NH Cosmetology study guide
NH Cosmetology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The New Hampshire Cosmetology license is a state-issued credential for professionals who provide hair, skin, and nail services to the public in New Hampshire. Licensing for barbers, cosmetologists, and estheticians sits under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), the state agency that administers professional boards, applications, renewals, and enforcement. The NH Cosmetology study guide has 6 sections and about 1,836 words.
01Scientific Concepts and Hair Care
This domain tests how well you connect basic anatomy, chemistry, and hair analysis to safe service decisions. Expect questions on hair structure, growth cycles, pH, product ingredients, and the analysis steps that determine whether a chemical service is appropriate.
349 words, about 2 min02Hair Cutting and Styling
This domain tests the geometry of cutting and the physics of styling. Questions cover elevation, guides, sectioning, tension, blunt and layered forms, wet versus dry cutting, and thermal and wet-set styling safety.
315 words, about 2 min03Chemical Services (Coloring, Texture, Relaxing)
This domain tests the chemistry and safety sequence for color, perms, and relaxers. Expect questions on color levels, developer volumes, patch and strand tests, processing, neutralization, and contraindications.
302 words, about 2 min04Skin Care
This domain tests skin anatomy, skin analysis, facial protocol, and contraindications. Questions cover the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer, skin types, Fitzpatrick phototypes, exfoliation, massage, masks, and hair removal safety.
282 words, about 1 min05Nail Care
This domain tests nail anatomy, growth, manicure and pedicure protocol, implement safety, and recognition of disorders that require referral. Expect questions on the nail plate, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, lunula, and service contraindications.
300 words, about 2 min06Salon Safety and Sanitation
This domain tests infection control, chemical safety, and workplace safety. Questions cover sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, porous versus nonporous items, blood exposure, SDS use, ventilation, electrical safety, and fire safety.
288 words, about 1 min