DC Cosmetology cheat sheet

Cleaning removes debris; disinfection kills most pathogens; sterilization kills all microorganisms including spores

Only nonporous implements can be disinfected - porous ones must be discarded after one use

Disinfectants must remain wet for the label's full contact time

UV cabinets store tools; they do not disinfect them

Blood exposure requires an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with HIV/HBV efficacy and proper glove use

0 degrees = blunt; 45 = graduated; 90 = uniform layer; 180 = long layers

Distribution and projection together create the shape - not the scissors alone

A stationary guide stays fixed; a travelling guide follows the prior subsection. Overdirection affects resulting lengths.

Cross-check by combing hair into its natural fall before finishing

Overdirection changes length distribution according to the direction and guide; do not assume the same result in every design.

Analyze skin type and condition before selecting products or techniques

Fitzpatrick describes reported UV response; it does not alone determine safe treatment settings.

Extract only non-inflamed comedones; refer inflamed lesions

Massage manipulations: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration

Oil-production patterns and current skin conditions are distinct; conditions are not all temporary or cosmetically treatable.

Cuticle protects; cortex holds melanin and does the chemical work; medulla is the core

Anagen (2–6 years) accounts for roughly 85–90% of scalp hair; shedding 50–100 hairs daily is normal

Vellus hair is fine and unpigmented; terminal hair is coarse and pigmented

Tinea, pediculosis, and scabies are contagious and always referred

Alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, and canities are not contagious

Sole proprietorship carries unlimited personal liability; corporations and LLCs limit it

A booth-rental label alone does not establish worker classification or tax obligations.

OSHA covers workplace safety and requires accessible Safety Data Sheets

Check current DC DLCP and Board requirements for individual and establishment licensing, sanitation and scope.

Confidentiality, informed consent, and accurate client records are core ethical and legal duties

Check the correct DC licence category and current official application.

DLCP lists1500hours for cosmetologist training; the District Code sets minimum age17.

The Code provides a default two-year licence period, subject to specific exceptions.

The March2025DLCPnotice describes six approved CEhours, split2health/safety/welfare and4electives.

The notice exempts first-time renewals; confirm requirements for the actual cycle.

Do not assume an out-of-state licence automatically authorizes DC practice.