Year 2 Exam Study Guide — master what the exam actually tests, concept by concept.
Even in service trades, chemical exposure, repetitive strain, electrical hazards, and ergonomic risks are very real. The exam tests your ability to identify and control hazards in your specific work environment.
Color wheel: complements neutralize undesired tones (e.g., violet neutralizes yellow). On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Correction: cannot go lighter over dark without lightening first; plan pre-lightening. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Relaxer: alkaline (NaOH) or non-lye breaks S-S bonds; hair remains straight after rinsing. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Service trades operate under health codes, consumer protection regulations, and occupational standards that define acceptable work quality. These exam questions test whether you understand the rules that govern your work environment.
Conditions: alopecia (refer to doctor), dandruff/seborrhea (treat with medicated shampoo), lice (treat/refer). On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Product knowledge: pH (shampoo ~5.5-6.5), ingredients (sulfates, silicones), client compatibility. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Service trades require accurate measurements, mixing ratios, temperature conversions, and quantity calculations. Getting the numbers right is what separates professional-quality work from amateur results.
Oxidation: H₂O₂ opens cuticle, lightens melanin, allows color penetration. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
The right tool and the right material make the difference between a professional finish and a callback. This section covers proper equipment selection, material properties, and the technical specifications that apply to your trade.
Lightening: 20-volume = ~1-2 levels, 30-volume = ~2-3 levels, 40-volume = ~3-4 levels per 10 min. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
volume = ~1-2 levels, 30-volume = ~2-3 levels, 40-volume = ~3-4
Toning: demi-permanent or semi-permanent color cancels unwanted warmth. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Perm chemistry: alkaline opens hair, thio agent breaks S-S bonds, rinse stops action, neutralizer resets. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Acid perm: pH 4-5, less cuticle damage, good for sensitive/fine hair. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
All 10 exam concepts from this guide — test your recall before you sit the exam.