ITEC Beauty Specialist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Informed consent

A client's voluntary agreement to a specific treatment after being told its nature, risks, alternatives and likely outcome. It must be documented with signature, date and treatment named.

Absolute contraindication

A condition that means the treatment must not be carried out at all, because the risk to the client is unacceptable. Active infection and known product allergy are examples.

Professional indemnity insurance

Cover protecting the practitioner against claims of negligent treatment or advice. It does not cover deliberate acts and is separate from public liability for third-party injury on the premises.

Disinfection versus sterilisation

Disinfection destroys most pathogens on inanimate objects. Sterilisation destroys all micro-organisms including bacterial spores and is required for tools that may breach skin.

Stratum corneum

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratin-filled dead cells embedded in lipid, forming the main barrier against water loss and environmental damage.

Anagen phase

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when the follicle is deepest and the bulb largest. Only anagen hair is reliably destroyed by waxing or electrolysis.

Fitzpatrick phototype

A six-point scale describing skin response to ultraviolet light, from type I (always burns) to type VI (never burns). It guides waxing, peel and tinting decisions.

Skin type versus condition

Skin type is the stable classification by oil production and hydration, such as dry or oily. Skin condition is a temporary or treatable state such as dehydration or pigmentation.

Humectant

An ingredient such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or urea that attracts and holds water in the skin, improving hydration in the upper epidermal layers.

AHA versus BHA

Alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and exfoliate the surface. Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) is lipid-soluble and penetrates pores.

Effleurage

A gliding massage stroke applied with the whole hand or palm, used to begin and end a massage and to apply product or link other strokes.

Lymphatic drainage

A light, rhythmic massage technique using directional strokes along lymph vessel pathways toward regional nodes, intended to encourage lymph flow without deep pressure.

Hot film wax

A wax applied thicker than strip wax and removed without fabric strips, gripping coarse or sensitive hair. It is used at a higher temperature and tested before application.

Threading

A hair removal method using a twisted cotton thread to trap and lift hair from the follicle. It suits brows and upper lip and avoids wax on sensitive skin.

Patch test timing

A small amount of product applied to the inner elbow or behind the ear 24-48 hours before a tint, lash lift or adhesive service, to check for allergic reaction.

Lash lift neutraliser

The second stage of a lash lift, reforming the disulfide bonds broken by the reducing agent so the new curl shape is fixed in place.

Lunula

The pale half-moon at the proximal nail visible through the plate, representing the distal portion of the matrix where nail cells are produced.

Eponychium

The living cuticle sealing the proximal nail fold. It protects the matrix from infection and must not be cut during manicure; only non-living tissue is removed.

Colour correction

Neutralising an unwanted tone with its complementary colour, such as green over redness or peach over blue-grey, before applying foundation and concealer.

Undertone classification

Warm undertones show yellow, golden or peachy tones; cool undertones show pink, blue or red; neutral undertones show a balance. Foundation is matched to the jawline in daylight.

Scope of practice

The boundary of treatments a beauty specialist is trained and insured to perform. Suspected skin cancer or unexplained lesions must be referred, not treated.

Hand hygiene points

Hands are cleaned before and after every client, after glove removal and after contact with body fluids, using soap and water or alcohol-based rub.

Skin acid mantle

The slightly acidic film on the skin surface, around pH 4.5 to 5.5, which supports barrier lipids and limits growth of some micro-organisms.

ABCD referral rule

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation and Diameter over 6 mm, plus evolving change, indicate a pigmented lesion that should be referred for medical assessment.

Retinoid precautions

Retinoids increase cell turnover and collagen but cause photosensitivity and irritation. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is needed and waxing is contraindicated during use.

Tapotement

A percussive massage stroke using light, rapid alternating hand movements such as hacking or cupping, used to stimulate circulation and invigorate muscle.

Wax removal direction

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it with skin held taut. The strip is pulled back parallel to the skin, not lifted upward.

Lash extension isolation

The technique of separating a single natural lash and attaching one extension to it, ensuring no extension bridges two lashes and natural growth is not restricted.

Nail growth rates

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month and toenails about 1 mm per month. A fingernail is fully replaced in roughly four to six months.

Face shape contouring

Using light and dark products to adjust perceived proportions: vertical shading lengthens round faces, corner shading softens square faces, horizontal shading shortens long faces.

Fungal nail infection

A contagious nail condition showing thickening, discolouration, crumbling and separation from the nail bed. It is not treated in the salon and must be referred.

Lash tint contraindications

Conditions that prevent tinting include blepharitis, conjunctivitis, styes, recent eye surgery and known para-phenylenediamine allergy. Contact lenses are removed before treatment.