New Curriculum First Term Beauty and Cosmetology examination for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Subject: Beauty and Cosmetology
Time: 2 hours
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 Marks)
Instruction: Answer all 40 questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the best option (a), (b), (c) or (d).

1. A client asks whether a cream and the person who applies it are the same thing. The cream is a ________, while the trained service provider is a cosmetologist. (a) cosmetic tool    (b) beauty service    (c) cosmetic    (d) cosmetician
2. The development of cosmetology from traditional grooming to modern salon practice illustrates ________. (a) the disappearance of hygiene standards from beauty services    (b) changing tools and techniques alongside continuing personal-care needs    (c) the replacement of professional training by informal product advertising    (d) the replacement of every grooming service by manufacturing
3. Which statement best distinguishes a cosmetic from cosmetology? (a) Cosmetology is a single liquid while a cosmetic is a profession.    (b) A cosmetic is a beauty professional while cosmetology is a client.    (c) A cosmetic is a product; cosmetology is the professional field in which products may be used.    (d) Both terms refer only to cutting fingernails.
4. ________ is the organised professional practice concerned with improving appearance through appropriate care and grooming. (a) Cosmetics    (b) Cosmetology    (c) A cosmetologist    (d) A beauty product
5. All of these are aspects of cosmetology except ________. (a) manicure    (b) pedicure    (c) hairdressing    (d) footwear fitting and shoe repair
6. Why should a salon separate manicure instruments from hairdressing equipment during service? (a) Manicure equipment makes hair styling faster.    (b) The tasks involve different body areas and require appropriately cleaned tools.    (c) Hairdressing does not involve contact with the client.    (d) All salon instruments are interchangeable once they are attractive.
7. A worker is confident in hairstyling but has not learned nail care. Which decision demonstrates professional competence? (a) Tell the client that manicure and pedicure are identical.    (b) Refer nail work to a trained colleague while continuing the hairstyle service.    (c) Perform nail work by guessing because it belongs to the same industry.    (d) Use hair clippers on the toenails.
8. A client requests attention to toenails and the condition of the feet rather than a haircut. Book the client for: (a) scalp massage    (b) manicure    (c) hairdressing    (d) pedicure
9. Which item is NOT primarily a reusable tool in a salon? (a) Single-use cotton wool    (b) Hair comb    (c) Hand-held brush    (d) Nail file designed for reuse
10. When preparing a workstation for a manicure, the correct step before handling clean tools; select the correct procedure: (a) clean hands and sanitise the work surface    (b) rinse instruments briefly even when manufacturer guidance requires disinfection    (c) start the procedure before checking supplies    (d) place used tools beside sterile ones
11. A salon has three items: a hair dryer, a comb and shampoo. Their best classification respectively; select the accurate classification: (a) material, equipment and tool    (b) equipment, tool and material    (c) tool, material and equipment    (d) equipment, material and tool
12. The main reason for cleaning shared combs between customers is ________. (a) to make the same treatment suitable for every client    (b) to reduce transfer of dirt and microorganisms    (c) to increase the weight of the comb    (d) to eliminate the need for hand hygiene
13. A beauty worker sees cracked skin on a client's heel. Which response is more appropriate than aggressive cutting? (a) Recommend gentle care and referral if cracks are severe or infected.    (b) Cut deeply into the skin to make the heel smooth.    (c) Conceal bleeding with nail varnish.    (d) Share a used razor to remove the surface quickly.
14. Shoes that fit properly support good foot care mainly because they ________. (a) reduce friction and pressure that can injure feet    (b) guarantee all toenails grow at the same rate    (c) prevent every form of contagious nail disease    (d) replace the need for washing socks
15. A customer complains of shoe pressure and repeated blisters. Which advice best addresses the footwear-related cause? (a) Wear a tighter pair so the feet adapt.    (b) Wear the same tight shoes for longer until discomfort subsides.    (c) Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with room for toes.    (d) Use the same pair regardless of size or activity.
16. After washing feet, ________ is particularly important between the toes before putting shoes on. (a) soaking again in dirty water    (b) keeping wet socks on    (c) thorough drying    (d) replacing a damp sock without drying the skin
17. The best immediate salon response to a client reporting swelling around the nail is ________. (a) cover the area and work on it without consent    (b) stop the planned manipulation and recommend appropriate assessment    (c) continue vigorous cuticle cutting until swelling disappears    (d) puncture the swollen skin with an unsterilised needle
18. A cosmetologist explains the limits of salon treatment for nail disease. This chiefly demonstrates: (a) an unnecessary refusal to clean instruments    (b) that all nail changes are harmless    (c) lack of interest in nail care    (d) professional safety and appropriate referral
19. A nail appears discoloured, crumbly and painful. Which action respects safe salon practice? (a) Apply polish to hide symptoms before other clients arrive.    (b) Cut through the damaged tissue with shared scissors.    (c) Promise an immediate cure using ordinary hand lotion.    (d) Avoid cosmetic treatment and advise medical assessment.
20. Why should a cosmetologist distinguish an infectious nail condition from a non-infectious nail disorder? (a) They require different precautions and may need medical referral.    (b) Every abnormal nail is cured by filing.    (c) Nail disorders are never related to appearance.    (d) Infections cannot spread through unclean tools.
21. A worker has washed hands but touches a dirty bin lid before starting a manicure. Choose the correct step: (a) clean only the customer's fingernails    (b) wash or sanitise the hands again    (c) continue because washing was done earlier    (d) wipe the bin lid with the customer's towel
22. Which of these is not an advantage of regular handwashing? (a) It makes sharing unclean salon tools safe.    (b) It removes visible dirt from the hands.    (c) It supports the safety of workers and clients.    (d) It reduces transfer of microorganisms.
23. The main reason for washing hands before and after each customer is to ________. (a) replace cleaning of reusable equipment    (b) interrupt contamination between people and surfaces    (c) make gloves unnecessary for all procedures    (d) soften nail varnish permanently
24. Where handwashing facilities are available, the most appropriate practice at service changes; select the most accurate answer: (a) use clean water and soap with careful hand cleaning    (b) wear the previous client's gloves again    (c) use perfume to cover odours    (d) rinse fingertips briefly without cleaning the whole hands
25. A worker notices scalp irritation after a product was applied. Which response is safest? (a) Apply several unknown mixtures at once.    (b) Increase the dose to speed up the treatment.    (c) Stop the product, assess the reaction and refer when necessary.    (d) Scratch the irritated area with a sharp comb.
26. The presence of scalp flakes does not by itself prove ________. (a) that grooming products should be chosen carefully    (b) that examination of scalp health is worthwhile    (c) that the client has irreversible hair loss    (d) that hygiene advice may be needed
27. A client with dandruff asks for a scalp treatment. What must the practitioner check first? (a) Whether the client likes a specific hairstyle    (b) Only the fragrance of the proposed scalp product    (c) Only the appearance of the hair without inspecting the scalp    (d) Scalp condition and sensitivity before choosing treatment
28. ________ refers to the condition involving partial or complete hair loss rather than simply dry scalp flakes. (a) Dandruff    (b) Pedicure    (c) Alopecia    (d) Manicure
29. A client reports persistent patchy hair loss. Which instruction is NOT professionally sound? (a) Explain the limits of salon care.    (b) Avoid harmful handling of the affected scalp.    (c) Guarantee that any salon oil will cure it within a day.    (d) Recommend medical assessment when appropriate.
30. Prevention advice for repeated scalp irritation should include ________. (a) gentle hair care and avoiding products that trigger irritation    (b) mixing multiple strong treatments at once    (c) leaving residues on the scalp for longer than directed    (d) frequent vigorous scratching with unclean nails
31. A nutritional approach to scalp care differs from a topical chemical approach mainly in its: (a) exclusive use of a particular styling product    (b) complete replacement of any medical diagnosis    (c) use of nail files to remove scalp flakes    (d) emphasis on adequate dietary intake rather than applying a product directly
32. A salon advertises a chemical scalp product as suitable for everyone. Which professional criticism is strongest? (a) Every treatment should be mixed without labels.    (b) Nutrition has no relation to scalp health.    (c) Product selection must account for the individual's scalp condition and instructions.    (d) All scalp conditions require identical chemical treatment.
33. Which meal is the better example of dietary variety supporting skin and hair health? (a) Rice with a sugary drink only    (b) Sweets and tea as the main meal    (c) Yam eaten without any other food    (d) Rice, fish and vegetable soup
34. A beauty trainee says a vitamin product can replace every normal meal. The best response is that: (a) beauty requires no adequate food intake    (b) nutrient balance depends solely on the cost of cosmetics    (c) vitamins provide every nutrient in the same amounts    (d) balanced meals supply different nutrients with complementary functions
35. The ________ in a balanced diet contribute mainly to growth and repair of body tissues. (a) roughage    (b) water    (c) proteins    (d) carbohydrates
36. A daily plate contains yam alone. To make it more nutritionally balanced, the most useful addition is ________. (a) only sugar in a sweet drink    (b) extra salt without other ingredients    (c) more yam without any other food group    (d) beans and vegetables with an appropriate food source of fat
37. A trainee has dry skin and eats a very restricted diet. What is the most defensible initial conclusion? (a) Review overall diet and care habits without claiming one nutrient is the sole cause.    (b) Ignore nutrition entirely because skin is external.    (c) Assume a single soap is the only possible cause.    (d) Prescribe high-dose supplements without assessment.
38. For supporting normal skin maintenance, the chief value of a balanced diet is ________. (a) providing energy and essential nutrients needed for healthy body function    (b) guaranteeing that acne or rashes can never occur    (c) removing the need for hygiene and sun protection    (d) guaranteeing the same cosmetic outcome for every person
39. A salon nutrition leaflet lists water, protein, vitamins and mineral-rich foods. Which important principle connects them? (a) Beauty outcomes depend exclusively on expensive foods.    (b) They have different roles and should be obtained in appropriate amounts.    (c) Any excess quantity is automatically beneficial.    (d) Only one is ever needed at a time.
40. Which recommendation does NOT follow the idea of a balanced diet? (a) Include foods from different groups.    (b) Match meals to health needs and availability.    (c) Maintain adequate hydration alongside wholesome meals.    (d) Exclude all food groups in pursuit of a quick cosmetic change.

SECTION B: THEORY (30 Marks)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks. Answer THREE questions only.

Question 1. A salon trainee receives two bookings, one for nail care and the other for hairstyling.
(a) Distinguish a cosmetic product from a cosmetology service. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two differences between manicure and pedicure. (4 marks)
(c) Describe two workstation precautions for these services. (4 marks)

Question 2. A client attends with uncomfortable footwear and a swollen, discoloured toenail.
(a) Identify two possible foot-care warning signs. (2 marks)
(b) Explain why a cosmetologist should not treat a suspected infection as a routine manicure. (4 marks)
(c) Outline two safe client-management actions. (4 marks)

Question 3. A salon has increasing complaints of scalp flaking and irritation after an unfamiliar product.
(a) Distinguish dandruff from alopecia. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two considerations before selecting a scalp treatment. (4 marks)
(c) Describe two preventive or referral actions suitable for the complaints. (4 marks)

Question 4. A client asks whether a restrictive one-food diet can improve hair and skin.
(a) Define a balanced diet. (2 marks)
(b) Explain the contribution of proteins and two other nutrient groups to general health. (4 marks)
(c) Recommend two realistic improvements to the proposed diet, giving reasons. (4 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (c) cosmetic
Question 2 – ✅ (b) changing tools and techniques alongside continuing personal-care needs
Question 3 – ✅ (c) A cosmetic is a product; cosmetology is the professional field in which products may be used.
Question 4 – ✅ (b) Cosmetology
Question 5 – ✅ (d) footwear fitting and shoe repair
Question 6 – ✅ (b) The tasks involve different body areas and require appropriately cleaned tools.
Question 7 – ✅ (b) Refer nail work to a trained colleague while continuing the hairstyle service.
Question 8 – ✅ (d) pedicure
Question 9 – ✅ (a) Single-use cotton wool
Question 10 – ✅ (a) clean hands and sanitise the work surface
Question 11 – ✅ (b) equipment, tool and material
Question 12 – ✅ (b) to reduce transfer of dirt and microorganisms
Question 13 – ✅ (a) Recommend gentle care and referral if cracks are severe or infected.
Question 14 – ✅ (a) reduce friction and pressure that can injure feet
Question 15 – ✅ (c) Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with room for toes.
Question 16 – ✅ (c) thorough drying
Question 17 – ✅ (b) stop the planned manipulation and recommend appropriate assessment
Question 18 – ✅ (d) professional safety and appropriate referral
Question 19 – ✅ (d) Avoid cosmetic treatment and advise medical assessment.
Question 20 – ✅ (a) They require different precautions and may need medical referral.
Question 21 – ✅ (b) wash or sanitise the hands again
Question 22 – ✅ (a) It makes sharing unclean salon tools safe.
Question 23 – ✅ (b) interrupt contamination between people and surfaces
Question 24 – ✅ (a) use clean water and soap with careful hand cleaning
Question 25 – ✅ (c) Stop the product, assess the reaction and refer when necessary.
Question 26 – ✅ (c) that the client has irreversible hair loss
Question 27 – ✅ (d) Scalp condition and sensitivity before choosing treatment
Question 28 – ✅ (c) Alopecia
Question 29 – ✅ (c) Guarantee that any salon oil will cure it within a day.
Question 30 – ✅ (a) gentle hair care and avoiding products that trigger irritation
Question 31 – ✅ (d) emphasis on adequate dietary intake rather than applying a product directly
Question 32 – ✅ (c) Product selection must account for the individual's scalp condition and instructions.
Question 33 – ✅ (d) Rice, fish and vegetable soup
Question 34 – ✅ (d) balanced meals supply different nutrients with complementary functions
Question 35 – ✅ (c) proteins
Question 36 – ✅ (d) beans and vegetables with an appropriate food source of fat
Question 37 – ✅ (a) Review overall diet and care habits without claiming one nutrient is the sole cause.
Question 38 – ✅ (a) providing energy and essential nutrients needed for healthy body function
Question 39 – ✅ (b) They have different roles and should be obtained in appropriate amounts.
Question 40 – ✅ (d) Exclude all food groups in pursuit of a quick cosmetic change.

Theory Marking Scheme

Question 1
(a) Product is a substance used in care; service is the professional activity (2).
(b) Manicure concerns hands/fingernails; pedicure concerns feet/toenails; distinguish equipment or treatment area (2+2).
(c) Clean hands and workspace; appropriately clean/disinfect tools; avoid cross-use of contaminated materials; any two explained (2+2).

Question 2
(a) Pain/swelling, discolouration, cracked skin or other relevant signs (1+1).
(b) Risk of worsening the problem, contamination of tools/clients, limits of cosmetic training, need for diagnosis; any two developed (2+2).
(c) Pause procedure and advise medical assessment; use appropriate tool hygiene; document and communicate sensitively; any two explained (2+2).

Question 3
(a) Dandruff = scalp flaking; alopecia = hair loss (1+1).
(b) Assess symptoms and product sensitivity; follow label guidance; review hygiene and possible triggers; any two explained (2+2).
(c) Stop suspected irritant; advise appropriate cleansing and non-sharing of items; refer persistent/severe reactions; any two developed (2+2).

Question 4
(a) Diet supplying suitable amounts and proportions of different essential nutrients (2).
(b) Protein tissue repair plus other accurate nutrient roles such as carbohydrates energy, vitamins/minerals regulation, water hydration (4 total).
(c) Introduce dietary variety and affordable protein/vegetables; maintain adequate water and sufficient energy; any two explained (2+2).