Cert III Beauty (SHB30121) key terms

The legal and moral responsibility of every worker to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others in the salon, following procedures and reporting hazards promptly.

The process of spotting anything in the salon that could cause harm, such as spilled product, trailing cords, hot wax or damaged electrical equipment, before an incident occurs.

A ranked order of ways to manage risk, starting with removing the hazard entirely, then substituting, isolating, using engineering or administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment.

Items worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards, such as disposable gloves, aprons, safety glasses and closed shoes, chosen to suit the task and replaced when soiled or damaged.

Routine infection control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, clean surfaces and safe handling of sharps and waste.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser at key moments, such as before and after client contact, after removing gloves and after touching contaminated items.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, surface or tool to another, often through shared implements, unwashed hands, contaminated towels or splashes during treatments.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on reusable implements, usually achieved in a salon with a steam autoclave after thorough cleaning.

Using a chemical agent to reduce the number of harmful microorganisms on surfaces or tools, which is appropriate for many items but does not destroy all spores.

A product or implement designed to be used on one client only and then discarded, such as nail files, orange sticks, lash brushes and disposable razors.

The safe handling and discarding of items such as blades, needles and broken glass into a rigid, labelled sharps container rather than general waste or soft bags.

A structured conversation before a service that gathers health, lifestyle and preference information, identifies contraindications and confirms what the client wants to achieve.

A condition, medication or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, active infection, recent waxing or certain medical conditions.

A client's clear agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the expected results, possible risks and alternatives, given freely and without pressure.

A small application of a product such as tint or adhesive to a discreet area, checked after a set time to detect an allergic reaction before a full treatment.

An immune response to a substance that may cause redness, swelling, itching or breathing difficulty, ranging from mild to life-threatening and requiring immediate action.

The obligation to keep a client's personal, health and treatment information private, sharing it only with those who need it for their care or as required by law.

A rule governing how personal information is collected, stored, used and disclosed, giving clients rights to access their records and to have errors corrected.

A written or digital record of a client's details, consultation answers, products used, treatment outcomes and consent, kept securely and updated at each visit.

The boundaries of what a beauty professional is trained, qualified and legally permitted to do, requiring referral to another professional when a need falls outside it.

The obligation to provide services to a reasonable standard, avoid causing harm through negligence and act in the client's best interests at all times.

Directing a client to a more appropriate professional, such as a doctor, dermatologist or podiatrist, when their condition is outside the beauty therapist's scope.

Controlled hand movements such as effleurage, petrissage and tapotement applied to soft tissue to relax muscles, improve circulation and support wellbeing.

A condition where massage must be avoided or modified, such as fever, acute injury, deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled blood pressure or pregnancy in certain areas.

A treatment in which product is applied to the body and the client is wrapped, often to hydrate, exfoliate or contour, with temperature and comfort monitored throughout.

Systematic observation and questioning to identify skin type, concerns and sensitivities, informing product choice and treatment planning for facial and body services.

A classification of skin as normal, dry, oily or combination based on oil and moisture levels, guiding cleanser, exfoliant and moisturiser selection in treatments.

The structure of the visible nail, including the nail plate, cuticle, lunula, matrix and free edge, which guides safe filing, cutting and product application.

Gentle preparation of the eponychium and surrounding skin using softener and a pusher, avoiding cutting live tissue to prevent infection and damage to the nail.

A change in the nail's appearance or structure, such as thickening, discolouration, pitting or separation, which may signal infection or disease and require referral.

Decorative techniques applied to nails, such as painting, stamping, foils or gems, planned to suit the client's preferences, nail shape and lifestyle.

The study of how colours combine and contrast, used in make-up to match foundation, correct discolouration and choose shades that complement skin tone and features.

The skilled layering of products such as primer, foundation, concealer, powder, eye and lip colour, adapted to the client's skin, occasion and desired look.

Cleaning and disinfecting make-up brushes, sponges and tools between clients to remove product, oils and microorganisms and prevent cross-contamination.

Shaping, tinting, lamination or extension services for brows and lashes, requiring patch testing, careful adhesive use and protection of the client's eyes.

The method used to schedule appointments, manage availability, record client details and reduce double bookings, whether paper-based or software-based.

The system used to process payments, record sales, apply discounts and issue receipts, keeping financial transactions accurate and reconcilable with stock and takings.

Recommending and selling take-home products that suit a client's needs, using product knowledge, honest advice and clear aftercare instructions rather than pressure.

Guidance given at the end of a service about looking after the treated area, products to use, activities to avoid and signs that need medical attention.

Reducing a salon's environmental impact through measures such as waste segregation, refillable products, energy-efficient equipment and choosing responsible suppliers.

Sorting salon waste into correct streams, such as general, recycling, chemical and sharps, so each is disposed of safely and in line with local regulations.

Providing beauty services that respect and accommodate all clients regardless of age, gender, culture, disability, body size or religious needs, without discrimination.