Karnataka SSLC NSQF Beauty and Wellness (KSEAB) key terms

The process of reducing the number of germs on surfaces and tools to a level considered safe by public health standards. It usually involves cleaning followed by a chemical or heat treatment, and is less rigorous than sterilisation.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item. In a salon it is used for metal implements and is achieved by autoclave, hot-air oven or approved chemical solutions used exactly as the manufacturer instructs.

Treatment that kills most harmful microorganisms but not necessarily all bacterial spores. It is used for surfaces, floors and some tools that cannot withstand sterilisation, and requires the correct contact time and dilution of the product.

A sealed machine that sterilises tools using pressurised steam at high temperature. Implements are cleaned, dried and pouched before loading, and the cycle must be logged so the salon can show equipment was properly processed.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool or surface to another. In beauty work it happens through unwashed hands, shared towels, dirty brushes or reused nail files, and it is prevented by hand hygiene, fresh linen and single-use items.

A product or tool designed to be used once and then thrown away, such as nail files, wooden spatulas, wax strips and disposable gloves. It must never be cleaned and reused, because reuse carries a high risk of cross-infection.

Clothing and equipment worn to protect the worker from hazards, such as gloves, apron, mask and closed shoes. In a salon it guards against chemicals, hot wax, blood-borne germs and spills, and it must be clean and replaced when damaged.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Salons keep these sheets for products such as bleach, colour, perm lotion and disinfectants so staff can act safely.

A small test in which a drop of product, usually hair colour or dye, is applied to the skin and observed for 48 hours before full use. It detects an allergic reaction and protects both the client and the salon from harm.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client. Examples include open wounds, contagious skin disease, recent surgery or known allergy, and the professional must decline or refer the client rather than proceed.

The outermost, thinnest layer of the skin. It is made of cells that constantly renew themselves and it acts as the body's first barrier against water loss, germs and injury. It contains no blood vessels.

The thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis. It holds collagen and elastin fibres, blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles, giving skin its strength, elasticity and sensation.

The uppermost part of the epidermis, made of flat, dead, keratin-filled cells that flake away naturally. It controls water loss and is the layer that cleansers, exfoliants and moisturisers mainly act on during a facial.

The pigment produced by cells called melanocytes in the epidermis. It gives skin, hair and eyes their colour and helps protect skin from ultraviolet radiation. Uneven melanin production causes pigmentation marks and tanning.

A small gland in the dermis, usually attached to a hair follicle, that produces sebum. Sebum lubricates skin and hair, and its over-activity is linked to oily skin, greasy hair and acne.

The oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands. It keeps skin supple and hair conditioned, but too much creates shine, greasiness and blocked pores, while too little leaves skin dry and hair brittle.

A classification of a client's skin as normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive, based on oiliness, pore size and reactivity. Correct identification guides the choice of cleanser and facial products and is recorded on the client card.

A temporary or medical state of the skin such as dehydration, acne, pigmentation or sensitivity, which differs from a permanent skin type. Conditions may change with season, health or products, and some require referral to a doctor.

The removal of dead cells from the skin surface using a scrub, enzyme or acid product. It smooths texture and brightens the complexion, but must be avoided on broken, inflamed or very sensitive skin.

A multi-step professional skin treatment that usually includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, massage, mask and moisturiser. It is tailored to the client's skin type and condition and may include extraction of comedones.

A blocked pore filled with sebum and dead cells. An open comedone is a blackhead with a dark surface, while a closed comedone is a whitehead under the skin. Extraction must be done gently and only when safe.

The tough outer covering of a hair strand, made of overlapping scale-like cells. When the cuticle is smooth and closed, hair looks shiny; when it is raised or damaged, hair feels rough, tangles easily and loses moisture.

The middle and thickest layer of a hair strand, containing the keratin fibres and melanin that give hair strength and colour. Chemical services such as colouring and perming act on the cortex, so damage here is lasting.

A strong protein that forms the main structural material of hair, nails and the outer skin. Its condition determines hair strength and nail hardness, and products that repair or smooth keratin improve the look and feel of both.

The hard, visible part of the nail that sits on the nail bed and is made mainly of keratin. Its condition, colour and surface reflect health, and it must be assessed before manicure, pedicure or nail art work.

The thin band of skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the nail against infection, and also the overlapping outer layer of a hair strand. In nail work it is softened and gently pushed back, never cut away roughly.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, where 7 is neutral. Skin and hair are naturally slightly acidic, so understanding pH helps a professional choose mild shampoos, cleansers and chemical products that respect the acid mantle.

The slightly acidic film on the skin surface formed by sebum and sweat. It helps suppress harmful bacteria and keeps skin healthy, which is why harsh alkaline soaps can disturb the skin and cause dryness or irritation.

A product applied after shampooing to smooth the hair cuticle, reduce tangling and restore softness. It is worked through mid-lengths and ends, left for the stated time and rinsed thoroughly to avoid a heavy, greasy result.

A structured conversation before a service in which the professional asks about the client's needs, history, allergies and expectations. It records findings on a client card, confirms the plan and price, and obtains informed consent for the treatment.

A client's clear agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its likely results, risks and alternatives. It must be given freely by a person able to decide, and it is documented before work begins.

The standards of honest and respectful conduct expected of a beauty professional. It covers confidentiality, hygiene, charging fairly, working only within one's competence, refusing unsafe treatments and never making false claims about results.

A communication skill in which the listener gives full attention, observes body language and repeats or summarises what the client said to confirm understanding. It builds trust, uncovers hidden concerns and reduces complaints in salon service.

A confidential form kept for each client that records contact details, allergies, skin or hair history, products used, timings and results. It supports consistent service, traceability and safe follow-up on later visits.

The design of work, tools and posture so the body is used efficiently and without strain. In a salon it means adjustable chairs, correct bed height, good lighting and avoiding long periods of bending, which prevents work-related injury.

The activity of starting and running a business while taking on its financial risk. For a beauty professional it can mean opening a salon, working as a mobile therapist or selling products, and it requires planning, costing and marketing.

A written document setting out a venture's goals, target customers, services, pricing, costs, marketing and finance needs. It guides the owner, supports loan or scheme applications and is reviewed as the business grows.

The level of sales at which total income exactly equals total costs, so there is neither profit nor loss. Knowing it helps a salon set realistic prices and targets, and it is calculated from fixed costs and contribution per service.

The ability to find, use and create information safely with computers and mobile devices. For a beauty professional it covers online booking, social media promotion, digital payments, client data protection and spotting fraudulent messages.

Environmentally responsible habits in the salon, such as saving water and electricity, sorting waste, using refillable or eco-certified products and choosing reusable items where safe. They reduce cost and environmental impact without lowering hygiene standards.