LCA Hair and Beauty key terms

The transfer of bacteria or other microorganisms from one person, surface or tool to another, often by hands, towels or shared implements. Preventing it is the main reason for single-use items and disinfection routines in the salon.

A chemical process that destroys most harmful microorganisms on tools and surfaces but does not necessarily kill bacterial spores. In the salon it is used for implements that cannot be sterilised, such as combs and bowls.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores and viruses. It is used for reusable implements that may contact broken skin or blood, such as metal nippers, and is carried out with an autoclave or approved chemical.

A product designed to be used once on one client and then discarded, such as disposable nail files, spatulas or wax strips. Reusing it risks cross-contamination and may breach local health regulations.

Routine hygiene measures applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand washing, gloves, protective clothing and safe waste disposal. They assume any blood or body fluid may be infectious.

Items worn to protect the practitioner, such as gloves, apron, mask and eye protection. It is selected according to the task and the risk of contact with chemicals, blood or airborne particles.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Practitioners should consult it before using an unfamiliar product and keep it accessible in the salon.

A small application of a product such as hair colour or lash adhesive to the skin, checked after a set time for redness or swelling. It identifies clients likely to react before a full treatment is carried out.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, an active infection or a known allergy. Identifying it during consultation protects both client and practitioner.

A confidential written or digital record of a client's treatments, products used, test results, preferences and any reactions. It supports continuity of care, informed decisions and legal accountability.

A client's agreement to a treatment given after they have understood what it involves, its expected results, risks, alternatives and cost. It should be recorded and can be withdrawn at any time.

A structured conversation before a treatment in which the practitioner gathers information about the client's needs, history and expectations, then agrees a plan. It builds trust and reduces the risk of unsuitable or unwanted results.

Systematic observation and gentle palpation of the face and neck to identify skin type, condition, sensitivities and areas needing care. Findings guide product choice and treatment planning during a facial.

Concentrating fully on what a client says, noting tone and body language, and reflecting back key points to confirm understanding. It reduces misunderstandings and helps the practitioner respond to unspoken concerns.

The limits that keep the practitioner-client relationship appropriate, respectful and focused on the service. They cover confidentiality, physical contact, personal involvement and the use of information shared in the salon.

The duty to keep a client's personal and health information private and to share it only with those who need it for their care. It is a legal and ethical obligation in most jurisdictions.

A cutting technique in which the tips of the scissors are used to snip into the ends of a section, creating a softer, textured finish. It is often used to blend layers or reduce weight.

Cutting straight across a section with the scissors parallel to the parting, producing a solid, heavy baseline with no texture. It is the foundation for many classic shapes such as the bob.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head before cutting, such as 0 degrees for a solid line or 90 degrees for uniform layers. It determines where length falls and how much volume is created.

Dividing the hair into clean, controlled partings so each area can be cut, coloured or styled evenly. Good sectioning improves accuracy, saves time and keeps the work predictable.

A permanent hair colour that uses hydrogen peroxide to develop dye inside the hair shaft, giving long-lasting results. Because it alters the hair's structure, a patch test and skin protection are essential.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with oxidative colour or lightener to activate it and, at higher strengths, to lighten the hair's natural pigment. Its strength is chosen to suit the desired lift and condition of the hair.

A trial on a small hidden section of hair to check how a colour, lightener or relaxer will perform and how long it needs. It predicts the result and reduces the risk of damage or an unexpected shade.

A treatment that permanently changes the wave pattern of hair, such as perming or relaxing, by breaking and reforming bonds in the hair. It requires careful assessment of hair condition and history.

The solution applied after a perm or relaxer to stop the chemical action and rebuild the hair's bonds into its new shape. Correct timing and thorough rinsing are critical to a lasting result.

A professional skin treatment involving cleansing, exfoliation, massage, extraction where appropriate and a mask, tailored to the client's skin. It aims to improve appearance, relaxation and skin condition.

The removal of comedones or congestion from pores during a facial, usually after softening the skin. It must be done gently and only where it is safe, avoiding inflamed or infected areas.

The principles of how colours combine and contrast, used in make-up to neutralise, enhance or correct tones. For example, a green corrector reduces redness and a peach tone disguises blue shadows.

The hard, visible keratin structure covering the end of the finger or toe. Its condition, surface and surrounding skin are assessed before a manicure or enhancement service.

The thin layer of dead skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the nail against infection. It should be softened and gently pushed back, never cut away aggressively.

A product applied to build length or strength on the natural nail, such as acrylic, gel or a wrap. Application requires preparation, correct product control and safe removal to protect the nail plate.

The repeating phases of anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest) that every hair follicle passes through. Understanding it explains why waxing needs regrowth between appointments and why hair grows at different rates.

A hair removal method that applies warm or hot wax to the skin and removes it against the direction of hair growth, pulling hair from the follicle. It gives longer-lasting results than shaving.

A condition that makes waxing unsafe, such as sunburn, broken skin, active infection, recent cosmetic procedures or certain medications. Checking for these protects the client from injury or infection.

Recommending and selling products to clients based on their assessed needs, with clear explanations of benefits and use. It should support the treatment plan rather than pressure a purchase.

Offering a client an additional or upgraded service or product that genuinely suits their needs. Done ethically, it improves results and revenue; done aggressively, it damages trust.

The front-of-house tasks that shape a client's first impression, including greeting, booking, handling enquiries, taking payment and managing the appointment diary. Efficient reception supports smooth salon flow and client retention.

The layered structure of the skin: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer, each with distinct cells and functions. Knowledge of these layers explains how products penetrate and why some treatments must stay superficial.

A measure from 0 to 14 of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 being neutral. Hair and skin have a slightly acidic natural pH, so product pH affects cuticle condition and skin comfort.