CT Barber cheat sheet

Disinfection destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces but does not reliably destroy bacterial spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores.

An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant labeled tuberculocidal is used on implements contaminated with blood or body fluids.

A wet sanitizer is a container holding an EPA-registered disinfectant solution; a dry sanitizer is a clean, closed cabinet for clean dry tools.

For a blood spill: put on gloves, absorb the spill, clean with detergent and water, disinfect with hospital disinfectant, and discard contaminated materials in a closed container.

Nonporous implements that contact skin must be cleaned to remove debris, then completely immersed in disinfectant for the label contact time.

Single-use items such as razor blades, neck strips, and cotton pads are discarded after one client and never reused.

Hand washing requires soap and water for at least 20 seconds; alcohol-based sanitizer is used only when hands are not visibly soiled.

Chemical products stay in original labeled containers; secondary containers must be labeled with product name and hazard.

Electrical cords and clippers are kept away from water, and damaged cords are removed from service.

Hair growth patterns include cowlicks and whorls; cut with the pattern or leave extra length to control the direction of fall.

Elevation controls length: 0 degrees blunt, 45 degrees graduated, 90 degrees uniform layer, and 180 degrees long-layered.

A blunt cut creates a solid weight line; point cutting and slide cutting soften the ends.

Clipper guard numbers correspond to eighths of an inch: #1 = 1/8 inch, #2 = 1/4 inch, #3 = 3/8 inch, and #4 = 1/2 inch.

Scissor-over-comb removes bulk by cutting hair held between comb teeth and shear blades.

Cross-checking compares both sides and the front and back for balance before finishing.

Hair density is hairs per square inch; texture is strand diameter; porosity is the ability to absorb moisture.

Blow-dry styling directs airflow from scalp toward ends to smooth the cuticle; thermal protectant reduces heat damage.

Shear tension and blade alignment affect cutting; dull or nicked blades pull hair and must be serviced.

A razor shave usually starts with the grain; against-the-grain passes give a closer shave but increase irritation risk.

Hold a straight razor at about a 30-degree angle to the skin and use short strokes with skin held taut.

Warm towels and lather soften the beard and reduce friction; remove all lather before evaluating the shave.

Do not shave over moles, acne, broken skin, or inflamed areas; refer suspicious lesions.

Styptic powder or alum stops small nicks; pressure with clean gauze controls bleeding.

Beard trimming: comb hair against growth direction, trim with clippers or shears, then establish symmetrical outlines.

A mustache is trimmed above the upper lip and kept clear of the mouth; beard lines are checked with the client seated upright.

Single-use razor blades are discarded after each client; shaving brushes are cleaned and disinfected.

Aniline hair color requires a patch test 24 to 48 hours before application to detect allergic reaction.

Developer volume: 10 volume (3%) deposits color, 20 volume (6%) lifts about one level, 30 volume (9%) about two levels, and 40 volume (12%) about three levels.

A strand test determines processing time and predicted color result on the client's hair.

Relaxers use high-pH chemicals: sodium hydroxide (lye) or calcium hydroxide/guanidine (no-lye); scalp base protects skin.

Neutralizing shampoo stops relaxer action by lowering pH and restoring disulfide bonds.

Permanent wave reducing lotion (ammonium thioglycolate) breaks disulfide bonds; neutralizer rebuilds them.

Do not perm or color over metallic salts, freshly relaxed hair, or hair with incompatible chemical history without testing.

The color wheel: complementary colors neutralize unwanted tones, for example blue neutralizes orange.

Elasticity and porosity tests help decide whether hair can withstand chemical processing.

Hair has three layers: cuticle (outer protective), cortex (strength and pigment), and medulla (central core).

Hair and scalp pH is about 4.5 to 5.5; alkaline products swell the cuticle and acidic products close it.

Shampoo is applied to wet hair, emulsified in the palms, massaged into the scalp, and rinsed thoroughly.

Conditioner lowers pH, smooths the cuticle, and reduces friction; it is rinsed unless labeled leave-in.

Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal scalp infection with scaling and hair loss; refer to a physician.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes oily scaling and redness; psoriasis causes thick silvery plaques; both may require medical referral.

Scalp massage manipulations include effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, and friction.

High-frequency current and astringents are sometimes used for oily scalp; antiseptics are used for minor scalp abrasions.

Hair analysis: elasticity shows stretch and recovery; porosity shows absorption; density shows number of hairs per area.

Consultation gathers hair history, chemical history, lifestyle, styling routine, expectations, and maintenance commitment.

Open-ended questions, such as asking what the client dislikes about the current cut, yield more information than yes/no questions.

Show the client the planned length and shape with a mirror or hand position before cutting.

Informed consent explains benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare for chemical or shaving services.

Active listening includes eye contact, paraphrasing, and clarifying; avoid interrupting.

Client records note formulas, processing times, products, allergies, and preferences for future visits.

Professional conduct includes confidentiality, punctuality, clean attire, and respectful communication.

If a client requests a service outside your license or training, decline and refer.

Connecticut barbering is regulated by the Department of Public Health (DPH); barbers and barbershops must hold current licenses.

Connecticut barber license applicants must complete an approved barbering course and pass the required examination; the DPH sets current training-hour requirements.

An apprentice barber may perform barbering services only under the supervision of a licensed barber as allowed by Connecticut rules.

A barbershop license is issued to the shop; the shop must pass inspection and maintain sanitation standards.

Connecticut requires cleaned and disinfected implements, single-use blades and neck strips, and closed containers for soiled items.

Blood and body-fluid exposure requires gloves and EPA-registered hospital disinfectant; contaminated waste is disposed of properly.

Licensees must display licenses as required and produce them on request by an authorized inspector.

Connecticut law prohibits barbering on infected or inflamed skin and requires referral when a condition is outside the barber's scope.

Chemical services must follow manufacturer directions and patch-test requirements; records are kept.