Haryana BSEH Senior Secondary NSQF Beauty and Wellness key terms

The industry covering services that improve appearance and wellbeing, such as skin care, hair care, nail care, make-up and grooming, delivered in salons, spas and mobile settings.

The National Skills Qualifications Framework, which organises vocational learning into levels so that qualifications, including beauty and wellness courses, are recognised consistently across India.

A defined set of duties and responsibilities a worker performs in a particular position, such as hair stylist, beauty therapist or salon assistant.

The limits of what a qualified professional is trained and permitted to do, so tasks beyond their competence or licence are referred to a suitable expert.

Any condition, allergy, medication or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or unwise for a client, so the treatment must be avoided, modified or referred.

Items worn to reduce exposure to hazards at work, such as gloves, aprons, masks and eye protection, used during treatments and when handling chemicals.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements, kept available in the salon.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, tool or surface to another, often through shared equipment or unwashed hands, and prevented by proper hygiene routines.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on tools and surfaces, usually by autoclave or approved heat methods.

The use of a chemical agent to reduce or destroy most harmful microorganisms on surfaces and implements, though not necessarily bacterial spores.

A structured conversation before a service in which the professional asks about needs, history, lifestyle and expectations, then explains suitable options and records the agreed plan.

Systematic observation and gentle assessment of the client's skin to identify type, condition, sensitivity and problem areas before choosing products and treatments.

The classification of skin as normal, dry, oily or combination based on oil production, pore size and texture, which guides product and treatment selection.

Examination of the scalp and hair for density, texture, porosity, elasticity and scalp condition, used to plan shampooing, colouring or chemical services safely.

A confidential written or digital record of a client's details, service history, products used, patch test results and reactions, kept accurate and securely stored.

The thin outer layer of the skin that forms the protective barrier, contains pigment-producing cells and continuously renews itself from below.

The thicker middle layer of the skin containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles, giving skin strength and elasticity.

Removal of dirt, oil, sweat and product residue from the skin using a suitable cleanser and gentle technique, the first step of most facial treatments.

Removal of dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical scrubs or chemical agents, improving texture and brightness when suited to the client's skin.

A professional skin treatment involving cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask and moisturising, tailored to the client's skin type and condition.

The outermost protective layer of a hair strand, made of overlapping scale-like cells that can lift when hair is chemically or heat damaged.

The main middle layer of a hair strand, containing keratin and the pigment melanin, and the layer where colouring and perming chemicals act.

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, depending on cuticle condition; it affects how quickly colour, bleach and treatments take effect.

Cleaning of the scalp and hair with a suitable shampoo and water, using massage and thorough rinsing to remove oil, dirt and product build-up.

Application of a product that restores moisture, smooths the cuticle and improves manageability after shampooing or chemical services.

A small test on a cutting of the client's hair to check how it reacts to colour, bleach or other chemicals before the full service is carried out.

A small amount of product applied to the skin, usually behind the ear or inner elbow, and observed for a set time to detect an allergic reaction before a service.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with hair colour or bleach to lift the cuticle, develop the colour and lighten natural pigment; its strength is shown as a percentage or volume.

A cosmetic treatment of the hands and nails including shaping, cuticle care, massage and polish, carried out with clean and properly sanitised tools.

A treatment of the feet and toenails involving soaking, exfoliation, nail shaping, cuticle care and massage, with careful attention to hygiene and skin conditions.

A hair removal method in which twisted cotton thread is rolled over the skin to catch and pull out unwanted facial hair.

Removal of hair at or just below the skin surface by methods such as shaving, threading, waxing or chemical creams, in contrast to removing the whole hair root.

A tinted base product applied to even out skin tone and create a smooth surface before powder, blusher and other make-up items.

The business setup of a salon, covering location, licensing, layout, staffing, pricing, booking systems and compliance with local health and safety rules.

Understanding of a product's purpose, ingredients, active agents, correct dilution, storage and shelf life, so it is chosen and used safely for each client.

The routine cleaning, disinfection, checking and repair of implements such as scissors, clippers and brushes so they stay safe, sharp and effective.

Starting and running a beauty business by identifying opportunities, planning finances, marketing services and managing staff while meeting legal and quality standards.

Giving full attention to a client, noting words and body language, and confirming understanding through questions and summaries before acting on instructions.

The standards of honesty, confidentiality, respect and fair treatment expected of beauty professionals in their dealings with clients, colleagues and the public.