Question 1

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp caused by:

Accepted Answer

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is caused by dermatophyte fungi. It is highly contagious. Barbers must refuse service to clients showing signs and disinfect all implements thoroughly.

Question 2

Alopecia areata is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing sudden, patchy hair loss in well-defined round or oval areas. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, it does not follow the typical male-pattern baldness progression.

Question 3

Dandruff (pityriasis) is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Dandruff is associated with Malassezia fungus and accelerated scalp cell turnover producing visible flakes. It is not caused by poor hygiene alone, though shampooing frequency affects severity.

Question 4

Pediculosis capitis refers to an infestation of:

Accepted Answer

Pediculosis capitis is a head lice infestation. Lice are parasites that feed on blood. A barber must refuse service to any client with signs of lice to prevent spread to other clients.

Question 5

Which type of hair loss is genetically determined and influenced by the hormone DHT?

Accepted Answer

Androgenetic alopecia is influenced by genetics and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men it follows the Norwood scale pattern; in women it presents as diffuse thinning. It is the most common form of hair loss.

Question 6

A client has seborrheic dermatitis with inflamed, open lesions. The barber should:

Accepted Answer

Active inflammation or open lesions from seborrheic dermatitis is a contraindication. The barber should refer the client to a dermatologist and not provide service to avoid worsening the condition.

Question 7

The anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is the:

Accepted Answer

Anagen is the active growth phase during which hair cells divide rapidly. This phase typically lasts 2–6 years, determining the maximum potential hair length.

Question 8

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Folliculitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, appearing as red bumps or pustules at the follicle opening. It can also be caused by fungi or pseudomonas.

Question 9

Monilethrix is a hair disorder characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Monilethrix is a hereditary condition producing alternating thick (node) and thin (internode) hair shaft segments, giving a beaded appearance. The thin segments break easily, resulting in short, brittle hair.

Question 10

A client's scalp shows red, raised, scaly patches that bleed slightly when scratched. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Psoriasis presents as red thickened plaques with silvery-white scales. The Auspitz sign (pinpoint bleeding when scale is removed) is characteristic. Service may be provided if there are no open lesions or active infection.

Hair and Scalp Disorders Practice Questions

More Barber State Board Exam Topics