IL Cosmetology key terms

The first step of infection control: physically removing dirt, oil, and debris from tools, hands, and surfaces with soap or detergent and water. Cleaning does not kill microorganisms, but it prepares items for disinfection.

A process using an EPA-registered product to destroy most harmful microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on nonporous implements and surfaces. It is required for reusable items that contact intact skin between clients.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved with a steam autoclave or dry heat. In a salon it applies mainly to items that may contact broken skin or blood.

An infection-control approach in which every client's blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious. Gloves and other barriers are used consistently, whether or not a client appears healthy.

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood and other body fluids, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. They do not spread by casual contact but can enter through cuts, abrasions, or needlesticks.

A product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for hospital use and approved in salons, labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. It must be mixed and used at the label's stated dilution and contact time.

A standardized document from a product manufacturer listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. Salons must keep a sheet accessible for every professional product on site.

The state agency that licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, and salons in Illinois and enforces the Cosmetology Act with its administrative rules. It also investigates complaints and imposes discipline.

The specific services and procedures a licensed professional is legally permitted to perform under Illinois law. Working outside it, such as diagnosing disease or giving medical treatment, can result in discipline.

Coursework a licensee must complete within each renewal period to keep an Illinois license active and stay current on safety, law, and technical skills. Required hours and subject areas are set by rule.

A record completed at the first visit capturing contact details, hair and skin history, products used, medications, allergies, and past chemical services. It supports safe service planning and becomes part of the client's permanent record.

A client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the likely results, the risks, and the alternatives. It should be documented, especially for chemical services, and may be withdrawn at any time.

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as open scalp sores, recent chemotherapy, or a known product allergy. The professional must decline or modify the service and refer the client out.

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping, transparent, scale-like cells that protect the inner structures. Its condition determines shine, porosity, and how easily moisture and chemicals move in and out.

The middle and thickest layer of the hair, holding the keratin bundles and melanin that provide strength, elasticity, and color. Chemical texture and color services work here once the cuticle has been lifted.

The pigment produced in the hair follicle that gives hair its natural color. Its type, amount, and distribution determine how light or dark the hair is and how it responds to lighteners.

The repeating phases of growth, transition, and rest and shedding that every follicle passes through. Understanding the cycle explains normal shedding, hair loss patterns, and why some services behave differently.

A gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum, the natural oil lubricating hair and skin. Its activity level helps determine whether a client's scalp and hair are oily, normal, or dry.

The hair's ability to absorb and hold moisture, determined mostly by the condition of the cuticle. Low porosity resists moisture, while high porosity absorbs quickly and loses it just as fast.

The hair's ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Wet, healthy hair stretches noticeably; poor elasticity warns that a chemical service may cause damage or breakage.

A zero-to-fourteen scale measuring how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with seven being neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, so products far outside that range can swell the cuticle and cause damage.

A molecule with a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that lets water lift and rinse away oil and dirt. Surfactants are the active cleaning agents in shampoos and cleansers.

A chemical reaction in which oxygen is added to or hydrogen removed from a substance. In hair coloring it develops color, and in neutralizers it rebuilds the bonds that hold the new shape.

A small amount of product applied to skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, twenty-four to forty-eight hours before a service to detect an allergic reaction. The result should be recorded.

A test on a small section of the client's hair before a color, lightener, or texture service to predict timing, development, and possible damage. It guides formula choices and processing decisions.

An oxidizing solution mixed with permanent color or lightener to develop the color and lift natural pigment. Its volume strength determines how much lightening occurs and how much color is deposited.

The relationship between the color formula and the scalp, described as on-scalp, off-scalp, or a measured distance away. It determines how much lift or deposit happens in the root area.

A chemical product, usually containing sodium hydroxide, guanidine, or ammonium thioglycolate, that straightens curly or textured hair by breaking bonds in the cortex. Strength and timing must match the hair's resistance.

A solution applied after a relaxer or permanent wave that stops the chemical action and rebuilds the disulfide bonds in the hair's new shape. Incomplete neutralizing leaves hair weak and prone to breakage.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head while cutting, measured from the scalp. It controls layering, volume, and how much length is removed from the finished shape.

Cutting techniques that remove bulk, blend lines, or create movement and softened ends within a shape. Examples include point cutting, notching, and slicing, all performed with the tips of the shears.

Shaping hair with heat tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs. Tool temperature and hair condition must be matched to prevent moisture loss and heat damage.

The hidden area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced, pushing the nail plate forward as it grows. Injury or infection here can permanently change nail shape.

The visible, hard keratin structure covering the nail bed and protecting the fingertip. Its thickness, flexibility, and surface condition determine how it accepts polish and artificial enhancements.

A fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the plate. It is contagious and must be referred to a physician rather than treated in the salon.

A light, gliding massage movement made with the palms and fingers, used to begin and end a facial or scalp massage and to apply product. It warms tissue and promotes relaxation.

Describes an ingredient or product that tends to clog pores and may contribute to congestion or breakouts. Professionals check labels when choosing moisturizers, makeup, and massage products for acne-prone clients.

An infestation of head lice on the scalp, marked by itching and small nits attached to the hair shaft. It is contagious, so the service must stop and the client referred for treatment.

Washing the hair and scalp with a surfactant-based cleanser and water to remove oil, dirt, and product buildup, followed by rinsing and usually conditioning. Cleanser type and water temperature are matched to scalp condition and hair type.