first be cleaned and dried, then sterilised by an appropriate method such as autoclaving before reuse.

Question 11Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist has just mopped the salon floor and a client is walking towards reception. What is the most appropriate immediate control?

  1. Mop only at the end of the day when the salon closes.
  2. Lay a dry towel over the wet patch and continue.
  3. Place a wet-floor sign and redirect clients until dry. Correct answer.
  4. Ask the client to walk quickly across the wet area.

Explanation

Wet floors create an immediate slip hazard, especially in a busy salon where clients may wear smooth-soled shoes. A warning sign and redirection protect people while the floor dries. Mopping should be planned so that a section is closed off rather than leaving a wet route open.

Question 12Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

Why should food and drink be kept out of the colour-mixing area?

  1. To prevent chemicals contaminating food and being swallowed. Correct answer.
  2. Because the salon insurance requires a tidy desk.
  3. Because clients may ask staff for a share of it.
  4. To keep the colour chart and price list clean.

Explanation

Food and drink can become contaminated by airborne colour particles, dust or splashes from chemicals. Keeping them out of the mixing area also prevents accidental swallowing of a product while eating. This is a basic chemical-safety and welfare control in the salon.

Question 13Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A hairdryer plug feels hot and the cable is frayed. What should the stylist do?

  1. Continue using it but keep hands away from the plug.
  2. Withdraw it from use and report the fault. Correct answer.
  3. Ask a colleague to test it on a client before use.
  4. Wrap insulating tape around the frayed section and continue.

Explanation

A frayed cable and a plug that feels hot indicate damage and possible overheating. The equipment must be disconnected and taken out of service until a competent person repairs or replaces it. Continuing to use it risks electric shock or fire.

Question 14Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist is preparing a disinfectant solution for combs. Which action ensures the solution is effective?

  1. Use hot water from the kettle to make it work faster.
  2. Reuse the solution until it looks cloudy or smells stale.
  3. Add extra concentrate to make the solution stronger.
  4. Dilute as labelled and soak for the stated time. Correct answer.

Explanation

Disinfectants work only at the dilution and contact time specified by the manufacturer. Using extra concentrate, hot water or a stale solution can reduce effectiveness or damage tools. The label instructions must be followed and the solution changed when required.

Question 15Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A towel has been used on a client with an undiagnosed skin rash. How should it be handled before laundering?

  1. Shake it out over the floor and place it with clean towels.
  2. Soak it in cold water overnight before washing it.
  3. Send it home with the client to be washed there.
  4. Bag it at once and launder it on a hot cycle. Correct answer.

Explanation

Laundry used on a client with a skin rash should be treated as potentially contaminated. Bagging it where it is used stops contamination spreading to clean towels, surfaces or staff clothing. A hot wash cycle with detergent then reduces the microbial load.

Question 16Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A nail technician is applying a liquid-and-powder acrylic system in a small room. Which control best reduces inhalation exposure to monomer vapour?

  1. Spray air freshener to disguise the vapour smell.
  2. Use a local exhaust extractor at the workstation. Correct answer.
  3. Wear a surgical mask over the nose and mouth.
  4. Open a window slightly and rely on general room air.

Explanation

Monomer vapour from acrylic systems is a respiratory irritant, and general room ventilation may not remove it near the technician's breathing zone. Local exhaust extraction at the workstation captures vapour at source. A surgical mask does not provide reliable protection against vapours.

Question 17Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist must move a heavy box of shampoo stock from the storeroom to the salon. What is the safest approach?

  1. Use a trolley or ask a colleague for a team lift. Correct answer.
  2. Carry it in one trip to save time.
  3. Lift it with straight arms and twist at the waist.
  4. Drag it across the floor by the top flap.

Explanation

Heavy stock should be moved with a trolley or with help, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting. This reduces the risk of back and shoulder injury. Carrying it in one trip or dragging it increases the chance of strain or a fall.

Question 18Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist has a small cut on their hand. What should they do before shampooing a client?

  1. Cover it with a waterproof dressing and wear gloves. Correct answer.
  2. Rinse it with a bleach solution before starting.
  3. Wrap it in a cloth and remove gloves during the service.
  4. Leave it uncovered so that it can dry in the air.

Explanation

A cut is a break in the skin that can let microorganisms enter or exit. It must be covered with a waterproof dressing and gloves worn for the service. This protects both the client and the stylist during wet work.

Question 19Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A salon wants to reduce exposure to a volatile colour chemical. According to the hierarchy of control, which measure is most effective?

  1. Eliminate the task or substitute the product. Correct answer.
  2. Display a warning poster near the mixing area.
  3. Rely on general ventilation from an open door.
  4. Provide gloves and ask staff to work quickly.

Explanation

The hierarchy of control places elimination and substitution above engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. Removing the hazardous task or using a safer product reduces risk at source. Gloves, posters and ventilation are lower-level controls because they rely on correct use.

Question 20Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A salon stores cleaned metal tools in a UV cabinet. What is the main limitation of this cabinet?

  1. They corrode metal tools within minutes.
  2. They make implements too hot to handle safely.
  3. They cannot reliably sterilise or penetrate soil. Correct answer.
  4. They require single-use disposable implements only.

Explanation

UV cabinets are marketed for storage, but they do not reliably sterilise instruments and cannot penetrate blood, product residue or soil. Instruments must be thoroughly cleaned first and sterilised by a validated method such as an autoclave when sterility is required. UV storage is not a substitute for reprocessing.

Question 21Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist needs to check the safe handling, storage and first-aid advice for a new professional colour product. Which document should be consulted?

  1. The product's safety data sheet Correct answer.
  2. The client's completed record card
  3. The manufacturer's promotional leaflet
  4. The salon appointment diary

Explanation

A safety data sheet is supplied by the manufacturer and sets out the hazards, safe handling, storage, exposure controls and first-aid measures for a chemical product. A client record card or appointment diary contains service details, not chemical safety information. Promotional leaflets are marketing material and may leave out essential safety instructions.

Question 22Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A stylist finds an unlabelled spray bottle containing a clear liquid in the colour-mixing area. What is the safest action?

  1. Discard it and replace it with a labelled bottle Correct answer.
  2. Test a small amount on the client's skin first
  3. Smell the liquid carefully to work out which product it is
  4. Write the most likely product name on the bottle with a marker

Explanation

Any chemical container in the salon must be clearly labelled so that staff know exactly what it contains and how to use it safely. An unlabelled liquid cannot be identified reliably, so it must not be used or guessed at. It should be discarded according to salon policy and any replacement must carry the correct label.

Question 23Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A small fire breaks out in a waste bin containing paper tissues and dry hair clippings at a styling station. What should the stylist do first?

  1. Raise the alarm and follow the salon's fire procedure Correct answer.
  2. Carry the burning bin out through the back door
  3. Spray the flames with hairspray to smother them quickly
  4. Pour a full bucket of water over the flames

Explanation

The first priority is to raise the alarm so that everyone in the salon can follow the emergency plan and leave safely. Staff should only attempt to tackle a small fire if it is safe and they have been trained to use the correct equipment. Hairspray is flammable and must never be sprayed onto flames.

Question 24Health, safety and hygiene in the salon

A bottle of disinfectant concentrate states that the diluted solution must be used within 24 hours. A jug was mixed three days ago and has been kept covered. What is the correct action?

  1. Discard it and prepare a fresh solution Correct answer.
  2. Top it up with fresh concentrate before use
  3. Use it because the container has been kept covered
  4. Use it only on metal tools and not on plastic

Explanation

Diluted disinfectants lose strength over time, so a solution used beyond the manufacturer's stated use-by period may not kill microorganisms effectively. Keeping the jug covered does not restore the active ingredient once it has deteriorated. The old solution should be discarded and a fresh batch prepared and labelled with its dilution time.

Question 25Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Why should a hairdresser or beauty therapist complete a client record card during the consultation?

  1. To provide the client with a payment receipt.
  2. To advertise extra salon services to the client.
  3. To keep a record of treatments and sensitivities. Correct answer.
  4. To replace the need to question the client.

Explanation

A client record card is a working document that holds treatment history, products used, patch test results and any known sensitivities. It allows the therapist to plan safe future services and to check for changes at each visit. It is not a receipt, an advertisement or a substitute for asking questions.

Question 26Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

During a consultation for a new hairstyle, which question is open and encourages the client to describe their needs?

  1. Do you like your current style?
  2. Would you like a trim today?
  3. Have you had a colour service before?
  4. What would you change about your current style? Correct answer.

Explanation

Open questions begin with words such as what, how or why and invite the client to explain in their own words. Asking what the client would change encourages description and helps the therapist understand the client's preferences. The other questions can be answered with yes or no and give limited information.

Question 27Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Before a hair colouring service, a patch test should normally be carried out how long before the appointment?

  1. At least 48 hours before Correct answer.
  2. At least 1 hour before
  3. At least 24 hours before
  4. At least 7 days before

Explanation

Manufacturers' instructions for oxidative hair colour usually require a patch test 48 hours before the service. This gives time for a delayed allergic reaction to become visible before the full application. A shorter interval may not reveal sensitisation.

Question 28Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client arrives for a facial and has an active cold sore on the face. What is the correct action for the beauty therapist?

  1. Apply a barrier cream and continue with the full facial.
  2. Postpone the facial until the cold sore has healed. Correct answer.
  3. Carry out the facial but avoid the area around the cold sore.
  4. Use extra antiseptic products during the massage.

Explanation

An active cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus and is a contra-indication to facial treatments because the virus can be spread by contact and the area may be painful. The service should be postponed until the lesion has completely healed. Working around the area does not remove the risk of cross-infection.

Question 29Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Why might a therapist use a closed question during a client consultation?

  1. To build rapport by inviting an open discussion.
  2. To confirm a specific detail, such as a previous colour brand. Correct answer.
  3. To encourage the client to talk at length about their feelings.
  4. To help the client identify their own treatment goals.

Explanation

Closed questions are answered with a single word or short phrase and are useful for confirming facts, such as a previous colour brand, allergy status or appointment time. They do not encourage the client to expand or explore feelings; open questions are used for that purpose.

Question 30Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Which aftercare advice is most suitable after a semi-permanent hair colour service?

  1. Shampoo daily with a strong clarifying shampoo.
  2. Wait about 48 hours, then use a sulphate-free shampoo. Correct answer.
  3. Go swimming in a chlorinated pool the same day.
  4. Apply a hot oil treatment immediately after the service.

Explanation

Semi-permanent colour gradually fades, and washing too soon or with harsh detergents removes pigment faster. Advise waiting about 48 hours and using a gentle sulphate-free shampoo, and avoid heat and chlorine initially. Clarifying shampoo, chlorinated pools and hot oil immediately after can accelerate fading or irritate the scalp.

Question 31Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client's friend asks which colour formula was used on the client's hair. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Politely explain that client records are confidential. Correct answer.
  2. Give the friend the formula because it is not sensitive information.
  3. Show the friend the client's record card without asking.
  4. Describe the colour in general terms and give the exact formula.

Explanation

Client records are confidential and information about formulations, skin conditions or treatments should not be shared with a third party without the client's consent. The therapist can politely decline and, if appropriate, offer to ask the client whether they wish to share the information themselves.

Question 32Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

During a scalp massage a client suddenly becomes pale and dizzy. In consultation terminology, this reaction is best described as a:

  1. primary irritation
  2. sensitivity test
  3. contra-indication
  4. contra-action Correct answer.

Explanation

A contra-action is an unwanted reaction that occurs during or after a treatment, such as dizziness, nausea or fainting. A contra-indication is a condition or circumstance that means a treatment should not be carried out. The sudden onset during the massage points to a contra-action rather than a pre-existing restriction.

Question 33Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client shows you patches of sudden hair loss on the scalp. What is the most appropriate action for the hairdresser?

  1. Refer the client to their GP and note the advice. Correct answer.
  2. Diagnose the condition and recommend a scalp treatment.
  3. Ignore the patches because hair loss is not a hairdressing concern.
  4. Apply a strong medicated shampoo to the patches.

Explanation

Sudden patchy hair loss may have medical causes and is outside the scope of hairdressing. The safe course is to refer the client to their GP or a specialist and to record that advice; the hairdresser should not diagnose or apply medicated products. Recording the referral protects both client and therapist.

Question 34Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Which aftercare instruction should a therapist give after a leg wax?

  1. Exfoliate the legs vigorously the same evening.
  2. Shave the area within 12 hours to remove remaining hairs.
  3. Avoid heat, sunbeds and tight clothing for 24 to 48 hours. Correct answer.
  4. Apply a perfumed body lotion to the waxed area.

Explanation

After waxing the skin is sensitised and the follicles are open, so heat, sunbeds, tight clothing and perfumed products can cause irritation or infection. Advise avoiding these for 24 to 48 hours and keep the area clean and cool. Exfoliation should be delayed, and shaving should be avoided for a short period.

Question 35Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

During a hair consultation a client looks confused when you mention 'hair porosity'. What is the most appropriate way to continue?

  1. Hand over a technical leaflet and continue without discussion.
  2. Explain 'porosity' in plain everyday words. Correct answer.
  3. Leave out the topic and begin the service.
  4. Repeat the word slowly and carry on with the porosity analysis.

Explanation

Consultation language has to be understood by the client, so technical terms should be translated into everyday words and understanding checked. Repeating jargon, or handing over a leaflet without discussion, does not confirm that the client has grasped what the term means for their hair. Leaving the point out means the client cannot give properly informed consent to the service.

Question 36Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Which aftercare advice should a hairdresser give a client immediately after a perm?

  1. Use heated straighteners to fix the curl pattern.
  2. Shampoo it out tonight with a clarifying shampoo.
  3. Book a colour service for the next day.
  4. Do not shampoo for about 48 hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

Freshly permed hair is still settling into its new shape, and shampooing too soon can disturb the curl. Standard aftercare is to leave the hair undisturbed and avoid shampoo for roughly 48 hours, then use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. Heat styling and chemical colouring should also be delayed until the hair has stabilised.

Question 37Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

After explaining aftercare, how can a beauty therapist best check that the client has understood?

  1. Assume understanding because the client is smiling.
  2. Ask the client to repeat key points back. Correct answer.
  3. Give a printed aftercare leaflet without any discussion.
  4. Ask 'Do you understand?' and accept a quick nod from the client.

Explanation

Understanding is confirmed when the client can restate the key points in their own words, which shows they have processed the information rather than simply agreed. A yes/no question invites a polite nod without proving comprehension. A leaflet is a useful backup but does not replace a spoken check.

Question 38Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client with dark tinted hair shows a photo of platinum blonde and expects the result in one appointment. What is the most professional response?

  1. Apply a mild lightener and tell her it will be close.
  2. Refuse the service and say the result is impossible.
  3. Agree and apply maximum-strength lightener to save time.
  4. Explain sessions, cost and strand tests needed. Correct answer.

Explanation

Managing expectations means being honest about what is achievable safely on dark tinted hair, which usually needs several lightening sessions with strand tests between them. The client should understand the likely number of appointments, the cost and the maintenance involved before consenting. Promising a one-step transformation or an approximate result would be misleading.

Question 39Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A therapist wants to post a client's before-and-after facial photograph on the salon's social media. What is the correct action?

  1. Obtain written, specific consent first. Correct answer.
  2. Post it and delete the image if she complains.
  3. Ask verbally on the day and post straight away.
  4. Post only the after photo with her first name.

Explanation

Client images are personal data, so the salon needs clear, specific consent that explains where the photo will appear and how it will be used. Consent should be recorded in writing so both parties know what was agreed. Publishing first and removing later breaches confidentiality and cannot undo the exposure.

Question 40Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client with limited English attends for a skin consultation. What is the best approach?

  1. Speak louder and use more technical vocabulary.
  2. Skip the medical history and begin the facial.
  3. Arrange a professional interpreter. Correct answer.
  4. Use the client's young child to translate the medical questions.

Explanation

A professional interpreter allows accurate two-way communication, protects confidentiality and ensures the medical history is properly understood. Using a child to translate medical information is inappropriate and may distress or burden them. Raising your voice or simplifying nothing does not overcome a language barrier.

Question 41Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A client booked for a facial mentions she has used a prescription retinoid cream for two weeks. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Apply a stronger peel to speed up skin renewal.
  2. Avoid exfoliation and advise checking with her prescriber. Correct answer.
  3. Treat only the area where the cream was applied.
  4. Proceed with exfoliation as normal.

Explanation

Prescription retinoids make the whole face more sensitive, so exfoliation and peeling can cause irritation, redness or actual damage. The therapist should adapt the treatment and advise the client to check with the prescriber about timing before stronger facial treatments. The cream affects skin sensitivity beyond the areas where it is visibly applied.

Question 42Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

Which aftercare advice is most appropriate after gel nail enhancements have been applied?

  1. Soak the nails in hot water daily to keep them flexible.
  2. File the enhancement down at home every week.
  3. Use an acetone-based remover at home when needed.
  4. Use cuticle oil daily and gloves for chores. Correct answer.

Explanation

Cuticle oil keeps the natural nail and surrounding skin supple, while gloves protect the enhancement from household chemicals and prolonged water exposure. Acetone and home filing can break down or damage the gel, and long hot-water soaking weakens both the product and the nail plate. Clients should return to the salon for professional removal.

Question 43Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

During an eyebrow tint the client says the skin is stinging and burning. What should the therapist do?

  1. Apply a soothing cream over the tint and continue.
  2. Remove the tint and assess the skin. Correct answer.
  3. Fan the area and finish the development time.
  4. Reassure the client that stinging is normal.

Explanation

Burning is a warning sign of a reaction, so the product should be removed promptly and the skin assessed. Continuing the service, or covering the product with cream, allows the reaction to worsen. The incident should then be recorded and the client advised appropriately.

Question 44Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice

A new client with well-controlled diabetes books a leg wax and has a small healing scratch on the shin. What is the best course of action?

  1. Refuse all waxing for this client permanently.
  2. Treat as normal because the diabetes is well controlled.
  3. Wax over the scratch quickly to avoid delay.
  4. Avoid the broken skin and check healing first. Correct answer.

Explanation

Broken skin should not be waxed because it increases the risk of infection and poor healing, and diabetes can slow healing even when well controlled. The therapist should work around the area or postpone that section, and check with the client or their GP if healing seems slow. Each client is assessed individually rather than refused permanently.

Question 45Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

Which layer forms the outermost protective covering of a hair shaft?

  1. The inner root sheath
  2. The medulla
  3. The cuticle Correct answer.
  4. The cortex

Explanation

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the inner layers. The cortex lies beneath it and contains the pigment and keratin fibres, while the medulla is the central core, which may be absent in fine hair.

Question 46Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

Which part of the nail structure is responsible for producing new nail cells?

  1. The eponychium
  2. The hyponychium
  3. The nail matrix Correct answer.
  4. The lunula

Explanation

The nail matrix is the actively growing area at the base of the nail where new keratinised cells are produced and pushed forward to form the nail plate. The lunula is the visible pale crescent of the matrix, not the whole production site, and the hyponychium and eponychium are protective tissues at the free edge and cuticle.

Question 47Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

Which layer of the skin is the outermost and contains no blood vessels?

  1. The epidermis Correct answer.
  2. The dermis
  3. The subcutaneous layer
  4. The hypodermis

Explanation

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is avascular, meaning it contains no blood vessels; it receives nutrients by diffusion from the dermis below. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves and glands, while the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) is the deepest layer of fat and connective tissue.

Question 48Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

During which phase of the hair growth cycle does the hair follicle actively produce new hair?

  1. The telogen phase
  2. The exogen phase
  3. The anagen phase Correct answer.
  4. The catagen phase

Explanation

Anagen is the active growth phase, during which cells in the hair matrix divide rapidly and the hair shaft lengthens. Catagen is a short transitional phase when growth stops, telogen is the resting phase before shedding, and exogen is the shedding phase itself.

Question 49Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

What is the main function of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands?

  1. To lubricate the skin and hair and help retain moisture Correct answer.
  2. To detect pressure and touch
  3. To regulate body temperature through sweating
  4. To produce melanin for skin colour

Explanation

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that coats the skin and hair, reducing water loss and keeping them supple. Sweat glands regulate temperature, melanocytes produce melanin, and sensory receptors detect touch, so these functions belong to different structures.

Question 50Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails

What happens when the arrector pili muscle contracts?

  1. The nail plate grows faster
  2. The sebaceous gland stops producing oil
  3. The hair stands upright and creates goosebumps Correct answer.
  4. The sweat gland releases more sweat

Explanation

The arrector pili is a small smooth muscle attached to the hair follicle; when it contracts, it pulls the follicle into a more vertical position, making the hair stand up and producing goosebumps. It does not control nail growth, sebum production or sweating.