Maharashtra HSC NSQF Beauty Therapist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Epidermis

The outermost avascular skin layer, made of keratinocytes in five layers from the basal layer to the stratum corneum, providing the main barrier against water loss and infection.

Stratum corneum

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratinised dead cells that forms the skin's primary protective barrier and is the target of exfoliating treatments.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, during which the follicle produces a new hair; most scalp hairs are in this phase at any time.

Telogen phase

The resting phase of the hair cycle that ends with shedding of the old hair, which explains why regrowth appears some weeks after waxing.

Nail matrix

The tissue beneath the proximal nail fold where nail cells are produced; damage to the matrix causes permanent nail plate deformity.

Sterilisation

A process that destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores, used for metal tools through autoclave steam or hot-air oven methods.

Disinfection

A process that reduces pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces and tools, but does not necessarily destroy spores; it requires prior cleaning and correct contact time.

Patch test

A small application of a product such as hair colour or tint to the skin, assessed after the manufacturer's stated time, to detect allergy before full application.

Contraindication

A condition or circumstance that makes a proposed treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as active infection, isotretinoin use or known product allergy.

Fitzpatrick scale

A classification of skin types I to VI based on response to sun exposure, used to guide sun protection advice and caution with exfoliating or light-based treatments.

Humectant

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin, improving hydration in dry or dehydrated skin.

Emollient

An ingredient such as an oil or ester that softens and smooths the skin surface and improves flexibility by filling gaps between skin cells.

Occlusive

An ingredient such as petrolatum or dimethicone that forms a film on the skin surface and reduces transepidermal water loss.

SPF

Sun protection factor, a measure of protection against UVB radiation; about 2 mg per square centimetre is the application rate used in testing.

Surfactant

A cleansing molecule that lowers surface tension so oil and debris lift from skin or hair; types include anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic and cationic.

Skin type versus condition

Skin type is the inherited behaviour after cleansing, such as dry, oily or combination; condition is the temporary observed state, such as dehydration or sensitivity.

Hot wax versus strip wax

Hot or hard wax is applied thickly and removed without strips, suiting coarse or sensitive areas; strip wax is applied thinly and removed with cloth strips.

Double dipping

Reinserting a used wax spatula into the wax pot, which contaminates the whole pot; it is prohibited and one spatula is used per application.

Threading

A hair removal method in which a twisted cotton thread traps and lifts hairs from the follicle, giving precise shaping for brows and upper lip.

Ingrown hair

A hair that curls back into the skin or grows sideways, causing inflammation; prevented by gentle exfoliation and moisturising between hair removal appointments.

Cuticle pushing

Gently pushing back the eponychium with a cuticle stick during manicure; cutting live cuticle tissue is avoided because it creates an infection portal.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, often bacterial or fungal, which is a contraindication for manicure and pedicure services.

Hair porosity

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture; high porosity absorbs and loses water quickly, while low porosity resists moisture and can feel product-heavy.

Strand test

A test on a small section of the client's hair before a colour or relaxer service, predicting the outcome and timing on that specific hair.

Elevation in haircutting

The angle at which hair is held away from the head before cutting; zero gives a solid line, 45 degrees graduation and 90 degrees uniform layers.

Colour correction

Using complementary colours to neutralise unwanted tones, for example green for redness, peach for dark circles and purple for yellow tones.

Foundation matching

Selecting foundation by testing on the jawline or neck in natural light, matching both depth and undertone rather than testing on the hand.

Break-even point

The number of services at which total revenue equals total cost, calculated as fixed cost divided by contribution per service.

Reorder level

The stock quantity that triggers a new order, calculated from average daily usage multiplied by supplier lead time plus a safety buffer.

FIFO stock rotation

First in, first out: older stock is used before newer stock so that expiry dates and period-after-opening limits are respected.

Informed consent

The client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its risks, alternatives and aftercare, given without pressure and recorded.

Scope of practice

The boundary of services and advice a therapist is trained and authorised to provide; medical diagnosis and treatment lie outside it and require referral.