Karnataka II PUC Beauty and Wellness (KSEAB) key terms

The process of lowering the number of germs on tools and surfaces to a level considered safe by public health standards, usually through cleaning and the use of a disinfectant solution.

A method that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an implement. In salons it is used for metal tools that may contact broken skin and requires an autoclave or similar approved equipment.

Treating tools and work surfaces with a chemical agent that kills most harmful organisms but does not necessarily destroy spores. It is the routine step used between clients for combs, brushes and bowls.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool or surface to another. In a salon it happens through shared combs, unwashed hands, dirty towels or a dropped implement being reused without cleaning.

A small amount of product applied to a hidden area of skin, usually behind the ear or inner elbow, and observed for 24 to 48 hours to check for an allergic reaction before a full treatment.

A trial application of a colour or chemical product on a small section of hair to predict the final result, processing time and possible damage before treating the whole head.

An immune reaction to a substance that is harmless to most people. Signs include redness, swelling, itching and blistering, and they may appear hours after contact, so a patch test is essential.

A condition that makes a treatment unsafe or unwise, such as an open cut, active infection, recent surgery or known allergy. The professional must postpone or refuse service and explain why.

Arranging the workstation, chair height and body position so the professional works without strain. Good posture, adjustable stools and correct tool grip reduce back, neck and wrist injury over a career.

The organised arrangement of trolley, tools, products and lighting within easy reach of the stylist or therapist, keeping the work area clean, safe and efficient for each service.

A structured observation of a client's skin using sight and touch to identify skin type, condition, hydration and any areas needing care before choosing products and a treatment plan.

The inherited classification of skin as normal, dry, oily or combination, based on oil production and moisture levels. It guides product choice but does not change much with seasons.

A temporary or treatable state of the skin such as dehydration, sensitivity, acne, pigmentation or ageing. Unlike skin type, conditions can change and often respond to targeted salon care.

The first step of any facial, removing makeup, oil, sweat and pollution from the skin surface with a suitable cleanser, using gentle upward and outward movements without dragging the skin.

Removing dead cells from the skin surface by mechanical scrubbing or chemical agents. It brightens the skin and improves product absorption but must be gentle and avoided on broken or inflamed skin.

A sequence of controlled movements on the face, neck and shoulders that improves circulation, relaxes muscles and aids product absorption. It follows set directions and avoids pressure on bony areas.

A smooth, gliding massage stroke performed with light to medium pressure, used to begin and end a facial or body routine and to apply product evenly over the skin.

A kneading and lifting massage movement that works on deeper muscle tissue. In facial work it is applied lightly to the cheeks and jaw to relieve tension without stretching the skin.

The three layers of a hair strand: the protective outer cuticle, the middle cortex that holds pigment and strength, and the central medulla. Chemical services act mainly on the cuticle and cortex.

The tough outer layer of overlapping scales that protects the hair. When it lies flat the hair looks shiny and feels smooth; when raised by chemicals or rough handling it becomes dull and fragile.

The thick middle layer of the hair that gives strength, elasticity and colour. Colour molecules and chemical changes take place here, so damage to the cortex cannot be reversed.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, linked to the state of the cuticle. High porosity hair takes colour quickly but loses it fast; low porosity hair resists absorption.

The ability of wet hair to stretch and return to its original length. Good elasticity indicates healthy protein structure; hair that snaps or stays stretched is weak and needs conditioning before chemicals.

The repeating phases of hair life: anagen, when hair grows; catagen, a short transition; and telogen, a resting phase before shedding. Understanding it explains normal daily hair loss.

The health state of the scalp, such as normal, oily, dry, flaky or sensitive. It is assessed before shampooing or chemical work because irritation or infection may rule out a service.

Dividing the hair into clean, controlled portions using clips and a comb, so each area can be cut, coloured or styled evenly and no strand is missed.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head while cutting. It controls the amount of layering and volume: zero degrees gives a solid line, ninety degrees gives uniform layers.

The first cut section that sets the length and shape for the rest of the haircut. All later sections are measured against it, so it must be cut carefully and kept visible.

A haircut in which the ends are cut straight across at zero elevation to create a solid, heavy line. It gives a strong perimeter and works best on hair with good density.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with hair colour to open the cuticle and develop the colour. Its strength, measured in volume, decides how much lift and deposit occur.

A circular arrangement of primary, secondary and tertiary colours used to predict colour results. Opposite colours neutralise each other, which helps cancel unwanted tones in hair.

A diluted colour product applied after lightening to adjust or neutralise the underlying tone and create the desired shade. It deposits colour without lifting the hair further.

The visible hard part of the nail made of keratin, resting on the nail bed. Its health, colour and surface tell the technician much about the client's general condition.

Gentle treatment of the thin skin fold around the nail base, using softener and a pusher to keep it neat. Cutting living tissue is avoided to prevent infection and ridging.

The outline given to the free edge during filing, such as square, oval, almond or squoval. The shape is chosen to suit finger length, lifestyle and nail strength.

Selecting a base product whose undertone and depth match the client's skin in natural light, tested along the jawline so the face and neck blend without a visible line.

The subtle warm, cool or neutral hue beneath the surface colour of the skin. Correct identification guides foundation, concealer and lipstick choices so makeup looks natural.

Using a contrasting colour to neutralise an unwanted tone on the skin, such as green on redness or peach on dark circles, before applying foundation for an even finish.

A structured conversation before service to record the client's wishes, hair or skin history, allergies and lifestyle, agree on the outcome and confirm consent for the treatment.

A confidential written or digital record of each client's services, products, timings, patch test results and reactions. It supports consistency, safety and follow-up and must be stored securely.

The standards of honesty, confidentiality, respect and fair dealing that guide a beauty professional. It includes refusing unsafe services, avoiding gossip and charging transparently.

A client's clear agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the likely result, the risks and the cost. It protects both the client and the professional.

The written rules a salon follows for cleaning, waste disposal, linen change, hand washing and staff health. It turns good habits into consistent practice that can be checked and improved.