ITEC Beauty Therapy (ITEC) key terms

A client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, what it involves, likely results, possible risks and alternatives, given without pressure and recorded before the service starts.

The legal and ethical obligation of a therapist to act in the client's best interests, avoid foreseeable harm, work within their competence and refer on when a condition is outside their training.

The treatments, techniques and decisions a therapist is trained, insured and legally permitted to carry out; working outside it can endanger clients and invalidate insurance cover.

Legal rules governing how personal and health information about clients is collected, stored, shared and disposed of, including the client's right to see records held about them.

Cover that protects a therapist against claims of negligence, injury or loss arising from treatments, usually conditional on holding recognised qualifications and following approved protocols.

Directing a client to another professional, such as a doctor, dermatologist or specialist therapist, when a condition, request or reaction lies beyond the therapist's training or legal limits.

The outermost, avascular layer of the skin, built mainly of keratinocytes arranged in layers, which provides the barrier against water loss, microbes and irritants and is the target of most superficial peels and exfoliants.

The living layer beneath the epidermis, containing collagen and elastin fibres, blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles; its condition determines skin firmness, elasticity and scarring risk.

The outermost sub-layer of the epidermis, made of flattened dead keratin-filled cells held in a lipid matrix, which limits water loss and controls how much product penetrates the skin.

The pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour and absorbs ultraviolet radiation; uneven production shows as freckles, sun spots or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum onto the skin surface, helping to lubricate and waterproof it; overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne.

A network of vessels, nodes and organs that returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream and supports immune defence; its superficial vessels are the direction guide for manual lymphatic drainage and massage strokes.

Any condition, medication, circumstance or client factor that makes a treatment inadvisable, either completely (absolute) or requiring modification or medical approval (relative).

A written or digital form capturing the client's details, medical history, medications, allergies, lifestyle, skin or nail findings, treatment plan, consent and any reactions, kept securely and updated at each visit.

A small controlled application of a product, such as tint or adhesive, to a discreet area of skin at least 24 to 48 hours before treatment to check for an allergic reaction.

Sensitivity is an exaggerated but tolerable reaction such as stinging or redness, while allergy is an immune response that can worsen with each exposure and permanently rules out that ingredient.

A documented schedule of agreed services, products and home care, with frequency, expected outcomes, cost and review points, matched to the client's goals, budget and any modifications required.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, surface or tool to another, directly or via contaminated hands, equipment, linen or products; preventing it is the core aim of salon hygiene routines.

Using a chemical agent to reduce harmful microorganisms on tools and surfaces to a safe level; it does not reliably destroy bacterial spores and is not the same as sterilisation.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on reusable instruments, typically using an autoclave; required where tools may contact blood, such as nippers causing nicks.

Routine measures applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, clean linen, safe waste disposal and careful handling of sharps and body fluids.

Placing used blades, needles or broken glass immediately into a rigid, labelled, puncture-resistant container that is never overfilled and is collected by an approved waste contractor.

Systematic assessment of the client's skin under good light, examining texture, pore size, hydration, oiliness, sensitivity, pigmentation and laxity to select suitable products and treatments.

The client's relatively stable baseline classification, commonly normal, dry, oily or combination, which guides product choice independently of temporary skin conditions or concerns.

Describes an ingredient or product likely to block pores and contribute to blackheads or spots; rating helps therapists choose suitable moisturisers and cosmetics for oily or acne-prone skin.

The amount of water evaporating through the skin barrier; raised levels indicate dryness or a compromised barrier and are reduced by occlusive ingredients and barrier-repair products.

A smooth, gliding massage stroke performed with palms or fingers, used to apply medium, warm it and begin or end a sequence, always moving towards the heart on limbs.

A group of deeper massage manipulations including kneading, rolling and wringing that compress and lift soft tissue to relieve tension and improve circulation, applied after warming strokes.

A light, rhythmic technique using gentle directional strokes towards lymph nodes to encourage fluid movement; used for puffiness and post-surgical swelling only with appropriate training and medical clearance.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the follicle is deepest and the hair has a rich blood supply; waxing or laser during this phase affects regrowth and treatment timing.

The repeating sequence of growth (anagen), transition (catagen) and rest and shedding (telogen) that every follicle follows independently, which explains why regrowth appears between hair removal appointments.

Removal of hair from the root by applying warm or hot wax, allowing it to set and stripping it against the direction of growth while the skin is held taut.

Darkening of skin after injury or inflammation, such as waxing trauma, burns or picking; more likely in darker skin tones and managed by avoiding further irritation and using sun protection.

The hard, translucent keratin structure covering the nail bed, produced by the matrix; its surface, thickness and colour changes are key observations in manicure and pedicure services.

The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells; damage here causes permanent ridges, splitting or distortion, so it must never be cut or over-filed.

The thin layer of dead skin sealing the base of the nail plate; it protects the matrix from infection and is softened and pushed back rather than cut during a standard manicure.

The principles of how hues relate and mix, used in make-up to choose flattering shades, neutralise discolouration with opposite colours on the wheel and create balanced, harmonious looks.

The foundation or tinted product applied to even out skin tone and create a surface for other cosmetics; shade matching, undertone and finish must suit the client's skin type and lighting.

An ingredient such as glycerin that attracts and holds water in the upper skin layers, improving hydration; it works best when combined with an occlusive to prevent the water evaporating.

A blend of oil and water held together by an emulsifier, forming the basis of most creams and lotions; the balance of the two phases determines whether it suits oily, dry or combination skin.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity; skin sits near pH 5.5, and products far from this, such as some soaps and peels, can disrupt the barrier and cause irritation.