National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Cosmetology Practice Exam

When should gloves be worn in a salon?

1. When washing hair

2. When working with disinfectants

3. When styling hair

4. When performing makeup

The correct answer is: When working with disinfectants

Wearing gloves when working with disinfectants is essential for several reasons. Disinfectants often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. Gloves provide a protective barrier, preventing these substances from coming into direct contact with the skin. This not only safeguards the cosmetologist's health but also maintains the integrity of the services provided in the salon. In the context of disinfection, gloves help to ensure that any pathogens are not transferred from the surface being cleaned to the skin of the cosmetologist or client, which is crucial in a setting where hygiene and safety are paramount. Proper glove usage during the handling of such substances is a part of following appropriate health and safety protocols in the cosmetology industry. Other scenarios listed, such as washing hair, styling hair, and performing makeup, may not always require gloves, especially if the products used are non-harmful or there is no risk of exposure to fluids or chemicals that could be hazardous. In these cases, it's important to maintain cleanliness but gloves are not universally necessary as they are when dealing with disinfectants.