ID Cosmetology key terms

The process of significantly reducing the number of pathogens on a surface or tool by cleaning and then applying a chemical disinfectant. In Idaho salons it is the minimum required level of infection control for most reusable implements.

Destroying or inactivating nearly all pathogenic organisms on a nonliving surface using an EPA-registered product mixed and used at its labeled dilution and contact time. Required for implements that contact skin, hair, or nails but do not penetrate the body.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave, dry heat, or chemical vapor. It is the highest level of infection control and is not the same as disinfection.

An EPA-registered product labeled as effective against tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV when used at the correct dilution and contact time. Idaho rules require this tier for implements soiled with blood or used on skin that may be broken.

The federal OSHA rule requiring employers to assume any blood or body fluid is infectious, provide personal protective equipment, offer hepatitis B vaccination, and train staff. Salons must follow it whenever blood may be present.

A practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious regardless of the client's known health status. It removes the need to guess who is contagious.

Barrier items worn to prevent contact with pathogens, such as disposable gloves, eye protection, and aprons. Gloves are single-use and must be changed between clients and whenever torn or soiled.

A specific event in which blood or other potentially infectious material contacts broken skin, mucous membranes, or a sharps injury. It triggers immediate washing, reporting, and medical follow-up.

A document, now typically called a Safety Data Sheet, that summarizes a product's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal. Employers must keep these accessible for every hazardous chemical in the salon.

The body system made up of skin, hair, nails, and glands that forms the protective outer covering. It regulates temperature, senses touch, and is the primary system cosmetologists work on.

The portion of a hair that extends above the scalp surface. It has three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla, and its condition determines how chemicals and heat affect the strand.

The tough, overlapping outer layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner layers. Chemical services must lift it to allow products in, and its condition controls shine, porosity, and color retention.

The middle layer of the hair shaft, made of elongated cells containing melanin and keratin. It gives hair strength, elasticity, and natural color, and is where permanent color and waving chemicals act.

The innermost layer of the hair shaft, a core of loosely packed cells that may be absent in fine or light-colored hair. It contributes little to strength or chemical behavior.

The pigment produced in the hair follicle that gives hair its natural color. Its type and amount determine whether hair is black, brown, red, or blonde and how much lift a lightener must achieve.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, linked to the condition of the cuticle. High porosity absorbs quickly but releases moisture fast; low porosity resists penetration and may need heat or longer processing.

The ability of dry hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Good elasticity indicates strong internal bonds; poor elasticity warns that chemical services may cause damage.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, and high-alkaline products swell the cuticle, which is why pH drives many chemical services.

An alkaline chemical used in permanent color and some waving products to swell the cuticle and open the way for other ingredients. It also carries a strong odor and requires ventilation.

The active reducing agent in alkaline permanent waves and in many depilatories. It breaks disulfide bonds in the hair so the shape can be changed, then an oxidizing neutralizer rebuilds them.

A strong chemical bond between sulfur atoms in neighboring keratin strands that gives hair its strength and shape. Permanent waves break these bonds and neutralizers reform them in a new position.

An oxidizing solution, usually hydrogen peroxide based, applied after a chemical wave to rebuild the disulfide bonds in their new shape. Incomplete neutralization leaves the wave weak and the hair prone to relaxing.

A strong alkaline chemical used in some hair relaxers and in drain and oven cleaners. It can cause serious chemical burns, so it requires gloves, careful timing, and never mixing with other products.

The visible, hard keratin structure covering the nail bed. It protects the fingertip and its condition reflects health, moisture, and correct filing and product application.

The pink tissue directly beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels. Pressure or injury to it can leave marks on the plate, and it must never be cut or deeply probed during services.

The area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced and keratinized. Damage to the matrix can permanently alter the shape or thickness of the growing nail plate.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the nail against infection. It is often confused with the cuticle and should be treated gently, never aggressively cut.

A fungal infection of the nail, often showing thickened, discolored, or crumbling plates. It is contagious and a reason to refuse or refer a service rather than treat it in the salon.

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, appearing red, swollen, and tender. A cosmetologist must not work on it and should refer the client for medical care.

A six-point classification of skin type based on how skin responds to ultraviolet exposure. It guides selection of skin care products, waxing temperatures, and sun protection advice.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable for a client. Examples include open lesions, infections, recent cosmetic procedures, or allergies, and they require refusal or a medical referral.

A small application of a product on skin to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. It is required for certain tints and dyes and is documented in the client record.

A written or electronic file of services, products, patch tests, and adverse reactions for each client. It supports informed decisions and serves as evidence of professional care.

A client's agreement to a service after being told its benefits, risks, alternatives, and likely outcome. Documenting it protects both the client and the practitioner.

The structured conversation before a service in which the practitioner asks about goals, history, and lifestyle, then proposes a plan. It builds trust and reduces the risk of a result the client did not want.

A numbering scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde) that describes the lightness or darkness of hair color. It is the shared language for choosing, mixing, and correcting color formulations.

A hydrogen peroxide solution, commonly 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume, that supplies oxygen to lift natural pigment and develop artificial color. Its strength controls lift and deposit and must match the formula.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head before cutting, such as zero, 45, or 90 degrees. Elevation determines whether a cut builds weight or removes it, and it is the core control in shaping.

The first cut strand that sets the length and shape for the rest of a section. Also called a guide, it is the reference the stylist follows to keep a haircut balanced and even.

Dividing hair into controlled, workable subsections with clips before cutting, coloring, or styling. Clean sections keep patterns consistent and prevent missed or uneven strands.

The state body that licenses cosmetologists, nail technicians, and estheticians and enforces Idaho's cosmetology statutes and administrative rules. It also handles complaints, inspections, and disciplinary action.

The services and techniques a licensee is legally trained and authorized to perform under their license type. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease, is a violation of state law.

Required coursework a licensee completes to renew a license and stay current on safety and technical practice. Idaho sets minimum hours and content rules, and proof must be kept for audit.