Maharashtra SSC Assistant Beauty Therapist Pre-Voc/NSQF key terms

The complete destruction of all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores, on a tool or surface, usually achieved with an autoclave or approved chemical sterilant. It is a higher level of protection than simple disinfection.

Reducing the number of harmful micro-organisms on tools and surfaces using chemical solutions such as alcohol or hypochlorite. It does not reliably kill all spores, so it is used for items that cannot be sterilised.

The routine cleaning and lowering of germs on hands, work surfaces and linen to a safe public-health level. In a salon it is the everyday practice that supports disinfection and sterilisation between clients.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool or surface to another, for example by using the same unwashed towel or unsterilised tweezer. Preventing it is the core purpose of hygiene routines in the salon.

Items worn to protect the therapist and client from contact with body fluids, chemicals and sharp tools, such as disposable gloves, aprons, masks and eye protection. PPE is removed and disposed of correctly after each service.

Any waste generated during a service that may carry blood or body fluids, such as used wax strips, cotton with blood spots, or disposable blades. It must be segregated into colour-coded bins and never mixed with ordinary rubbish.

The safe handling and discarding of sharp items such as blades, needles and broken glass into a rigid, puncture-proof container. It protects staff and waste handlers from injury and infection.

A small trial application of a product, such as hair dye or wax, on a hidden area of skin 24 to 48 hours before the full service. It checks whether the client is allergic or sensitive to the product.

Any condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or unsuitable for a client, such as open wounds, skin infection, recent surgery, or pregnancy for certain treatments. Identifying it during consultation prevents harm.

The structured conversation before a service in which the therapist asks about the client's needs, health, allergies and expectations, then explains and agrees on the treatment plan. It records consent and builds trust.

A written record signed by the client confirming they understand the treatment, its risks and aftercare, and agree to proceed. It protects both client and therapist and is kept confidentially.

The ethical duty to keep a client's personal, medical and treatment information private and share it only with those who need to know. It is a basic professional and legal obligation in beauty services.

The accepted standards of honest, respectful and fair conduct towards clients and colleagues, such as not over-selling, not making false claims, and respecting privacy and boundaries. It underpins client trust.

The broad classification of skin as normal, dry, oily or combination, based on oil production and moisture levels. Correct identification guides product choice and treatment planning.

The systematic examination of a client's skin, using observation and questioning, to identify skin type, condition, texture, pores and problem areas before choosing products and treatments. Findings are noted on the client record.

A tendency of skin to react easily with redness, itching, stinging or rash to products, friction or heat. Sensitive skin needs gentle, fragrance-free products and shorter, cooler treatments.

The removal of dirt, sebum, sweat, make-up and environmental residue from the skin using a suitable cleanser and gentle technique. It is the first and essential step of every facial and skincare routine.

Applying a toner after cleansing to remove last traces of cleanser, refresh the skin and temporarily tighten pores. It helps restore the skin's natural pH balance before moisturising.

Applying a cream, lotion or gel to add or lock in water in the skin, keeping it soft, smooth and protected. It is the final step of basic facial care and suits all skin types with the right formulation.

The removal of dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical scrubs or chemical agents such as fruit acids. It brightens the skin and improves product absorption but must be avoided on broken or inflamed skin.

A hair-removal technique in which a twisted cotton thread is rolled over the skin to trap and pull out unwanted facial hair from the root. It is precise and commonly used for eyebrows and upper lip.

A hair-removal method that applies warm or hot wax to the skin, lets it set, and strips it off against the direction of hair growth, removing hair from the root. It gives longer-lasting results than shaving.

The natural repeating phases of hair growth, rest and shedding (anagen, catagen and telogen). Understanding it explains why waxing or threading gives longer-lasting smoothness than cutting hair at the surface.

The natural angle in which body or facial hair lies and grows. Wax is applied in this direction and removed against it, while threading follows the natural line, to reduce breakage and discomfort.

A cosmetic treatment of the hands and nails that includes shaping, cuticle care, exfoliation, massage and often nail polish. It improves appearance and hygiene of the hands and nails.

A treatment of the feet and toenails involving soaking, removal of hard skin, nail shaping, cuticle care, massage and often polish. It maintains foot hygiene and comfort and is done with strict attention to infection control.

The structure of the nail, including the nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, lunula and matrix. Knowing it prevents injury during filing and cutting and helps the therapist recognise signs of nail disease.

Cleansing the hair and scalp with water and a suitable shampoo, using massage to loosen dirt and sebum, then rinsing thoroughly. Correct shampooing prepares hair for conditioning and styling.

Applying a product to hair after shampooing to soften it, reduce tangling, restore moisture and improve manageability. It is rinsed or left in depending on the product type and hair condition.

The layered build of a hair shaft: the outer cuticle, middle cortex and central medulla. Damage to the cuticle causes roughness and split ends, which guides gentle handling and conditioning choices.

Examining the scalp for oiliness, dryness, flaking, redness or lesions before a hair service. It identifies conditions that need gentle products or referral and helps select the right shampoo and treatment.

Selecting a foundation whose undertone and depth match the client's natural skin tone, tested along the jawline in daylight. A correct match looks seamless and avoids a visible line between face and neck.

The use of the colour wheel to choose complementary or harmonious shades for eyes, lips and cheeks, and to correct skin discolouration, such as green to neutralise redness. It guides balanced, flattering looks.

The art of applying temporary decorative designs to the skin using a paste made from ground henna leaves. Traditionally applied to hands and feet, it requires patch testing and careful aftercare to develop good colour.

Arranging the workstation, chair height and body posture so the therapist works comfortably and without strain. Good ergonomics prevents back, neck and wrist injuries during long salon hours.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Staff must be able to locate and understand it for every product used.

The immediate, basic care given to a person who is injured or suddenly unwell before professional help arrives, such as cleaning a cut, applying a cold compress or managing a burn. It limits harm and supports recovery.

Fully concentrating on what a client says, noticing tone and body language, and confirming understanding by summarising or asking questions. It makes consultations accurate and helps clients feel respected.