ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments key terms

The transfer of harmful microorganisms from one person or object to another, often via hands, tools, towels or contaminated surfaces. Preventing it is the main reason salons clean, disinfect and sterilise between clients.

Using a chemical agent to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms on tools and surfaces, but not necessarily killing bacterial spores. It is used for items that cannot tolerate heat or steam sterilisation.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores and viruses, on an item. In beauty settings it applies to reusable metal tools such as extractors and scissors, usually by autoclave or approved chemical methods.

A machine that sterilises tools using high-pressure saturated steam at a set temperature and time. Items must be cleaned first, and pouches are dated so staff can confirm the sterilisation cycle has been completed.

A product or tool designed to be used once and then discarded, such as disposable spatulas, nail files, wax strips or lash applicators. Reusing it risks cross-infection and may breach manufacturer instructions.

Waste that may be infectious or hazardous, such as blood-stained cotton wool, used blades or contaminated gloves. It must be segregated into the correct colour-coded bin and collected by a licensed waste contractor.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which require employers to assess and control risks from chemicals such as wax, solvents, acrylic monomers and disinfectants. Records of assessments and safety data sheets must be kept.

A supplier document listing a product's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Salons keep these for every hazardous product so staff can act correctly in an emergency.

A small controlled application of a product, such as tint or adhesive, to check for an allergic reaction before treatment. Results must be recorded and the test repeated within the timeframe the manufacturer specifies.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, either completely or until medical advice is obtained. Examples include active infection, recent surgery, pregnancy in some electrical treatments, or allergy to a product.

Permission given by a client after they have received clear information about the treatment, its benefits, risks, alternatives and costs. It should be documented and can be withdrawn at any time.

A written or electronic form capturing a client's details, medical history, skin or nail assessment, products used and consent. It supports safe treatment planning and provides evidence if a complaint or reaction occurs.

Data protection rules governing how personal and health information about clients is collected, stored, used and destroyed. Salons must have a lawful basis, keep data secure and honour client access and deletion requests.

The professional duty to keep client information private and share it only on a need-to-know basis or with the client's permission. It covers conversations as well as written records and photographs.

The limits that keep the therapist-client relationship safe and appropriate, including avoiding dual relationships, excessive personal disclosure and social contact that could compromise objectivity or trust.

The outer, avascular layer of the skin, made up of keratinocytes that move upward and eventually shed. Its barrier function limits water loss and entry of microorganisms, and it is the target of many superficial skin treatments.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of flattened, keratin-rich cells surrounded by lipids. It provides the main barrier to water loss and is softened by emollients and exfoliants.

The layer beneath the epidermis containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles. Its condition influences skin firmness, hydration and how deeply products or electrical treatments can act.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum onto the skin surface. Excess activity contributes to oily skin and comedones, while underactivity contributes to dryness.

A blocked pore formed when sebum and dead skin cells accumulate in a follicle. An open comedone is a blackhead; a closed comedone is a whitehead. Extraction and exfoliation are common salon approaches.

The manual removal of comedones or milia using gentle pressure, usually after softening the skin with steam or a suitable product. It requires hygiene, correct technique and awareness of contraindications such as inflamed acne.

A six-point classification of skin type based on response to ultraviolet exposure and tendency to burn or tan. It guides safe use of light-based and exfoliating treatments and sun-protection advice.

An ingredient that softens and smooths the skin surface by filling gaps between skin cells and reducing water loss. Common examples include oils, fatty alcohols and lanolin-derived ingredients.

A substance that attracts and holds water in the upper skin layers, improving hydration. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and urea are common examples, often combined with an emollient to seal in moisture.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity. Healthy skin surface sits slightly acidic, and products such as soaps, tints and depilatories are formulated to work at particular pH values.

A network of vessels and nodes that returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream and supports immune defence. Manual lymphatic drainage uses light, rhythmic pressure to encourage flow and reduce puffiness.

A classical massage stroke using smooth, gliding pressure in the direction of venous and lymphatic return. It is used to apply product, warm tissue and link other strokes within a body massage routine.

A group of massage movements that knead, squeeze and lift soft tissue to release tension and improve circulation. It is deeper than effleurage and is applied to muscle bellies rather than joints or bony areas.

The active growth stage of the hair follicle, when hair is produced and the follicle is deepest in the skin. Waxing is most effective when hairs are in this phase because the hair is firmly anchored.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, when growth stops and the hair is eventually shed. Hairs in this phase may release more easily during waxing, so growth-cycle timing affects regrowth results.

A resin-based wax applied warm and allowed to set on the skin before being peeled off without a strip. It grips shorter and coarser hair and is often chosen for sensitive areas such as the bikini line.

A chemical product, usually an alkaline cream, that breaks down keratin in hair so it can be wiped away. It removes hair at surface level and requires a patch test and strict timing to avoid skin irritation.

The seal of skin beneath the free edge of the nail plate, where the nail bed meets the fingertip. Damage to it can allow infection to enter and is a reason to avoid aggressive implements under the free edge.

The hard, visible keratin structure covering the nail bed, produced by the matrix and extending from the cuticle to the free edge. Its thickness, shape and surface condition guide filing and enhancement choices.

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, causing redness, swelling and sometimes pus. It is a contraindication to nail services until resolved and can be spread by shared tools.

A preparation applied to the natural nail before certain enhancements to improve adhesion by removing surface oils or creating a chemical bond. Some primers are acidic and require careful handling and ventilation.

A synthetic fibre bonded to an individual natural lash with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Correct isolation, weight and length selection protect the natural lash and reduce the risk of irritation.

Applying a semi-permanent dye to lashes or brows to darken and define them. A patch test and careful shielding of the eyes are essential, and the product must not be left beyond the manufacturer's timing.

The study of how colours combine and contrast, used in make-up to correct, balance and enhance features. Complementary colours neutralise unwanted tones, such as green correcting redness.

Highly pigmented, long-wearing cosmetics used to conceal scars, birthmarks, vitiligo or bruising. Correct shade matching and layering technique create a natural finish and improve client confidence.

A documented schedule of recommended treatments, products and home-care advice agreed with the client. It sets goals, expected outcomes, review dates and any adaptations needed for contraindications.

Recommending and selling home-care products that support salon treatments, based on the client's assessed needs. It must be honest, linked to the treatment plan and never used to pressure a client into buying.

Ongoing learning and training that maintains and updates a therapist's skills, knowledge and competence. Records of courses, certificates and reflective notes support professional standards and career progression.