GA Cosmetology cheat sheet

Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces but does not destroy bacterial spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores.

An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim is used for implements contaminated with blood or body fluids.

Bacteria shapes: cocci are round, bacilli are rod-shaped, and spirilla are spiral; pathogens cause disease while nonpathogens do not.

Viruses are submicroscopic parasites that reproduce inside host cells; HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are bloodborne and are not killed by antibiotics.

The pH scale runs from 0 to 14; hair and skin are acidic near pH 4.5–5.5, and alkaline solutions swell the cuticle and raise pH.

Skin layers from outer to inner are epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue; the dermis contains nerves, blood vessels, and glands.

Hair shaft layers are cuticle (outer), cortex (middle, contains melanin), and medulla (core, may be absent in fine hair).

Facial muscles include frontalis (raises eyebrows), occipitalis (pulls scalp back), and masseter (closes jaw for chewing).

Surfactants lift oil and dirt so water can rinse them away; ammonia raises pH and swells hair, and hydrogen peroxide oxidizes melanin.

Hair analysis assesses density, porosity, elasticity, and texture before a service; elasticity is tested by stretching a wet strand about 50 percent and checking return.

Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle and resists moisture; high porosity hair has an open cuticle, absorbs quickly, and loses moisture easily.

Hair color levels run from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde); developer volumes are 10 (3%), 20 (6%), 30 (9%), and 40 (12%).

Sodium hydroxide relaxers are lye products with pH near 13; no-lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine and still require neutralization.

A relaxer retouch is applied only to new growth, not previously relaxed hair, to prevent overprocessing and breakage.

Neutralization lowers the hair's pH and stops relaxer processing; shampooing and neutralizer remove residue and restore acid balance.

Haircutting elevation controls shape: zero elevation builds a blunt line, 45 degrees builds graduation, and 90 degrees creates layers.

Conditioners lower pH, smooth the cuticle, and add moisture; shampoos use surfactants to lift oil and debris from the scalp and hair.

Thermal styling temperatures vary by tool and hair type; curling irons commonly operate between 250°F and 450°F, and heat protectant reduces damage.

Nail structures include the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, free edge, nail fold, and mantle.

The matrix produces nail plate cells; matrix damage can cause grooves, thinning, or permanent nail deformity.

Fingernails grow about one-eighth inch per month; toenails grow more slowly, and growth slows in winter and with poor circulation.

Common nail shapes are square, round, oval, squoval, and pointed; shape is chosen for strength and client preference.

Filing is done in one direction to reduce splitting; buffing is limited to the nail plate and avoided on the cuticle and surrounding skin.

Signs of infection such as pus, redness, swelling, or pain require stopping the service and referring the client to a physician.

Acrylic nail products combine liquid monomer with polymer powder; primer improves adhesion, and skin contact is avoided.

Pedicure foot baths must be cleaned and disinfected after each client; toenails are cut straight across to reduce ingrown nails.

Implements are cleaned with soap and water, dried, then immersed in EPA-registered hospital disinfectant; single-use items are discarded after one client.

Skin types are normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive; combination skin is oily in the T-zone and drier on the cheeks.

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin I–VI by burning and tanning response; higher types have more melanin and lower sunburn risk but still need protection.

Cleansers use surfactants to remove oil and debris; toners restore pH, and moisturizers reduce water loss through the stratum corneum.

Mechanical exfoliation uses scrubs or brushes; chemical exfoliation uses alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) or beta hydroxy acid (salicylic).

Facial massage movements include effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration; effleurage is a gliding stroke used to begin and end.

A basic facial sequence is cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.

Waxing requires hair about one-quarter inch long; hair is removed in the direction of growth, and a patch test checks for allergic reaction.

Contraindications for skin services include open lesions, contagious conditions, severe inflammation, and recent chemical peels or laser treatments.

The ABCDE warning signs of skin cancer are asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter greater than a pencil eraser, and evolving lesions.

Profit equals revenue minus expenses; revenue includes service and retail sales, while expenses include rent, payroll, supplies, utilities, and taxes.

Cost of goods sold percentage equals product cost divided by service revenue times 100; a common salon target is about 10 percent.

Service price can be set by adding product cost, labor cost, overhead, and profit, then dividing by the number of services performed.

Commission pay gives the stylist a percentage of service or retail revenue; booth rental gives the stylist all revenue but charges a fixed fee.

A cancellation policy with a deposit reduces no-shows; the policy states the time limit and the fee charged.

Retail sales and service upgrades increase average ticket; tracking average ticket helps measure front-desk performance.

Payroll records must show hours, wages, tips, and deductions; employers withhold income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Business records such as receipts, bank statements, and tax returns are kept for at least three to seven years.

Liability insurance covers injury or damage claims, while property insurance covers fire, theft, and water damage to the salon.

Salon business models include booth rental, commission, hourly, salary, and owner-operated; each changes who controls pricing, clients, and supplies.

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires an exposure control plan, PPE such as gloves, hepatitis B vaccination offers, and sharps disposal rules.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide hazard, handling, storage, and first-aid information and must be accessible to employees.

Inventory control uses par levels and first-in, first-out rotation; overstock ties up cash while understock interrupts services.

Salon roles may include receptionist, stylist, assistant, esthetician, nail technician, and manager; clear roles reduce scheduling conflicts.

Client records document services, products, allergies, and patch tests; client information is confidential and not shared without consent.

Emergency procedures cover fire evacuation, injury response, chemical spills, and power outages; exits and extinguishers must be unobstructed.

A salon inspection checks license posting, sanitation, disinfection logs, chemical storage, and hand-washing facilities.

Scheduling systems reduce double-booking by tracking service duration, processing time, and cleanup time for each appointment.

Georgia cosmetology is governed by the Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers under the Secretary of State, with rules in O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 10.

A Georgia salon must hold a current salon license, and the salon and individual practitioner licenses must be displayed for clients.

Licensees may perform only services within the scope of their license; practicing outside that scope can result in discipline or revocation.

Georgia requires 1,500 training hours for a cosmetologist license; esthetician and nail technician programs require fewer board-approved hours.

Implements must be cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant after each client; single-use items are discarded.

Blood or body-fluid spills require stopping the service, wearing gloves, cleaning the area, and disinfecting with a tuberculocidal product.

Georgia cosmetology licenses renew on a biennial cycle; the board sets renewal fees and any continuing education requirements by rule.

Unlicensed practice of cosmetology in Georgia is prohibited and subject to board action and legal penalties.

Schools offering cosmetology programs must be licensed by the Georgia board and meet curriculum and hour requirements.