AK Cosmetology flashcards
AK Cosmetology · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Cortex function
- The middle layer of the hair shaft that provides strength, elasticity, and natural pigment. Chemical services alter the cortex, so damage here weakens the whole hair strand.
- Disulfide bond
- A strong chemical bond between sulfur atoms in keratin that gives hair its shape. It is broken only by chemical relaxers and permanent wave solutions, then rebuilt during neutralization.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to seven years. Most scalp hair is in this phase at any given time.
- PH and cuticle
- Hair and skin are naturally acidic near pH 4.5-5.5. Alkaline products swell the hair and open the cuticle, while acidic products contract it and smooth the surface.
- Wet hair elasticity
- Wet hair can stretch about 50 percent of its length before breaking, compared with roughly 20 percent when dry. Wet hair is therefore more fragile and prone to stretching damage.
- Conditioner purpose
- Conditioners lower the hair's pH, smooth and close the cuticle, reduce static, and add a light protective film that improves manageability and shine.
- Thioglycolate relaxer
- An alkaline reducing agent used in permanent waves and some relaxers. It breaks disulfide bonds so hair can be reshaped, and requires a neutralizer to rebuild them.
- Relaxer retouch rule
- Apply relaxer only to new growth at the scalp. Never pull product through previously relaxed hair, because overprocessing causes breakage and irreversible damage.
- Color wheel neutralization
- Complementary colors cancel each other: red cancels green, blue cancels orange, and yellow cancels violet. This principle corrects unwanted tones in hair color.
- Developer volume
- The strength of hydrogen peroxide used in hair color. Ten volume deposits color, 20 lifts about one to two levels, and 30 to 40 lift more with greater damage risk.
- Patch test timing
- Apply a small amount of color product behind the ear or inner elbow 24 to 48 hours before the service to detect an allergic reaction before full application.
- Strand test purpose
- A strand test predicts processing time, color result, and hair condition before a full chemical service. It reduces the risk of overprocessing or unexpected color.
- Semi-permanent color
- A deposit-only color that adds tone without lifting natural pigment. It fades gradually over about four to six shampoos and does not require a developer to lighten.
- Nail matrix
- The tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells. Damage to the matrix permanently affects nail growth and shape.
- Lunula
- The visible whitish half-moon at the base of the nail plate. It is the portion of the matrix seen through the nail plate.
- Fingernail growth rate
- Fingernails grow about 3.5 millimeters, or one-eighth inch, per month. Toenails grow slower, roughly 1.5 millimeters per month.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate or bed. It is a medical condition that estheticians and nail technicians must not treat; refer the client to a physician.
- Paronychia
- A bacterial infection of the skin surrounding the nail, often from hangnails or cuticle damage. It causes redness and swelling and requires medical referral.
- Disinfection vs sterilization
- Disinfection destroys most pathogens on surfaces and implements. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, and is required only for items used in invasive procedures.
- Tuberculocidal disinfectant
- An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant proven to kill the tuberculosis bacterium. It is the standard for implements that contact skin or body fluids.
- Blood spill protocol
- Stop the service, put on gloves, clean the area with soap and water, disinfect with an EPA-registered product, and seal contaminated materials for disposal.
- Single-use items
- Items such as cotton, wooden sticks, files, and razor blades that cannot be adequately disinfected. They must be discarded after one client and never reused.
- Hand washing standard
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client. Hand sanitizer does not replace washing when hands are visibly soiled.
- Safety Data Sheets
- Documents that describe a chemical's hazards, safe handling, and first aid. The salon must keep an SDS on file for every chemical product used.
- Epidermis
- The outer, avascular layer of skin that protects underlying tissue. It contains melanocytes that produce pigment and continually renews itself.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-level classification of skin sun sensitivity and burning tendency. It guides treatment intensity and sun-protection counseling for clients.
- Sensitive skin protocol
- Use fragrance-free, low-irritant products, patch test before services, and avoid high concentrations of acids. Discontinue any treatment that causes redness or burning.
- UVA vs UVB
- UVA rays penetrate deeply and contribute to aging, while UVB rays affect the surface and cause burning. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects against both.
- Hair growth stages
- Hair cycles through anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest and shedding). Shedding 50 to 100 hairs daily is within normal range.
- Alopecia
- Partial or complete hair loss that may be genetic, hormonal, or medical in origin. It is a condition to refer rather than treat in the salon.
- Contagious skin conditions
- Conditions such as ringworm, impetigo, scabies, and lice are contagious. Do not perform services; refer the client to a physician and disinfect all contact items.
- Alaska license renewal
- Alaska cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial cycle through the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, and licensees must complete the continuing education required for that cycle.