Punjab PSEB Senior Secondary NSQF Beauty and Wellness key terms

National Skills Qualifications Framework: India's system that grades skills from level 1 to level 10 and links training to recognised job roles. PSEB senior secondary vocational courses are mapped to specific NSQF levels.

A defined set of duties, skills and responsibilities that a worker performs in a workplace, described in NSQF qualification packs. Beauty and wellness job roles include hair stylist, beauty therapist and nail technician.

An industry-led body that sets skill standards and qualification packs for one sector. The Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council defines the standards used for courses and assessment in this field.

The industry covering services that improve appearance and personal wellbeing, such as salons, spas, barbering, nail studios, makeup and cosmetology. It includes both organised chains and small independent businesses.

The study and practice of treatments that enhance appearance, including skin care, hair care, nail care and makeup. A cosmetologist combines technical skill with knowledge of hygiene, anatomy and client care.

The paid treatments a salon offers clients, such as haircuts, facials, manicures and makeup. Clear service menus, pricing and appointment systems help a salon deliver them consistently.

The standards of honest, respectful and responsible conduct expected of a beauty professional. It covers confidentiality, informed consent, fair pricing and refusing treatments that could harm a client.

Permission a client gives after being told what a treatment involves, its likely results, its risks and the alternatives. The professional must confirm the client understands before starting any service.

The duty to keep a client's personal details, health information and treatment records private. Staff should discuss client information only with colleagues who need it to deliver safe service.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or unwise for a particular client. Examples include open wounds, active infection, allergic reaction or recent cosmetic surgery.

A small test in which a tiny amount of product is applied to a hidden area of skin and observed for reaction. It is done before colouring, perming or using a new cosmetic likely to cause allergy.

An immune response to a substance that can cause redness, swelling, itching, rash or, in severe cases, breathing difficulty. Any sign of reaction means the product must be removed and the service stopped.

A process that destroys all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores, on tools or surfaces. Metal implements are usually cleaned, then sterilised in an autoclave or by approved chemical methods.

The use of a chemical agent to reduce harmful micro-organisms on tools and surfaces to a safe level. It does not necessarily destroy all spores, so it is used after cleaning and before reuse.

The basic cleaning step that removes dirt, oil and many germs from hands, tools and work surfaces. It is the first stage of hygiene and is followed by disinfection or sterilisation where needed.

The transfer of germs from one person, tool or surface to another. Sharing unwashed brushes, towels or files between clients is a common cause and is prevented by proper cleaning routines.

Items worn to protect the worker and client from harm, such as gloves, aprons, masks and safety glasses. In a salon they reduce skin contact with chemicals and protect against splashes.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Staff must be able to find and follow it for products used in the salon.

The thin outer layer of the skin that forms a protective barrier against water loss, injury and germs. It contains no blood vessels and is made mainly of cells called keratinocytes.

The thicker layer beneath the epidermis that holds collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves and hair follicles. It gives skin strength and elasticity and supplies nutrients to the epidermis.

A tough protein that forms the main structure of skin, hair and nails. Its strength and water resistance explain why hair and nails are durable and why chemical treatments affect them.

A structural protein in the dermis that gives skin firmness and support. Its gradual loss with age contributes to sagging and wrinkles, which is why many skin treatments aim to protect it.

A protein in the dermis that allows skin to stretch and return to shape. Sun damage and ageing reduce elastin, making skin less springy and more prone to fine lines.

The part of a hair that projects above the scalp, made of keratinised cells in three layers. Its condition determines shine, colour uptake and how much stress hair can take from heat or chemicals.

The repeating pattern in which a hair grows, rests and is shed, in phases called anagen, catagen and telogen. Understanding it explains normal daily hair fall and why some treatments work on the follicle.

A measure of how easily hair takes in and holds moisture or chemical products. Low porosity hair resists absorption, while high porosity hair absorbs quickly but loses moisture and colour fast.

The thickness of an individual strand, usually described as fine, medium or coarse. Texture affects styling, drying time and how much product or processing time a hair needs.

The hard, visible part of the nail made of compacted keratin that protects the sensitive nail bed beneath. Its health and shape are central to manicure and pedicure work.

The thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the gap between nail and skin and keeps out infection. It should be softened and gently pushed back, never cut away deeply.

An infection of the skin around the nail that causes redness, swelling and pain. It is a contraindication for nail services and is often linked to cuticle damage or poor tool hygiene.

A structured conversation before a service in which the professional asks about the client's needs, history, lifestyle and expectations. It ends with an agreed plan and recorded consent.

A written or digital record of a client's details, treatment history, products used, test results and preferences. It supports safe repeat services and is kept confidential.

Paying full attention to a client, noticing both words and body language, and confirming understanding by summarising. It builds trust and reduces mistakes in technical services.

A structured examination of the client's skin to identify its type, condition and any contraindications before a facial. It uses observation, questions and gentle touch, not diagnosis of disease.

The general classification of skin as normal, dry, oily or combination, based on oil and moisture levels. It guides product choice, cleansing routine and treatment planning.

A multi-step skin treatment that usually includes cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask and moisturising. It is adapted to the client's skin type and condition after analysis.

Removal of dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical scrubs or chemical acids. It improves texture and product absorption but must be avoided on broken or irritated skin.

A haircut in which the ends are cut straight across at one length, creating a solid line. It gives a strong, even shape and is the base technique for many classic styles.

A haircut in which hair is cut at different lengths to create movement, volume and shape. The number and position of layers control how much lift or weight removal the style has.

Dividing hair into clean, controlled parts before cutting, colouring or styling. Good sectioning keeps work even, saves time and allows each area to be checked against the others.

The period a colour or bleach product is left on the hair to reach the intended result. It depends on the product, the hair's porosity and the developer strength, and must be timed accurately.

A treatment of the hands and nails that includes shaping, cuticle care, massage and polish. Tools must be clean, and any sign of infection means the service is not carried out.

A treatment of the feet and toenails that includes soaking, exfoliation, nail shaping, massage and polish. Extra care is needed with clients who have diabetes or circulation problems.

The skilled application of cosmetics to enhance or change a client's appearance for daily wear, events or photography. It relies on skin preparation, colour matching and hygienic tools.

The use of the colour wheel to choose foundation, concealer and eye shades that correct or complement a client's skin tone. Opposites on the wheel neutralise unwanted tones.

The system for booking, confirming, rescheduling and tracking client appointments. It prevents double bookings, controls waiting time and helps staff and products be planned efficiently.

Tracking salon stock so that products are ordered, stored and used in the right quantities without waste or shortage. It includes recording use, checking expiry dates and rotating older stock first.

Working out the true cost of a service, including products, time, overheads and profit, and setting a fair price. Correct pricing keeps a salon profitable while remaining competitive.

The process of spotting an opportunity, taking financial risk and building a business to meet a need. In beauty it includes starting a salon, mobile service or product line.

A written document describing a business idea, target customers, services, costs, expected income and marketing approach. It guides decisions and is often required for loans or schemes.

The general workplace abilities that make a person effective in any job, such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, problem solving and willingness to learn. They are assessed alongside technical skill.