IA Cosmetology flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Cuticle layer
- The outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of overlapping, transparent scales that protect the cortex and regulate moisture absorption.
- Cortex
- The middle layer of the hair shaft, containing melanin and keratin, and responsible for hair's strength, elasticity, and color.
- Disulfide bond
- A strong chemical bond between two sulfur atoms in cysteine amino acids; broken by reducing agents during perming and re-formed by oxidizing agents.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting two to seven years, during which new hair cells are produced in the follicle.
- Isoelectric point
- The pH at which hair is strongest and least swollen, typically pH 4.5 to 5.5, matching the natural acidity of hair and skin.
- Developer volume
- A measure of hydrogen peroxide concentration: 10 volume is 3%, 20 volume is 6%, 30 volume is 9%, and 40 volume is 12%.
- Sterilization
- The process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an object; achieved by autoclave or chemical sterilants.
- Hospital-grade disinfectant
- An EPA-registered product that kills pathogens on surfaces and must be used at the label's specified contact time to be effective.
- Hair porosity
- The ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle; low porosity resists moisture, high porosity absorbs quickly.
- Elasticity test
- A test in which a wet strand is stretched; healthy hair stretches about 50% of its length and returns without breaking.
- Base placement
- The position of a perm rod relative to the scalp: on-base for volume, half-base for medium volume, and off-base for least volume.
- Cream lightener
- A hair lightener that can lift up to seven levels and is mixed with developer; used for strong lightening and on-scalp application.
- Lye relaxer
- A hair relaxer containing sodium hydroxide at pH 12 to 14; it requires a base cream to protect the scalp and is very effective.
- No-lye relaxer
- A hair relaxer using calcium hydroxide and guanidine at pH 9 to 10; it is gentler on the scalp but can leave calcium buildup.
- Heat protectant
- A styling product applied before thermal tools that coats the hair to reduce moisture loss and prevent damage from high temperatures.
- Clarifying shampoo
- A shampoo designed to remove product buildup, oils, and minerals from the hair, often containing surfactants but few conditioning agents.
- Stratum corneum
- The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened corneocytes and lipids, forming the skin's primary barrier.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A classification of skin types I to VI based on sun reactivity; higher types have more melanin and greater risk of hyperpigmentation.
- ABCDE rule
- A melanoma screening guide: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving lesion.
- Humectant
- An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts water from the environment or deeper skin layers to hydrate the skin.
- Emollient
- An ingredient such as oils or fatty alcohols that softens and smooths the skin by filling spaces between corneocytes.
- Occlusive
- An ingredient such as petrolatum or dimethicone that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.
- Alpha hydroxy acid
- A water-soluble chemical exfoliant such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens dead skin cells on the surface.
- Beta hydroxy acid
- An oil-soluble chemical exfoliant, such as salicylic acid, that penetrates pores to exfoliate and reduce acne.
- Isotretinoin contraindication
- A facial treatment should be avoided within six months of isotretinoin use because the skin is fragile and heals poorly.
- Nail matrix
- The area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced; it determines the thickness and shape of the nail plate.
- Nail bed
- The skin beneath the nail plate, containing blood vessels and nerves, which supports the nail plate.
- Eponychium
- The living skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the nail matrix from infection; often mistakenly called the cuticle.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate, often causing thickening, discoloration, and separation; it requires medical referral.
- Paronychia
- A bacterial infection of the skin around the nail, causing redness, swelling, and pain; it requires medical referral.
- Monomer liquid
- The liquid component of acrylic nails, typically ethyl methacrylate (EMA), which polymerizes with powder to form a hard nail enhancement.
- Gel photoinitiator
- A compound in gel nail products that absorbs UV or LED light and starts polymerization, curing the gel to a hard finish.