BTEB Beautician Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Skin analysis

A structured assessment of skin type, condition, texture, pores, and sensitivity using observation, palpation, and client history, performed before selecting products or treatment.

Contraindication

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as open lesions, active infection, recent surgery, or undiagnosed lumps.

Patch test

A small application of product on the inner elbow or behind the ear, checked after 24 to 48 hours, to detect allergic reaction before tinting or chemical services.

Lymph drainage direction

Facial massage strokes move outward and upward on the face and downward on the neck, following muscle fibres and lymph flow toward drainage nodes.

Waxing hair length

Hair must be approximately 5 mm long for wax to grip it; wax is applied with the growth direction and removed against it while skin is held taut.

Colour correction principle

Complementary colours neutralise each other: green reduces redness, peach or orange corrects blue-grey tones, and purple counteracts yellow.

Nail filing rule

Nails are filed in one direction from corner to centre to prevent splitting and peeling; sawing back and forth weakens the free edge.

Service record

A written entry noting date, products used, timings, observations, patch test results, and aftercare advice, kept for continuity and legal protection.

Epidermis layers

From deepest to surface: basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum on palms and soles only, and corneum, the protective outer layer.

Acid mantle

The skin's mildly acidic film of about pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum and sweat, which protects against bacteria and limits moisture loss.

Hair shaft structure

Three layers: medulla at the centre, cortex providing strength and pigment, and cuticle as the outer protective scales that reflect light.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting several years, during which the follicle produces a new hair shaft.

Telogen phase

The resting phase of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, after which the old hair is shed and a new cycle begins.

Hair porosity

The cuticle's ability to absorb and retain moisture; low porosity resists water, while high porosity absorbs quickly and loses moisture easily.

UVA versus UVB

UVB causes sunburn and surface DNA damage; UVA penetrates deeper, drives photoageing, and passes through glass, so broad-spectrum protection is needed.

Skin ageing changes

Collagen and elastin decline, cell turnover slows, sebum and hyaluronic acid reduce, causing thinning, dryness, laxity, and fine lines.

Comedogenic product

A formulation likely to block pores and contribute to congestion or acne, avoided on oily and acne-prone skin in favour of non-comedogenic products.

Sterilisation

A process that destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores, achieved by autoclave or approved heat and chemical methods for reusable metal tools.

Disinfection

The use of hospital-grade chemicals to reduce pathogens on surfaces and tools; it may not eliminate spores, so it differs from full sterilisation.

Single-use items

Products used once and discarded, including wooden spatulas, cotton pads, disposable razors, and wax strips, never reused between clients.

Hand hygiene

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by alcohol sanitiser, before and after every client contact.

Wax temperature

Warm wax is maintained at roughly 38 to 42 degrees Celsius and tested on the therapist's inner wrist before application to prevent burns.

Sharps disposal

Used blades and needles go into rigid, puncture-resistant, labelled sharps containers, never into general waste or soft bags.

PAT testing

Periodic safety testing of portable electrical appliances, with visual checks of plugs and cords before each use and removal of damaged equipment.

Incident report

A written record of any cut, burn, allergic reaction, or accident, noting time, circumstances, action taken, and notification of the manager.

Informed consent

The client's agreement to treatment after being told its purpose, steps, risks, and alternatives in clear language, confirmed by signature.

Confidentiality

The duty to keep client records and personal information secure and to share them only with consent or where the law requires disclosure.

Scope of practice

The limits of a beautician's training and legal authority; suspected infections, changing moles, and lesions must be referred to a medical professional.

Referral decision rule

When a medical condition is present and its status is unclear, treatment is deferred and a letter from the client's doctor is requested.

Complaint handling

A sequence of listening fully, acknowledging the concern, investigating, offering a remedy, and recording the outcome to maintain trust.

Aftercare advice

Clear written and verbal guidance given after treatment, covering product use, sun avoidance, and when to seek help, supporting results and safety.

Professional boundaries

Staying within trained services, avoiding medical diagnosis, making no guaranteed results claims, and maintaining respectful, non-exploitative conduct.