DE Cosmetology key terms

The lowest level of infection control: cleaning and removing visible debris from tools and surfaces with soap and water or detergent. It does not kill pathogens but prepares items for disinfection or sterilization.

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant on implements and surfaces to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on nonporous items. Required for multi-use tools after each client.

The highest level of infection control, destroying all microbial life including bacterial spores. Achieved with an autoclave using steam under pressure, or dry heat, and used for items that may contact broken skin.

An infection-control approach in which all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials are treated as if infectious, regardless of a client's known health status. Gloves and barrier protection are used consistently.

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood or body fluids that can be transmitted through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Hepatitis B and C and HIV are the primary examples relevant to salon work.

A document, now often called a Safety Data Sheet, supplied by a product manufacturer that lists a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Employers must keep it accessible to workers.

A device that sterilizes implements using high-pressure saturated steam at elevated temperature. Items must first be cleaned and dried, and porous and nonporous loads may require separate cycles.

A classification of surfaces and implements. Nonporous items such as metal, glass, and plastic can be disinfected; porous items such as wood, cloth, and foam cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded or single-use.

The ability of a disinfectant or product to produce the intended result against a specific organism when used as directed. Labels state efficacy claims, contact time, and dilution, all of which must be followed exactly.

The number of minutes an EPA-registered disinfectant must remain wet on a surface or implement to achieve its labeled kill claim. Removing or wiping the product early cancels its effectiveness.

The repeating stages of hair growth: anagen, the active growth phase; catagen, a brief transition; and telogen, a resting phase ending in shedding. Each stage affects cutting, coloring, and removal services.

The active growth stage of a hair follicle, when cells divide rapidly and the hair lengthens. Most scalp hair is in this phase at any time, which is why hair continues to grow between cuts.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, lasting roughly three months, after which the hair is shed and a new cycle begins. Daily shedding of 50 to 100 hairs is normal.

The tube-like pocket in the dermis from which a hair grows. It contains the root, sebaceous gland attachment, and arrector pili muscle, and its shape and angle influence curl pattern and cutting technique.

A tiny involuntary muscle attached to each hair follicle that contracts in cold or emotion, causing goose bumps and lifting the hair. It has no voluntary control but affects how hair lies.

The direction in which hair grows from the scalp, including the whorl at the crown and any cowlicks. Cutting against or with the pattern changes balance, weight lines, and the finished shape.

A circular growth pattern, usually at the crown, where hair radiates outward from a center point. It can create stubborn lift or parting that must be accounted for when cutting and styling.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head while cutting, measured from the scalp. It controls graduation and layering: 0 degrees is blunt, 45 is graduated, and 90 is uniformly layered.

A cutting technique in which lengths build up in stacked layers, usually from shorter at the perimeter or nape to longer above. Created by holding hair at an elevation between 0 and 90 degrees.

Cutting hair at higher elevations so lengths overlap and create movement and reduced bulk. Layers can be uniform, increasing, or decreasing, and are described by where the shortest and longest lengths sit.

Dividing the head into controlled subsections, such as four quadrants or horizontal partings, before cutting, coloring, or styling. Consistent sectioning keeps results balanced and repeatable.

Cutting hair with a straight or feather razor to soften ends and create texture. It requires tension control and is avoided on very curly or fine hair where it can cause frizz or unevenness.

Techniques that remove bulk, blend weight lines, or add movement without changing the overall shape. Examples include point cutting, notching, slithering, and thinning shears.

A texturizing method in which the tips of the shears are inserted into the ends of a section and cut at an angle. It softens a blunt line and creates a diffused, piecey finish.

A barbering cut in which hair length transitions gradually from short at the nape or sides to longer on top, with no visible weight line. Bald fades expose skin; taper fades keep a soft perimeter.

A barbering technique in which clippers with a guard are run over a comb to cut hair to a consistent, longer length than clippers alone. The comb guides the cut and protects the scalp.

A removable attachment fitted to clippers that sets the cutting length. Guards are numbered by the length they leave, and consistent guard use is essential to an even fade or taper.

A structured assessment of a client's skin type, condition, sensitivity, and concerns before a facial or treatment. It guides product selection and identifies contraindications such as active breakouts or irritation.

A six-level classification of skin phototype based on response to sun exposure, from very fair that always burns to deeply pigmented that rarely burns. It guides sun protection advice and treatment intensity.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe, such as active infection, recent surgery, or certain medications. Identifying contraindications protects the client and limits liability.

A small controlled application of a product on a discreet area, such as behind the ear or inner forearm, to check for allergic reaction before a full treatment. Results are read after 24 to 48 hours.

Removing dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical means such as scrubs and brushes, or chemical means such as acids and enzymes. It improves texture and product absorption but must suit the client's sensitivity.

Describes a product or ingredient likely to clog pores and contribute to acne. Estheticians choose noncomedogenic formulas for oily and acne-prone clients.

Permanent hair removal using a fine probe inserted into the follicle to deliver current that destroys the growth cells. Methods include galvanic, thermolysis, and blend, each differing in current and comfort.

An electrolysis modality that applies high-frequency alternating current to the follicle, generating heat that destroys tissue. It is fast but can be less effective on curved or distorted follicles.

An electrolysis modality using direct current to create a chemical reaction, usually sodium hydroxide, at the probe tip that destroys the follicle. It is slower but effective on curved follicles.

An electrolysis modality combining galvanic and thermolysis currents in one treatment. The heat accelerates the chemical reaction, making it faster than galvanic alone and effective on difficult follicles.

The principle that electrolysis destroys only follicles in the anagen phase, so multiple treatments spaced over months are required to catch all hairs as they enter active growth.

The visible, hardened keratin structure covering the nail bed. Its condition, thickness, and surface indicate health and determine how products adhere and how the nail is shaped.

The pink tissue beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels. The plate rests on and is guided by it, and changes in bed color can signal health concerns.

The living tissue at the base of the nail where new cells form and harden into the nail plate. Damage to the matrix permanently alters nail shape and growth.

The thin layer of dead tissue that seals the base of the nail plate where it meets the skin. It protects against infection and should be softened and gently pushed, never cut deeply.

The living skin at the base of the nail that overlaps the plate and produces the cuticle. It is often confused with the cuticle and must not be cut during a standard manicure.

A fungal infection of the nail plate and bed, appearing as thickening, discoloration, and crumbling. It is contagious, is a contraindication for nail services, and requires medical referral.

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, often from bacteria entering through broken skin. Signs include redness, swelling, and pain, and service should be refused until resolved.