AK Barber key terms

The process of cleaning implements and surfaces to reduce the number of pathogens to a safe level. It is the lowest level of infection control and is required for tools that only touch intact skin or are not reusable.

The use of an EPA-registered chemical agent to destroy most harmful microorganisms on hard, nonporous implements and surfaces. It is required for tools such as clippers, shears, and combs after each client.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved with an autoclave using high-pressure steam. It is the highest level of infection control and is used for items that may contact broken skin or blood.

An OSHA regulation requiring employers to protect workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials through training, protective equipment, and safe work practices. Barbers must follow it when blood or broken skin may be present.

An infection-control approach in which all blood and body fluids are treated as if they carry infectious disease, regardless of the client's known health status. It guides glove use, cleanup, and handling of contaminated items.

A product approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for killing specific microorganisms on surfaces when used exactly as the label directs. Barbers must follow the label's contact time and dilution instructions.

The number of minutes an implement must stay fully submerged or wet with disinfectant for the product to work as labeled. Cutting this time short means the tool is not properly disinfected.

A device that sterilizes tools using high-pressure steam and heat. It is used for items that cannot be safely disinfected with chemicals or that may contact blood or broken skin.

Porous items, such as wooden or absorbent materials, soak up liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected, so they must be discarded after use. Nonporous items, like metal and hard plastic, can be cleaned and disinfected.

The three parts of a hair strand: the cuticle (outer protective scales), the cortex (middle layer holding pigment and strength), and the medulla (central core). Chemical services act mainly on the cuticle and cortex.

The tough, overlapping outer layer of the hair that protects the inner layers and controls how much moisture and chemicals enter. It must be lifted or opened for color and waving products to work.

The thick middle layer of the hair where melanin pigment and most of the hair's strength and elasticity reside. Chemical coloring, lightening, and waving change the cortex to alter color or shape.

The natural pigment produced in the hair and skin that gives color. There are two types: eumelanin (brown and black) and pheomelanin (red and yellow), and their ratio determines a person's natural hair color.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, and chemical products work by raising or lowering pH.

A mildly acidic condition, around pH 4.5 to 5.5, that matches the natural state of hair and skin. Acid-balanced products help close the cuticle and preserve moisture and shine.

A pH above 7 that raises the cuticle and swells the hair, allowing chemicals to penetrate. Permanent waves, relaxers, and lighteners are alkaline and can damage hair if misused.

A hydrogen peroxide solution that, when mixed with color or lightener, opens the cuticle and develops the color or lifts pigment. Its strength, called volume, controls how much lightening occurs.

A chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with another substance, such as when developer breaks down melanin or forms color molecules inside the hair. It is the basis of permanent color and lightening.

The process of removing natural or artificial pigment from the hair using lightener and developer. It can only lighten hair and cannot darken it, and it requires careful timing to avoid damage.

A small test of a product, such as dye or lightener, applied to the skin before a full service to check for an allergic reaction. It protects the client from unexpected sensitivity.

A strong alkaline chemical, usually containing sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, or guanidine, that straightens curly or wavy hair by breaking and reforming bonds. It requires careful timing and scalp protection.

A chemical service that adds curl or wave to straight hair by breaking disulfide bonds, reshaping them around rods, and reforming them with a neutralizer. The result lasts until the hair grows out.

A strong chemical link between sulfur atoms in the hair's cortex that gives hair its shape and strength. Waving and relaxing break these bonds and then rebuild them in a new shape.

The second step of a permanent wave that stops the waving action and rebuilds the disulfide bonds in their new curled position. It usually contains an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide.

The diameter of an individual hair strand, described as fine, medium, or coarse. Texture affects how quickly hair absorbs products and how much chemical processing it can tolerate.

The ability of the hair to absorb and hold moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle. Low porosity resists absorption, while high porosity absorbs quickly but loses moisture easily.

The number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp. Density is different from texture and helps determine how much product to use and how to section the hair.

A cleansing product that removes dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp. Its main ingredients are water, surfactants, and conditioning agents, and it is chosen to match the client's scalp and hair needs.

A product that smooths the cuticle, adds moisture, and improves manageability after shampooing. It is applied mainly to the mid-lengths and ends and rinsed or left in as directed.

A molecule in shampoo that attracts both water and oil, allowing oil and dirt to be lifted and rinsed away. It is the main cleansing ingredient in most shampoos.

Dividing the hair into clean, controlled parts before cutting, coloring, or styling so each area can be worked evenly. Consistent sectioning improves accuracy and prevents uneven results.

The angle at which the hair is held away from the head while cutting, which controls the resulting shape and length. Low elevation builds weight, while high elevation creates layers and graduation.

The first cut section of hair that sets the length and shape for the rest of the haircut. All later sections are cut to match this guide, keeping the style balanced.

A cutting technique using a straight razor or razor comb to create soft, textured ends and blended layers. It requires a sharp blade and careful control because it removes hair quickly.

A sharp, open-blade tool used for shaving and detailing facial hair. It must be held at a shallow angle against the skin and used with proper tension to avoid nicks and cuts.

A warm, moist foam applied to the face before shaving to soften the beard, lubricate the skin, and help the razor glide. It reduces friction and irritation during the shave.

Irritated, inflamed bumps that form when shaved hair curls back into the skin, common on curly facial hair. Gentle shaving technique, exfoliation, and avoiding close repeated passes help prevent them.

Shaping and outlining beards, mustaches, and goatees with clippers, trimmers, and razors to create a clean, balanced look. It considers face shape, growth patterns, and the client's preference.

Shortening and shaping facial hair with clippers, trimmers, or scissors to a desired length and outline. It includes edging the neckline and cheeks for a neat finish.

A removable attachment placed over clipper blades to control the length of hair left after cutting. Different guard sizes produce different lengths and help prevent cutting too close.

The routine care of clippers, including brushing out hair, oiling the blades, and disinfecting between clients. Proper maintenance keeps tools sharp, safe, and effective.

The set of services and tasks a licensed barber is legally allowed to perform under state law. Working outside it can lead to discipline or loss of license.

The legal permission to practice barbering granted by the state after meeting education, examination, and other requirements. It must be kept current through renewal to remain valid.

Required training hours that licensees complete to renew their license and stay current on safety and industry practices. The specific hours and topics are set by state rules.