ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments cheat sheet

Cleaning removes soil and organic matter; disinfection reduces pathogens on surfaces; sterilisation destroys all micro-organisms including bacterial spores - each step requires prior cleaning to be effective.

Sterilisation methods: autoclave (moist heat 121°C at 15 psi for 15 minutes or 134°C for 3 minutes), dry heat (160°C for 2 hours), and chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde; UV cabinets are not accepted sterilisers.

Single-use items (nail files, orange sticks, wax spatulas, lash strips, disposable needles) must be discarded after one client and never reprocessed.

Blood and body-fluid spillage: wear gloves, absorb with disposable paper towel, clean with detergent, then disinfect with a chlorine-releasing product at 10,000 ppm available chlorine; report as an exposure incident.

Sharps go into a UN-approved yellow sharps container filled to no more than three-quarters; clinical waste (blood-stained items) is segregated from general and recyclable waste and collected under a duty-of-care waste transfer note.

Hand hygiene: plain soap and water for routine hand washing, alcohol-based hand rub only on visibly clean hands; hands must be washed before and after every client and after glove removal.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are blood-borne; herpes simplex, HPV and fungal infections are contact-transmitted; scabies and head lice are infestations requiring client referral and full laundry of linens.

COSHH requires a current safety data sheet and risk assessment for every hazardous product; products decanted into unlabelled bottles breach labelling duties.

Salon risk assessments must cover electrical equipment (PAT testing annually or per manufacturer), legionella in water systems, manual handling, slips and ventilation for fumes and vapours.

Record: personal details, medical history, medications, allergies, skin/hair/nail condition, previous treatments, lifestyle, expectations and signed informed consent before any service.

Absolute contraindications to waxing: isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within 6 months, recent chemical peel or dermabrasion, active skin infection, sunburn, undiagnosed lesions, and use of blood thinners with fragile skin.

Relative contraindications requiring GP or specialist consent: pregnancy (avoid electrical currents, aromatherapy oils and heat treatments in the first trimester), epilepsy, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, pacemakers and metal implants.

Electrical equipment contraindications: pacemakers and implanted defibrillators, pregnancy, epilepsy, thrombosis, recent haemorrhage, active cancer, and areas with metal pins, plates or IUDs near the treatment field.

Patch test 24–48 hours before tinting, lash adhesive, perming lotion and any new product; record the result and date on the client record card.

Skin test for waxing heat and product sensitivity should be performed on the inner forearm or behind the ear before full application on a new client.

Refer to a GP when you see: asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter over 6 mm, evolving moles (ABCDE), persistent non-healing lesions, sudden nail changes or unexplained hair loss.

Treatment plan must state goals, products, technique, frequency, home-care advice and review date, and be signed by both therapist and client.

Skin layers: epidermis (stratum corneum, granulosum, spinosum, basale), dermis (papillary and reticular, containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands) and subcutaneous layer (adipose and fascia).

Hair growth cycle: anagen (growth, 2–7 years, 80–90% of scalp hair), catagen (regression, 2–3 weeks), telogen (rest, 3 months, 10–15%) then exogen shedding.

Nail structure: nail plate, nail bed, matrix (growth site), lunula, cuticle (eponychium), hyponychium and lateral folds; average fingernail growth is 0.1 mm per day, toenail 0.05 mm per day.

Muscles of the face: frontalis, temporalis, masseter, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, zygomaticus, buccinator, mentalis and platysma; massage direction follows lymphatic drainage toward the nodes.

Lymphatic drainage routes: cervical nodes (head and neck), axillary nodes (upper limb and breast), inguinal nodes (lower limb), popliteal and supratrochlear nodes; lymph moves via muscle contraction and breathing, not a pump.

Circulation: arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart; veins carry deoxygenated blood back via valves and skeletal-muscle pump; capillaries exchange nutrients at tissue level.

Endocrine glands relevant to skin and hair: thyroid (metabolism, hair growth), adrenal cortex (cortisol, androgens), ovaries/testes (sex hormones), pituitary (growth hormone, TSH) and pancreas (insulin, blood sugar).

Nervous system: sensory receptors in the dermis detect touch, pressure, heat, cold and pain; the autonomic nervous system controls sweat and sebaceous gland activity and vasodilation.

UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 require lawful, fair, transparent processing, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and accountability for client records.

Client records are special-category health data; store securely, retain only as long as clinically necessary (typically 7 years for adults, longer for minors) and never disclose without consent except where required by law.

Consent must be informed, specific, freely given and recorded; it can be withdrawn at any time and must be re-obtained for each new treatment or change of products.

Professional boundaries: no treatment on family or friends without formal consent, no dual relationships, no social-media sharing of client images without written consent.

Insurance: public liability and professional indemnity cover must be current, and the therapist must work within the scope of their training and insurer's terms.

Codes of conduct require honesty about qualifications, accurate advertising, no false claims of medical benefit, and referral to a healthcare professional when outside scope.

Records must be legible, dated, signed and contemporaneous; amendments must be signed and dated, not erased.

Client complaints should be acknowledged in writing, investigated, resolved within a stated timeframe, and logged for quality improvement.

Skin types: normal, dry (lacking oil and water), oily (excess sebum, enlarged pores), combination (oily T-zone, normal cheeks) and sensitive (reactive, thin, prone to redness).

Skin conditions are separate from type: dehydration, acne, rosacea, pigmentation, ageing, keratosis and sensitivity can occur in any skin type.

Cleansing: oil-based cleansers dissolve sebum and makeup; water-based foaming cleansers suit oily skin; cream cleansers suit dry and mature skin.

Exfoliation: AHAs (glycolic, lactic) act on the skin surface; BHAs (salicylic) are oil-soluble and penetrate pores; physical scrubs should be avoided on active acne and rosacea.

Hydrators attract water (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea); occlusives prevent water loss (petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin); emollients soften and smooth (fatty acids, squalane).

Active ingredients: retinoids (cell turnover, photosensitivity), vitamin C (antioxidant, brightening, unstable), niacinamide (sebum regulation, barrier support), azelaic acid (acne, rosacea), SPF 30+ daily.

Facial sequence: consultation, cleanse, skin analysis, exfoliate, steam (contraindicated in rosacea, asthma, pregnancy), extract (only if trained), massage, mask, tone, moisturise, SPF, home-care advice.

Patch test all new products; avoid essential oils and strong actives on sensitive or sensitised skin; document products used and client reaction.

Massage movements: effleurage (gliding, warming), petrissage (kneading, deeper), tapotement (percussion), friction (circular pressure) and vibration; direction follows venous and lymphatic flow toward the heart.

Contraindications to massage: fever, acute infection, thrombosis, DVT, recent fracture, uncontrolled hypertension, skin infection, bruising, varicose veins (local avoidance), pregnancy (first trimester), and cancer without specialist consent.

Electrical equipment: galvanic (desincrustation, iontophoresis), high frequency (alternating current, mild antiseptic and warming effect), microcurrent (low-level electrical stimulation), ultrasound (mechanical vibration, deep heating), vacuum suction and lymphatic drainage.

Faradic and interferential currents stimulate muscle contraction; contraindicated with pacemakers, epilepsy, pregnancy, thrombosis and metal implants.

Heat treatments (sauna, steam, wraps) raise core temperature and cause vasodilation; contraindicated in pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, diabetes with neuropathy and uncontrolled hypertension.

Body wraps: detox/lymphatic, hydrating, firming and thalassotherapy; measure before and after, record products, and avoid on broken skin or claustrophobia.

Electrical equipment must be PAT tested, used with intact leads, earthed sockets, and never on clients with pacemakers or implanted devices.

Record baseline measurements, skin condition, pressure preference, areas avoided and post-treatment advice (hydration, avoid heat, avoid alcohol).

Hair growth phases: anagen hair is most responsive to waxing and laser; telogen hair may not be removed by a single wax, so regrowth schedules of 4–6 weeks are typical.

Wax temperature: warm wax 37–40°C, hot wax 55–65°C; test on inner wrist or back of hand and never re-dip a used spatula into the pot.

Waxing direction: apply wax in the direction of hair growth, remove against the hair growth while holding skin taut; support the skin at all times.

Contraindications: isotretinoin within 6 months, recent chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser, sunburn, active infection, undiagnosed lesions, varicose veins (local), diabetes with poor healing, and blood-thinning medication.

Threading uses twisted cotton thread to trap and lift hair; suitable for sensitive skin and the face, but not for large areas or very coarse hair.

Depilatory creams break disulphide bonds in keratin using thioglycolates; patch test 24–48 hours before use, avoid on broken skin, face, and near eyes, and do not use with retinoids.

Aftercare: soothe with aloe or post-wax oil, avoid heat, sun, swimming and tight clothing for 24 hours, and advise exfoliation after 48 hours to prevent ingrown hairs.

Folliculitis, ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation are common complications; document and advise the client to stop waxing if infection is present.

Nail anatomy: matrix produces the plate; cuticle (eponychium) seals the proximal fold; hyponychium seals the distal edge; lunula is the visible matrix; lateral folds protect the sides.

Contraindications: paronychia, onychomycosis, psoriasis of the nail, severe nail separation, and undiagnosed discolouration - refer to a GP or podiatrist.

Nail preparation: sanitise hands, file in one direction, gently push back cuticle, never cut live tissue, buff lightly and remove dust before product application.

Acrylic (L&P) systems use liquid monomer and powder polymer; gel systems cure under UV/LED; both require correct mix ratio, primer and controlled application to avoid lifting or overexposure.

Overexposure to acrylates can cause allergic contact dermatitis; use gloves, avoid skin contact, keep lids closed and work in ventilated areas.

Pedicure: use separate foot bath liners or disinfect the basin after each client, avoid blades on diabetic clients, and refer for ingrown toenails, corns and calluses beyond scope.

Nail enhancement removal: soak in acetone for gel/acrylic, never force or file off product; file only the enhancement, not the natural plate.

Aftercare advice: cuticle oil daily, gloves for wet work, avoid using nails as tools, and rebalance infills every 2–3 weeks.

Patch test tint and perming products 24–48 hours before the service on the inner elbow or behind the ear; record result and date.

Tinting contraindications: recent tint reaction, conjunctivitis, styes, blepharitis, watery eyes, contact lens wear (remove before), pregnancy (relative), and sensitive or broken skin.

Tint development time typically 5–10 minutes for lashes and 10–15 minutes for brows; never exceed manufacturer instructions; remove thoroughly with damp pads.

Lash lift/perming uses thioglycolate to break disulphide bonds and neutraliser to reform them; do not use on clients with recent tint reaction, eye infection or very short lashes.

Lash extension adhesives contain cyanoacrylate; patch test, keep eyes closed, use a barrier under the eye, and avoid water and steam for 24–48 hours after application.

Brow shaping: measure using the brow bone, inner corner and outer corner; threading, waxing, tweezing and trimming are all suitable, with waxing avoided on clients using retinoids.

Contraindications for extensions: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, styes, trichotillomania, recent eye surgery, and allergy to cyanoacrylate.

Aftercare: avoid oil-based products on extensions, brush daily, avoid rubbing eyes, and book infills every 2–3 weeks.

Skin preparation: cleanse, tone, moisturise and prime; primer fills pores and improves longevity; colour-correct before foundation (green for redness, peach for blue/purple, yellow for dullness).

Foundation selection: match to jawline in natural light; undertones are cool (pink/blue), warm (yellow/gold) or neutral; oxidisation can darken product after application.

Cosmetic camouflage uses high-pigment, water-resistant products to conceal scars, vitiligo, rosacea, birthmarks and post-surgical redness; set with powder and fix with setting spray.

Contour and highlight use light and shadow to alter perceived face shape; blush placement differs for round, oval, square and heart-shaped faces.

Eye make-up: prime the lid, use matte shades in the crease and shimmer on the lid; avoid glitter near the eye and never share mascara wands.

Hygiene: sharpen pencils before each client, use disposable wands, spatula product onto a palette, and never double-dip into creams or mascara.

Bridal and occasion make-up: use long-wear, waterproof formulas, test 2–4 weeks before the event, and avoid new products on the day.

Removal: use oil-based cleanser for waterproof products, follow with a gentle cleanser, and advise on nightly removal to prevent blepharitis and breakouts.

pH scale 0–14: skin surface is pH 4.5–5.5 (acidic); AHAs work at pH 3–4; alkaline products (soap, relaxers) raise pH and disrupt the acid mantle.

Emulsions combine oil and water using an emulsifier; oil-in-water (O/W) is lighter and non-greasy; water-in-oil (W/O) is richer and more occlusive.

Surfactants have a hydrophilic head and lipophilic tail; they lift oil and dirt into water for rinsing; harsh surfactants (SLS) can strip the skin barrier.

Humectants attract water (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea); emollients soften (fatty acids, esters); occlusives seal (petrolatum, silicone, lanolin).

Preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol) prevent microbial growth; products must be used within the PAO symbol period after opening.

Active ingredients: retinoids increase cell turnover and collagen but cause photosensitivity; vitamin C is an antioxidant that degrades with light and air; niacinamide supports the barrier and regulates sebum.

Allergens: fragrance, essential oils, lanolin, nickel, methylisothiazolinone and acrylates are common sensitisers; patch test and record reactions.

Ingredient labelling uses INCI names; ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration above 1%; allergens must be declared on cosmetic labels.

Pricing must cover product cost, overheads, therapist time and profit margin; calculate a treatment price from cost per minute plus product cost plus a margin percentage.

Retail selling uses consultation-led recommendations; link home-care products to the treatment performed and explain benefits rather than pressuring the client.

Client retention: rebook before the client leaves, send reminders, record preferences, and follow up after 24–48 hours for feedback.

Marketing must comply with advertising standards: no claims of cure or medical benefit, no before/after images without consent, and accurate pricing including VAT.

Record-keeping supports business: treatment records, stock control, financial records, insurance certificates, and staff training logs must be retained and up to date.

CPD: professional bodies expect a set number of hours per year; keep certificates, reflective notes and first-aid, health and safety and safeguarding training current.

Insurance and licensing: check local authority special-treatment licences for laser, IPL, tattooing and piercing; ensure professional indemnity cover matches the services offered.

Social media and website content must respect client confidentiality; obtain written consent for images and avoid identifiable client information.