IN Cosmetology key terms

Use of a chemical product to destroy most microorganisms, including some bacteria and viruses, on nonporous tools and surfaces after they have been cleaned.

Complete destruction of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item. In salons it is usually done with an autoclave and applies to tools that contact broken skin.

Cleaning an item or surface to remove visible soil and debris, which lowers the number of microorganisms. It is the first step before disinfection and does not destroy all pathogens.

A standardized document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid steps, and storage requirements. Workers should be able to find it easily.

A disinfecting product that carries an Environmental Protection Agency registration number and is proven effective against listed pathogens when used exactly according to its label directions.

An infection-control approach in which every client's blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious, so gloves and other barriers are used consistently.

An infestation of lice on the scalp or body. It is contagious, so the service should be stopped, the client referred for treatment, and the workstation and tools disinfected.

The angle at which a subsection of hair is held away from the head while cutting. Elevation controls how much length is layered and how the finished shape falls.

The first subsection of hair cut in a service. It sets the length and shape that all later subsections follow, so it must be established carefully.

A cutting effect created when hair is held at an angle and cut, so shorter lengths build on longer ones. It creates weight, stacking, or a wedge shape.

The amount of pull used when holding hair between the fingers or on a tool. Even, consistent tension keeps cutting and styling results predictable; too much pull distorts the section.

A technique that removes bulk, blends lines, or creates movement in a haircut using shears, a razor, or thinning shears. It is done after the basic shape is established.

The section of hair between the scalp and the first turn of a curl or roller. Its size and shape control the volume and the closeness of the finished curl.

The section of hair between the base and the first turn of a curl or roller. The stem direction determines where the wave or curl moves.

Temporary shaping of hair with heated tools such as curling irons, flat irons, or hot rollers. Tool temperature and hair condition determine how much shape the hair holds.

A curl formed by shaping a strand of hair into a circle and securing it flat against the scalp. Pin curls create smooth waves or firm curls and are set on wet or dry hair.

A styling method in which wet hair is wound on rollers and allowed to dry, creating curl, volume, and direction. Roller size and base placement control the result.

A chemical service that straightens curly or wavy hair by breaking bonds in the hair with an alkaline product. A neutralizer is then used to stop the action and rebuild the bonds.

A product applied after a relaxer or perm to stop the chemical action and reform the hair's bonds in its new shape. It must be applied thoroughly and left on for the labeled time.

A small curl processed before a full permanent wave to check how the hair responds and to estimate processing time. It helps prevent overprocessing or underprocessing.

Strong chemical bonds between sulfur atoms in hair that give it shape and strength. Chemical texture services break and rebuild these bonds to straighten or curl hair.

A hydrogen peroxide solution that mixes with hair color to activate the dye and, depending on its strength, lighten the hair's natural pigment. It is also called the oxidizing agent.

A small amount of color or other product applied to the skin, usually behind the ear or on the inner arm, 24 to 48 hours before the service to check for an allergic reaction.

The lightness or darkness of a hair color, measured on a scale from 1 for black to 10 for the lightest blonde. Level helps a colorist choose a realistic target shade.

A color product applied after lightening to adjust the shade or neutralize unwanted warmth. Toners are usually deposit-only and are selected by the hair's current level.

Colors located opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange. In hair coloring they are used to neutralize unwanted tones.

Hair loss that may be temporary or permanent and can have medical causes. A cosmetologist should not diagnose it and should refer the client to a physician when needed.

A scalp condition marked by redness, flaking, and oiliness. It can be irritated by harsh products, so mild shampoo and a medical referral may be appropriate.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, related to the condition of the cuticle. Porosity guides choices about conditioning, chemical services, and color timing.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, and products outside that range can affect them.

A fungal infection of the nail that can cause thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is not treated in the salon; the client should be referred to a physician.

A nail product applied to the natural nail before an enhancement to improve adhesion and prevent lifting. It is used sparingly and kept off the skin.

A classification of skin types based on how skin responds to sun exposure, from very fair to deeply pigmented. It helps guide product selection and treatment precautions.

Removal of dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical scrubbing or chemical agents. It can improve texture but must be adjusted for sensitive or irritated skin.

A conversation before a service to learn the client's history, preferences, and expectations, and to explain the plan, products, and possible risks. It guides informed choices.

A client's agreement to receive a service after being told about the procedure, possible risks, and alternatives. It should be documented in the client record.

The services and procedures a licensed professional is legally allowed to perform under state law. Doing work outside that scope can lead to discipline.

The Indiana regulatory body that licenses cosmetologists, barbers, and salons and enforces the state's cosmetology laws and administrative rules.

Required training hours that a licensee completes to renew a license. Indiana sets the requirement, and records should be kept in case of audit.