CIBTAC Beauty Therapy key terms

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client. The therapist must identify it during consultation and either adapt the service or decline to proceed and refer on.

The structured conversation before a treatment in which the therapist records the client's history, lifestyle, medications, skin or nail condition, and expectations, then agrees a plan and obtains informed consent.

A client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told what it involves, its likely benefits, and its possible risks and alternatives. It should be documented and refreshed when the treatment plan changes.

A small controlled application of a product, such as tint or adhesive, to check for an allergic reaction before full treatment. Results are read after a set time and a positive reaction cancels the service.

Systematic assessment of the client's skin using observation and touch to judge type, hydration, oiliness, texture, pore size, and visible concerns, which then guides product and treatment selection.

The inherited baseline behaviour of the skin, usually classified as normal, dry, oily, or combination. It is distinguished from temporary skin conditions and determines the base products a therapist chooses.

The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates skin and hair and helps form the skin's protective film. Excess production is linked to congestion and acne; too little leaves skin tight and flaky.

A blocked pore containing sebum and dead skin cells. An open comedone is a blackhead; a closed comedone sits beneath the skin surface as a small white bump and may become inflamed.

The controlled removal of comedones or milia during a facial using gloved fingers or a sterile tool, after softening the skin. It is avoided on inflamed, broken, or highly sensitive skin.

A galvanic current technique that softens sebum and keratin in congested skin, preparing pores for extraction. An alkaline solution is applied under the negative pole to saponify oils.

A direct electrical current used in facial work. The negative pole softens and cleanses tissue, while the positive pole firms and closes pores; the client holds an indifferent electrode to complete the circuit.

A mild alternating current applied through a glass electrode, producing a violet glow and ozone. It is used to help dry and calm spotty skin, and the intensity is kept low and moving.

A sequence of light, rhythmic, directional strokes that encourages lymph movement towards drainage points. In beauty therapy it is used for puffiness and post-treatment comfort, not as a medical treatment.

A gliding massage stroke performed with relaxed hands in the direction of muscle fibres or lymph flow. It links other strokes, warms tissue, and applies product evenly across the treatment area.

A group of massage manipulations that knead, squeeze, and lift soft tissue to release tension and stimulate circulation. Pressure is applied with the palms, thumbs, or knuckles and adjusted to client comfort.

A brisk, rhythmic percussion stroke using cupped hands, fingertips, or the edge of the hand. It stimulates circulation and muscle tone and is usually applied briefly near the end of a massage.

Removal of hair from below the skin surface, including the root, for example by waxing, sugaring, or electrolysis. Regrowth is slower than with depilation and the follicle is temporarily or permanently damaged.

Removal of hair at or just above the skin surface without disturbing the root, as with shaving or depilatory creams. Regrowth appears quickly and may feel coarser because the cut end is blunt.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the hair is attached to its blood supply and strongest. Waxing is most effective in this phase and least comfortable, as the root holds firm.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, when the hair detaches from the follicle and is shed. Hair in this phase comes away easily with waxing and regrowth patterns can be uneven.

The direction in which hair lies and grows on a given body area. It dictates wax application and removal direction so hair is removed cleanly with less breakage and discomfort.

The visible hard keratin structure covering the nail bed, made of compacted layers of cells. Its condition, thickness, and surface markings give clues to health and previous trauma.

The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells and determines the shape and thickness of the plate. Damage here causes permanent ridges or deformity.

The pinkish tissue lying beneath the nail plate, carrying blood vessels and nerves. It is visible through a healthy transparent plate and is exposed if the plate lifts away.

The pale half-moon area at the base of the nail plate where the matrix is thickest and cells are not yet fully keratinised. It is most obvious on the thumbs and is not a health indicator on its own.

The thin layer of dead skin sealing the gap between the nail plate and the skin at the base of the nail. It protects against infection and should be softened and gently pushed, not cut away.

The living band of skin at the base of the nail that sits just behind the cuticle. It is a protective seal and must not be cut, as doing so risks infection and scarring.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a white or yellowish gap that moves as the nail grows. It is a contraindication to nail coatings until the cause is resolved.

Inflammation of the skin around the nail, often red, swollen, and painful, caused by infection or irritation. It is a contraindication to nail services and manicure massage until healed.

A fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, discolouration, and crumbling at the free edge. It spreads easily via tools, so the service is refused and the client referred for medical treatment.

A first layer applied under nail colour to improve adhesion, protect the plate from staining, and create a smooth surface. Some base coats are ridge-filling, bonding, or strengthening depending on the system.

The final layer that seals colour, adds gloss, and resists chipping. Some top coats are cured under a UV or LED lamp, and all must be applied thinly to avoid shrinkage.

A nail coating of oligomers that hardens only when exposed to ultraviolet or LED light. It is used for overlays and extensions and is removed by soaking or filing, not by ordinary polish remover.

The study of how colours relate, mix, and contrast, including primary, secondary, and complementary pairs. Make-up artists use it to correct tones, match skin, and build harmonious looks.

Neutralising an unwanted tone in the skin by applying its opposite on the colour wheel, for example green over redness or peach over blue shadows, before foundation.

Selecting a base shade and undertone that blends seamlessly with the client's skin in natural light, tested along the jawline rather than the hand.

Shading and highlighting the face to sculpt its shape, using darker tones where a feature should recede and lighter tones where it should come forward.

Reducing the number of microorganisms on tools and surfaces to a safe level by cleaning and using an approved disinfectant. It is the routine standard between clients in beauty and nail settings.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, tool, or surface to another. It is prevented by hand washing, fresh linen, disinfected implements, and never double-dipping products.

The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, on an implement, usually by autoclave. It is required where skin may be broken and follows thorough cleaning first.

The therapeutic use of essential oils, diluted in a carrier oil and applied by massage or inhalation, to support relaxation and wellbeing. Oils are chosen for their properties and the client's needs.

A concentrated, volatile plant extract carrying the scent and active properties of the plant. It is never applied neat to skin and is always diluted and patch tested.

A vegetable oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed used to dilute essential oils so they can be applied safely to skin. It also lubricates the skin during massage.

A spa treatment in which the body is coated in a product and wrapped to encourage absorption, hydration, or relaxation. The therapist monitors comfort and temperature throughout.