CT Cosmetology key terms

A 0-to-14 measure of how acidic or alkaline a water-based solution is, with 7 neutral. Hair and skin products are formulated around this scale because it affects cuticle swelling and chemical service results.

A shampoo formulated near the natural pH of hair and scalp, roughly 4.5 to 5.5, so it cleans without excessive cuticle swelling. It is the usual follow-up after color or lightener services.

A solution with a pH above 7 that swells the hair cuticle and softens it, allowing chemicals to enter the cortex. Relaxers, depilatories, and lighteners depend on this swelling action.

The outermost, overlapping scale-like layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner structure. Its condition controls shine, porosity, and how evenly chemicals penetrate the strand.

The thick middle layer of the hair shaft made of elongated cells and pigment granules. It gives hair strength, elasticity, and color, and it is where chemical changes permanently alter the fiber.

A long string of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that forms part of the hair's protein structure. Side bonds between these chains determine curl pattern and are broken by perms and relaxers.

A strong side bond joining two sulfur-containing cysteine units in hair keratin. It is broken by reducing agents in perms and relaxers and rebuilt by oxidation during neutralization.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, reflecting the tightness of the cuticle. Highly porous hair takes color quickly but releases it fast and needs gentler processing.

A wet-hair check in which a strand is stretched to judge how far it extends before breaking and whether it returns to length. Poor elasticity signals damage and warns against strong chemical services.

A small test service performed on a section of the client's hair before the full chemical application. It predicts processing time, strength of product, and the likely final result.

A small amount of product applied to skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, and observed for a reaction before a service. It screens for allergic sensitivity to color or other chemicals.

The structured conversation before a service that covers the client's history, desires, hair and scalp condition, and any contraindications. It documents expectations and supports informed consent.

A condition or circumstance that makes a planned service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an inflamed scalp, a recent lightener burn, or a known product allergy. Recognizing one means postponing or declining the service.

The client's agreement to a service after being told its nature, risks, alternatives, and likely outcome in terms they understand. It is documented in the record and can be withdrawn at any time.

Dividing the hair into controlled, workable parts using clips and a comb before cutting, coloring, or styling. Consistent sectioning keeps tension even and results balanced on both sides.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head while cutting, measured from the scalp. Low elevation builds weight, while high elevation removes weight and creates layered movement.

A cut made with hair held at zero elevation and cut straight across, producing a solid, heavy perimeter line. It creates a strong baseline shape and is the foundation of many one-length styles.

A texturizing technique in which the shear tips cut into the ends of a section to soften a line and blend weight. It reduces bulk without shortening the overall length much.

The position of a curl or roller relative to its section, such as on base, half off base, or off base. It determines volume, tension, and how much root lift the finished style holds.

A wet styling method in which hair is wound on rollers and dried to create curl and volume. The size of the roller, the winding tension, and base control shape the final result.

Shaping hair with heated tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs. Tool temperature must match hair texture and condition to avoid blistering or permanent damage.

A hydrogen peroxide solution that supplies oxygen to oxidize dye and to develop lightening. Its volume strength controls the amount of lift and deposit, and it must be matched to the service.

A chemical product, usually alkaline, that straightens curly or tightly coiled hair by breaking side bonds in the cortex. Strength and processing time must suit the client's texture and scalp condition.

The oxidation step after a relaxer or perm that rebuilds broken disulfide bonds and returns hair to its normal pH. Incomplete neutralization leaves hair weak and prone to further breakage.

Adjustments made for clients receiving cancer treatment, whose skin and scalp may be sensitive and whose hair may shed. Services are modified or delayed, and physician clearance is sought for chemical work.

The visible, hardened keratin structure that covers the nail bed and protects the fingertip. Its condition, thickness, and surface texture guide filing, buffing, and product choice.

The pinkish tissue beneath the nail plate that supplies it with moisture and nourishment. It is highly sensitive, so aggressive filing or improper product application can injure it.

An abnormal condition of the nail or surrounding tissue, such as onychomycosis, paronychia, or a bruised nail. A cosmetologist may not treat these and should refer the client to a physician.

A skin care service that cleanses, exfoliates, massages, and moisturizes the face, often with a mask. It is limited to cosmetic improvement of healthy skin, not treatment of disease.

The set of services and procedures a licensed professional is legally permitted to perform. Working outside it, such as diagnosing skin disease or treating nails medically, risks discipline and endangers clients.

Infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of blood or body fluids. They replace the older assumption that only some clients pose risk.

Destroying most pathogenic organisms on nonporous implements using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product at the labeled concentration and contact time. It is required for tools that contact intact skin.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores, usually by autoclave or dry heat. It is required for implements that have contacted blood or broken skin.

A microorganism carried in blood that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV. Exposure requires immediate washing, reporting, and medical follow-up under workplace rules.

A document, now often called a Safety Data Sheet, supplied with a chemical product that lists hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage. It must be kept accessible in the salon.

A written or electronic file of each client's service history, products used, test results, and consent. Accurate records protect both client and licensee if a reaction or dispute arises.

The state agency that regulates cosmetology licensing through its practitioner licensing unit. It issues licenses, sets sanitation standards, and receives complaints about licensed salons and professionals.

The continuing education hours a Connecticut cosmetology licensee must complete to renew a license, covering topics such as safety, sanitation, or professional practice. Hours must be documented and kept for audit.

An injury to skin or hair caused by contact with a heated tool, hot water, or steam. Burns to a client must be reported, documented, and treated with cool water rather than ointments.