CO Barber flashcards

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

Cuticle

The outermost layer of the hair, made of overlapping translucent scales that protect the inner cortex and control how moisture and chemicals enter the shaft.

Anagen phase

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years, during which cells in the follicle divide and new hair is produced.

Cortex

The middle and thickest layer of the hair, containing melanin pigment and the disulfide bonds that determine the hair's strength, elasticity, curl, and color.

pH of hair and skin

Hair and skin are mildly acidic at about pH 4.5 to 5.5; alkaline products swell the cuticle while acidic products flatten and tighten it.

Vellus hair

Short, fine, light-colored, non-pigmented hair that covers most of the body and is not usually affected by chemical hair services.

Disulfide bonds

Strong chemical bonds between cysteine amino acids in the cortex; relaxers and permanent wave solutions break them, and neutralizers rebuild them in the new shape.

Epidermis

The thin, avascular outer layer of skin that contains no blood vessels and serves as the body's primary barrier against water loss and infection.

Telogen phase

The resting stage of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, after which the old hair sheds and the follicle re-enters the growth phase.

Blunt haircut

A one-length cut performed with zero elevation and a stationary guideline, in which all hair falls to the same perimeter line.

Graduated haircut

A cut built with about 45 degrees of elevation and a traveling guideline, stacking shorter lengths at the perimeter to create a wedge or stacked effect.

Uniform layer cut

A haircut performed at 90 degrees of elevation with a stationary guideline, producing even length throughout the head and maximum volume.

Cross-checking

Cutting the hair in the direction opposite the original parting to verify that both sides are balanced, even, and symmetrical.

Number 1 clipper guard

A guard that leaves hair one-eighth inch long; guards increase in one-eighth-inch increments, so a number 2 leaves one-quarter inch.

Hair porosity

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined by cuticle condition; high porosity absorbs and loses moisture quickly.

Hair elasticity

The ability of dry hair to stretch and return to its original length; normal hair stretches about 50 percent, while low elasticity signals fragile hair.

Texturizing shears

Shears with notched or spaced teeth that remove portions of hair to soften weight and blend lines; they are used sparingly and away from the scalp.

Against the grain

Shaving in the direction opposite to hair growth, which produces the closest shave but increases the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Shaving angle

The razor is held at roughly a 30-degree angle to the skin surface, with the skin kept taut and short, even strokes used throughout.

Beard neckline

The line where beard hair stops on the neck, typically placed just above the Adam's apple or along the natural jaw-to-neck curve.

Freehand beard design

Outlining and shaping facial hair without a guide, using comb and clippers or razor to follow natural growth patterns and bone structure.

Hot towel contraindication

Hot towels are avoided on inflamed, irritated, or broken skin, on acne, and after recent chemical services, because heat can worsen redness and spread bacteria.

Aftershave

A product applied after shaving, usually containing astringents and moisturizers, that closes pores, removes residue, and soothes irritated skin.

Client consultation

A pre-service conversation using open-ended questions and active listening to determine the client's goals, hair history, and any contraindications before service.

Cheek line

The upper boundary of a beard on the face, shaped from the outer corner of the mouth toward the ear and usually rounded rather than sharply edged.

Disinfection

The process of using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and some viruses on nonliving surfaces and implements.

Sterilization

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, achieved by autoclave, dry heat, or chemical sterilant for items that contact blood.

Autoclave

A device that sterilizes implements using steam under pressure at high temperature; items must be cleaned and dried before being placed inside.

EPA-registered disinfectant

A product carrying an EPA registration number on its label and approved for hospital use; implements are immersed for the contact time the manufacturer lists.

Universal precautions

Practices that treat all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials as if known to carry pathogens, requiring gloves and barriers for every client.

Pediculosis

An infestation of head lice, a contagious condition recognized by itching and nits attached to the hair shaft; service is refused and the client referred to a physician.

Safety Data Sheet

A document, formerly called an MSDS, supplied by manufacturers that lists hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures for each chemical product.

Net profit

The money a business retains after all operating expenses, taxes, and owner's draw are subtracted from total revenue.