RBSE SS Voc Beauty and Wellness flashcards

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

Informed consent

A client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told its nature, products, risks, alternatives, and aftercare, recorded with a signature and date before the treatment begins.

Scope of practice

The legally permitted range of services a beauty professional may perform. Diagnosing or treating medical skin or nail disease lies outside it and requires referral to a physician.

Hand hygiene sequence

Remove jewellery, wet hands, apply soap, rub for 20-30 seconds covering palms, backs, fingers and nails, rinse, dry with a disposable towel, then moisturise.

Sanitise versus sterilise

Sanitising reduces microorganisms to a safe public-health level on surfaces; sterilising destroys all microorganisms including spores, usually by autoclave or dry heat.

Disinfectant contact time

The label-specified period an implement must stay fully immersed in disinfectant to be effective. Removing it early means the item is not disinfected.

Stratum corneum

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratinised dead cells that forms the skin's main barrier against water loss, friction, and microorganisms.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-point classification of skin phototype based on burning and tanning response to sun exposure, used to guide sun protection and waxing caution.

Combination skin

A skin type with an oily T-zone across forehead, nose and chin but normal or dry cheeks, requiring balanced cleansing and zone-specific moisturising.

Facial steam purpose

Warm steam softens sebum and opens follicles before extraction. It is held 8-12 inches away for 5-10 minutes and avoided in rosacea.

Extraction limits

Only visible comedones are extracted. Inflamed papules, pustules and cysts are never squeezed because of scarring and infection risk.

Effleurage

Light, continuous gliding strokes used to spread product and relax muscles, performed upward and outward on the face and downward on the neck.

Petrissage

Kneading and squeezing massage strokes applied to the cheeks and jaw for deeper muscle work, avoided on thin, sensitive or inflamed skin.

Tapotement

Quick, rhythmic fingertip tapping used to stimulate circulation. It is not applied over bony areas or inflamed, broken skin.

Hair growth cycle

Anagen is the growth phase lasting two to seven years, catagen the transition of about two to three weeks, and telogen the resting phase of about three months.

Normal daily hair shedding

Losing roughly 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal because hairs in the telogen resting phase are released as new anagen growth begins.

Hair pH range

Hair and scalp are mildly acidic at about pH 4.5 to 5.5. Alkaline products raise the cuticle; acidic products smooth and close it.

Strand test

A test on a small section of hair to determine processing time and product strength before colour, bleach, or relaxer application.

Hard versus soft wax

Soft wax is applied thin and removed with cloth strips; hard wax is applied thicker and removed without strips, suiting sensitive areas.

Threading technique

A twisted cotton thread traps and lifts hair. The thread is held in a loop, twisted, and the twist is rolled over the skin to catch hair.

Nail plate growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, faster in summer and on the dominant hand; toenails grow more slowly at about 1 mm per month.

Onychomycosis

A fungal nail infection causing thickening, discolouration, and crumbling of the nail plate; it is a contraindication and requires medical referral.

Foundation undertone

The warm, cool, or neutral hue beneath the skin's surface. It matters more than shade depth when matching foundation on the jawline.

Mascara discard period

Mascara should be discarded about three months after opening because the wand transfers eye microorganisms into the tube and back to the eye.

Colour correction green

Green corrector neutralises redness such as acne, rosacea, or sunburn because green and red sit opposite each other on the colour wheel.

Patch test timing

A small amount of product is applied to the inner forearm or behind the ear 24 to 48 hours before first use to check for allergy.

Contra-action

An unwanted reaction such as redness, burning, or allergic response during or after a service; it is recorded and reported to the supervisor.

Break-even point

The number of services needed to cover costs, calculated as fixed costs divided by price per service minus variable cost per service.

Active listening

Fully concentrating on the client, paraphrasing their words, and confirming understanding before recommending a service or product.

Autoclave sterilisation

Moist-heat sterilisation using steam under pressure, typically 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi for 15 to 20 minutes, destroying all microorganisms including spores.

Double-dipping

Reinserting a used wax spatula into the pot after touching a client, which contaminates the wax; fresh spatulas or strips are used each time.

Sebaceous gland function

Glands in the dermis that secrete sebum onto the skin surface, lubricating skin and hair; overactivity produces oily skin and enlarged pores.

Lymphatic drainage direction

Light, slow massage strokes directed toward the clavicle following lymph flow; pressure stays gentle because lymph vessels lie superficially.