RBSE Sec Voc Beauty and Wellness flashcards

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

Epidermis

The outer, avascular layer of skin that renews itself roughly every 28 days and provides the main barrier against water loss and infection.

Combination skin

A skin type with an oily T-zone across forehead, nose and chin, while the cheeks are normal or dry; it needs zone-specific product choices.

Extraction contraindication

Inflamed pustules, cysts, moles and broken skin must not be squeezed during a facial because squeezing spreads infection and can cause scarring.

Broad-spectrum SPF

Sunscreen protection against both UVA and UVB radiation; SPF 30 or higher applied daily is the most effective routine anti-ageing measure.

Steam in facials

Warm steam softens sebum and comedones and boosts circulation; limit it to about 5-10 minutes and avoid it on sensitive or capillary-prone skin.

Hair cuticle

The outermost layer of overlapping scale-like cells on a hair strand; when it lies flat hair looks shiny, when raised hair feels rough and frizzy.

Anagen phase

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting several years, during which the follicle produces a full-length hair shaft.

Hair porosity

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture; high-porosity hair absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast, low-porosity hair resists treatment.

Strand test

A test on a small cutting of hair before colour or chemical service to predict how the product will process and prevent unexpected damage.

Telogen phase

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle when the hair stops growing and is eventually shed; normal daily shedding is roughly 50-100 hairs.

Oval face shape

A face slightly longer than wide with balanced proportions; it is used as the reference shape when contouring or correcting other face shapes.

Colour correction green

Green-toned concealer neutralises redness such as pimples or rosacea because green sits opposite red on the colour wheel.

Undertone

The underlying hue of the skin, classified as warm (golden), cool (pink) or neutral; it guides foundation and lipstick shade selection.

Double-dipping

Re-inserting a used applicator or spatula into a shared product container; it contaminates the product and is prohibited in professional makeup practice.

Nail matrix

The living tissue at the base of the nail beneath the cuticle where new nail cells are produced; damage here causes permanent nail deformity.

Lunula

The pale half-moon visible at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the nail matrix and varies in size between people.

Paronychia

Infection or inflammation of the skin fold around the nail, showing redness, swelling and pain; it is a contraindication for manicure until treated.

Filing direction

Filing from corner to centre in one direction strengthens the free edge; back-and-forth sawing causes splitting and peeling of the nail.

Eponychium

The living skin at the base of the nail plate, often confused with the cuticle; it should never be cut because it seals the nail against infection.

Hand hygiene duration

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based sanitiser when hands are not visibly soiled.

Wax temperature test

Testing melted wax on the inner wrist before application, because this thin-skinned area approximates the sensitivity of facial and body skin.

Double-dipping wax

Reusing a spatula that has touched a client's skin in the wax pot; it contaminates the whole container and is prohibited.

Client record card

A confidential form recording allergies, previous chemical services, skin conditions and treatment history, completed at consultation before any service.

Rebooking rate

The percentage of clients who book their next appointment before leaving; it is a core indicator of client satisfaction and salon stability.

Complaint handling order

Listen without interrupting, apologise for the experience, investigate the facts, offer a remedy within policy, then record the outcome.

Average ticket value

Total service and retail revenue divided by the number of clients served; raising it usually costs less than acquiring new clients.

Disinfection

A process that kills most pathogenic micro-organisms on surfaces and tools, but not necessarily bacterial spores; it follows cleaning, not replaces it.

Sterilisation

A process that destroys all microbial life including bacterial spores, used for tools that may contact blood or broken skin.

Standard precautions

Treating all blood, body fluids and non-intact skin as potentially infectious for every client, regardless of appearance or stated health status.

Break-even clients

Fixed costs divided by the difference between average service price and variable cost per service; the number of services needed to cover all costs.

Skill matrix

A salon management chart listing which staff are trained and qualified to perform each service, used to allocate bookings safely.

Mobile beauty business

A freelance service model delivering treatments at the client's location, requiring portable equipment, its own hygiene protocol and travel-fee policies.