Cosmetology Test Scientific Concepts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of chemical bond is broken when hair is permanently waved?
- Hydrogen bonds
- Disulfide bonds (Correct answer)
- Salt bonds
- Peptide bonds
Correct answer: Disulfide bonds
Permanent waving breaks disulfide bonds using a reducing agent, then reforms them in a new shape with a neutralizer.
Question 2: What is the pH range considered neutral on the pH scale?
- 0
- 7 (Correct answer)
- 14
- 4.5–5.5
Correct answer: 7
A pH of 7 is neutral; values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are alkaline.
Question 3: Which layer of the hair is responsible for its strength and elasticity?
- Cuticle
- Cortex (Correct answer)
- Medulla
- Epicuticle
Correct answer: Cortex
The cortex contains the fibrous proteins and disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity.
Question 4: What type of reaction occurs when an oxidizing agent is applied to hair during color processing?
- Reduction
- Oxidation (Correct answer)
- Neutralization
- Hydrolysis
Correct answer: Oxidation
Oxidation involves the loss of electrons or addition of oxygen, which activates hair color developers and neutralizers.
Question 5: Sebum is produced by which gland in the skin?
- Sudoriferous gland
- Apocrine gland
- Sebaceous gland (Correct answer)
- Eccrine gland
Correct answer: Sebaceous gland
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, the natural oil that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair.
Question 6: What is the term for the process by which cells divide and reproduce?
- Osmosis
- Mitosis (Correct answer)
- Metabolism
- Diffusion
Correct answer: Mitosis
Mitosis is the process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.
Question 7: Which element is the primary component of all organic chemical compounds found in cosmetics?
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Carbon (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen
Correct answer: Carbon
Carbon is the backbone element of all organic compounds, including the proteins, oils, and polymers used in cosmetology products.
Which type of chemical bond is broken when hair is permanently waved?