NV Cosmetology study guide
NV Cosmetology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Nevada Cosmetology Licensing Examination is the written (theory) and practical (performance) assessment used by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology to determine whether an applicant is ready to hold a cosmetologist license and work on the public in licensed salons. It is intended for graduates of a Board-approved cosmetology program, or applicants qualifying through reciprocity or other Board-recognized pathways, who need to demonstrate both book knowledge and hands-on competence before licensure. The NV Cosmetology study guide has 11 sections and about 2,743 words.
01Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety Practices
Nevada expects you to protect every client and worker through a consistent cleaning, disinfection, and safety sequence. Know the difference between cleaning (removing debris), disinfection (destroying most pathogens on nonporous surfaces), and sterilization (destroying all microorganisms, not a routine salon task).
292 words, about 1 min02Nevada Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations
Nevada cosmetology law is tested as scope-of-practice and public-protection rules, not as legal trivia. The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology licenses individuals and establishments under NAC 644 and enforces sanitation, licensing, and professional conduct.
267 words, about 1 min03Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology of Hair, Skin, and Nails
The hair shaft has cuticle (protective overlapping scales), cortex (bulk, melanin, disulfide bonds), and medulla (central core, often absent in fine hair). The follicle extends into the dermis; the bulb surrounds the papilla, which supplies blood and nutrients.
262 words, about 1 min04Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Conditioning
Shampooing and conditioning are analyzed by scalp condition, hair porosity, and product chemistry. Nevada expects safe water temperature, proper massage, and recognition of when not to service.
254 words, about 1 min05Haircutting and Hair Shaping
Haircutting is geometry: section, distribution, elevation, guide, and cutting line. The exam asks you to predict shape and weight from those choices.
254 words, about 1 min06Hair Coloring and Lightening
Color services test the law of color, developer choice, patch and strand tests, and application order. Nevada expects you to protect the scalp and predict lift versus deposit.
262 words, about 1 min07Chemical Texture Services (Permanent Waving and Relaxing)
Permanent waving and relaxing change disulfide bonds. The exam tests test curls, processing, neutralization, and scalp protection.
248 words, about 1 min08Hairstyling, Braiding, and Wigs/Hair Additions
Styled hair is about base, stem, and curl direction. Braiding and hair additions add tension control and attachment safety.
247 words, about 1 min09Manicuring, Pedicuring, and Nail Care
Nail care tests anatomy, shaping, cuticle safety, massage, and foot-bath sanitation. Nevada expects you to recognize contraindications and never cut living tissue.
233 words, about 1 min10Esthetics and Skin Care Services
Esthetics tests skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, masks, and sun protection, plus scope limits. Nevada expects referral, not diagnosis.
226 words, about 1 min11Professional Business Practices and Client Relations
Professional practice tests consultation, consent, records, confidentiality, pricing, and client communication. Nevada expects sanitation and law to carry into business behavior.
198 words, under 1 min