RBSE Sec Voc Beauty and Wellness key terms

The process of reducing the number of germs on tools and surfaces to a level considered safe by public health standards, usually by cleaning with soap and water or a low-level disinfectant.

The use of a chemical agent registered for the purpose to destroy most harmful microorganisms on hard, non-porous implements and surfaces, except bacterial spores, after they have been cleaned.

The complete destruction or removal of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, from an object. In salons it is reserved for items that contact broken skin or blood and typically uses an autoclave.

A pressure vessel that uses high-pressure steam at a specified temperature and time to sterilize metal implements and porous items that may have contacted blood or broken skin.

The transfer of microbes from one person, tool, or surface to another, often through shared implements, unwashed hands, or a contaminated product container.

Routine infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of potentially infectious materials.

A microorganism carried in blood that can cause disease in humans, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Salons must prevent exposure through gloves, safe sharps handling, and spill protocols.

A puncture-resistant, labeled container used to immediately discard used blades, needles, or other sharp items so staff and clients are not injured or exposed to blood.

A product or implement designed to be used on one client only and then discarded, such as nail files, wooden spatulas, or disposable gloves, because it cannot be reliably cleaned.

An approval number on a disinfectant label showing the product has been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its stated claims and permitted use on salon surfaces.

The length of time a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface or tool to kill the organisms listed on its label. Shortening it makes the disinfection ineffective.

A six-point classification of skin tone based on how much pigment the skin has and how it responds to ultraviolet light, used to judge burning risk and select treatment intensity.

The outermost, thinnest layer of the skin. It contains no blood vessels and is the layer most affected by cleansing, exfoliation, and superficial facial treatments.

The thicker middle layer of the skin beneath the epidermis. It holds collagen, elastin, nerves, glands, and blood vessels, and it is where deeper treatments such as needling act.

The topmost sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened dead cells and lipids. It limits water loss and is the target of exfoliation and many moisturizing products.

A structured visual and tactile assessment of a client's skin before treatment, noting skin type, tone, texture, pore size, and any conditions that affect what can safely be done.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable for a client, such as active infection, recent surgery, or a known allergy to a product ingredient.

A small trial application of a product on a limited area of skin, observed for a set period, to detect an allergic or irritant reaction before full treatment.

The removal of dead cells from the skin's surface by mechanical means such as scrubs and brushes, or chemical means such as acids and enzymes, to smooth and brighten skin.

A controlled application of an acid solution that causes a measured amount of skin to peel, improving texture and tone. Strength, client selection, and aftercare determine safety.

The repeating sequence of growth, transition, and rest phases that every hair follicle follows, explaining why hair grows, sheds, and responds differently to waxing or treatments over time.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle. High porosity absorbs quickly but loses moisture; low porosity resists absorption.

The tough outer covering of a hair strand made of overlapping scales. It protects the inner fibers and opens or closes in response to pH and heat.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, and products far from that range can swell the cuticle or irritate skin.

A small skin application of color or lightener mixture, performed before a full service, to check for an allergic reaction. Results must be recorded and the client informed.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with permanent color or lightener to open the cuticle and develop the color. Its strength is chosen according to the desired lift.

A circular arrangement of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors used to choose makeup and hair color, including neutralizing unwanted tones with the color opposite on the wheel.

The subtle underlying hue of a person's skin, usually described as warm, cool, or neutral, which guides the choice of foundation, blush, and hair color.

Selecting a base product whose shade and undertone blend with the client's jawline and neck in natural light, so the face does not appear a different color from the body.

Cleaning makeup brushes with soap removes product and most germs, while disinfection uses a suitable agent to kill remaining organisms. Shared brushes require both between clients.

The hard, visible portion of the nail made of keratin that sits on the nail bed. Its condition, thickness, and surface guide filing and product choice.

The layer of dead skin at the base of the nail plate that seals the gap between nail and skin. It should be softened and pushed gently, never cut deeply, to avoid infection.

A change in the appearance or structure of the nail, such as discoloration, thickening, or separation. A cosmetologist may not diagnose or treat disease and must refer suspicious cases.

The set of services and activities a licensed professional is legally permitted to perform. Working outside it can endanger clients and lead to loss of license.

A hair removal method that applies warm or hard wax to the skin and removes it against hair growth, pulling hair from the follicle. Skin condition and medications affect suitability.

Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in a sensitive person. In salons these include certain fragrances, dyes, resins, and preservatives found in products.

A structured conversation before a service in which the professional records the client's goals, history, allergies, and expectations, and explains the plan, risks, and price.

A client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, its likely results, its risks, and the alternatives, given freely and documented in the client record.

A confidential form holding a client's contact details, service history, patch-test results, product formulas, and notes. It supports consistency and protects both client and salon.

A written document describing a salon's concept, target market, services, pricing, costs, and financial projections, used to secure funding and guide decisions.

The level of sales at which total revenue equals total costs, so the business neither makes a profit nor a loss. It shows how much must be sold before earning.