CA Cosmetology key terms

A process that uses an EPA-registered product to destroy most disease-causing microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces and implements, but not necessarily bacterial spores.

A process that completely destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an object; in a salon this usually means cleaning items and then heating them in an autoclave.

Cleaning with soap or detergent and water to remove visible dirt, debris, and many microorganisms from surfaces and tools, lowering the risk of spreading infection.

A microorganism such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus that can cause disease in humans; proper hand washing and disinfection help reduce its spread.

Single-celled microorganisms that can reproduce quickly; some are harmless, while others cause skin infections such as folliculitis or staph infections.

A tiny infectious agent that can reproduce only inside a living host cell; viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B are not killed by antibiotics.

Infectious microorganisms carried in blood and other body fluids that can cause disease, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

A safety practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and potentially contaminated materials as if they carry infectious disease, using gloves and other barriers.

A standardized document, formerly called an MSDS, that gives safety, handling, storage, and first-aid information for a chemical product; keep one for each product in the salon.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety rules, including hazard communication and bloodborne pathogen standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency, a federal agency that registers disinfectants and determines which products may legally be labeled as hospital-grade disinfectants.

A device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize metal implements and other heat-resistant items after they have been cleaned and dried.

The transfer of pathogens from one person, surface, or object to another, often through shared tools, unwashed hands, or dirty linens.

The most important infection-control step: using soap and warm running water, scrubbing hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds, then drying with a clean towel.

The study of designing tools, workstations, and tasks to fit the worker's body, reducing strain and helping prevent repetitive-motion injuries.

The state agency that licenses and regulates cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, manicurists, electrologists, and salons in California.

A California credential that allows a person to perform hair, skin, and nail services after completing required training and passing the state board examination.

A license issued by the California board that permits a salon or shop to operate and offer cosmetology services at a specific location.

The specific services and procedures a licensed professional is legally allowed to perform under their license type; working outside it is illegal.

A California license that allows a person to perform skin care services such as facials, waxing, and makeup application, but not hair or nail services.

A California license that permits a person to perform nail care services on hands and feet, including manicures and pedicures, under health and safety rules.

California regulations that set sanitation, disinfection, and facility requirements for licensed salons and professionals; violations can lead to fines or license action.

An official visit by the board or its representative to a salon to check licensing, sanitation, and compliance with health and safety rules.

Behavior by a licensee that violates board rules or professional standards, such as unsafe practices, working outside scope, or impaired practice; it can lead to discipline.

An arrangement in which a licensed professional rents space in a salon and works as an independent contractor rather than as an employee of the salon.

A conversation before a service in which the professional asks about the client's goals, health history, and preferences, then explains options and possible risks.

Examining a client's hair for texture, density, porosity, and elasticity to choose appropriate cutting, coloring, or chemical services.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture or chemicals; low porosity resists absorption, while high porosity absorbs quickly and may be fragile.

The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking; good elasticity indicates healthy hair with strong protein bonds.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures acidity or alkalinity; hair and skin are slightly acidic, and products with high pH can swell and damage hair.

Strong chemical bonds that give hair its shape and strength; permanent waves and relaxers work by breaking and re-forming these bonds.

A chemical service that uses reducing and neutralizing solutions to break and rebuild disulfide bonds, adding curl or wave to the hair.

A chemical product, usually highly alkaline, that straightens curly or wavy hair by breaking disulfide bonds; it requires careful timing and scalp protection.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with hair color to lighten the hair and help color molecules enter the cortex; its strength is measured in volumes.

A product or service that changes hair color by depositing pigment, lightening natural pigment, or both; a patch test helps check for allergic reactions.

A small skin test, usually behind the ear or on the inner elbow, to check for an allergic reaction to a product such as hair color before a full service.

A cosmetic service for the feet and toenails that includes soaking, shaping, cuticle care, and polishing; foot spas must be cleaned and disinfected properly.

A cosmetic service for the hands and nails that includes shaping, cuticle care, massage, and polishing, following sanitation rules for tools and soaking.