WA Cosmetology case studies
WA Cosmetology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Washington State licenses cosmetology practitioners through the Department of Licensing (DOL), and the umbrella covers several distinct credentials: cosmetologists, barbers, beauticians, manicurists, estheticians, master estheticians, and hair designers. Each type has its own application path and renewal process, but all candidates must pass a licensing exam before working on the public. The exam tests the knowledge you use behind the chair and at the table - hair care and haircutting, chemical services such as color, texture and relaxing, skin care and esthetics, nail care and manicuring, and infection control, sanitation and safety. Safety and sanitation questions are woven through every other topic, so keep them in rotation instead of saving them for a single cram session. The WA Cosmetology case studies are 5 cases and about 2,239 words.
1The Gummy Mid-Shaft and the Wedding Bob
A walk-in client with fine, previously lightened hair asks for a blunt chin-length bob. During consultation she mentions her last haircut was eight months ago and that she flat-irons daily.
459 words, about 2 min2Level 3 Box Dye to Level 9 Blonde in 48 Hours
A client brings a photo of a level-9 ash blonde. Her hair is a level 3 that was colored with a permanent box dye three months ago, with about 4 cm of new growth.
484 words, about 2 min3The Retinoid Client with a Cold Sore
A client books a 60-minute facial: cleansing, steam, enzyme exfoliation, extractions, and a clay mask. During intake she mentions she started adapalene gel 0.3% two weeks ago and uses a 10% benzoyl peroxide wash twice daily.
440 words, about 2 min4Green Discoloration Under an Acrylic
A client comes in with acrylic nails applied two weeks ago and wants them soaked off and replaced. During removal you see a dark green-black discoloration on the natural nail of the right index finger.
446 words, about 2 min5Blood on the Nippers Mid-Manicure
During a manicure you nick the client's cuticle with the nippers and it bleeds. Blood contacts the nipper, your glove, the towel, and the client's finger.
410 words, about 2 min