Beauty Therapy flashcards

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

Informed consent

The client's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving full information about the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and aftercare, documented by signature and date before treatment begins.

Scope of practice

The legal and professional boundaries defining which treatments a beauty therapist is trained and insured to perform; diagnosing or treating medical conditions is outside this scope and must be referred.

Contraindication

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable because it may cause harm; absolute contraindications prohibit treatment, while relative ones require caution or medical clearance.

Chain of infection

The six-link sequence-infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host-that must be broken at any point to prevent cross-infection.

Disinfection vs sterilisation

Disinfection kills most pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily spores; sterilisation destroys all microorganisms including bacterial spores, and is required for invasive or reusable metal implements.

Hand hygiene

The most effective infection control measure: washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub before and after every client contact and after removing gloves.

Stratum corneum

The outermost epidermal layer of flattened, keratinised, dead cells that forms the main barrier to water loss and external substances; it is the target of many exfoliating treatments.

Dermis

The middle skin layer containing collagen, elastin, fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles with sebaceous glands; it provides strength, elasticity, and nourishment to the epidermis.

Hair growth cycle

The repeating phases of hair growth: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest), followed by shedding; only anagen hairs respond well to laser and IPL treatments.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-point classification of skin phototype based on response to UV exposure, used to assess risk of burning and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation before laser, IPL, or chemical peel treatments.

ABCDE rule

A screening guide for suspicious pigmented lesions: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving changes; any positive finding warrants medical referral.

Patch test

A small application of a product to a discreet area 24–48 hours before the first full treatment to detect allergic or irritant reactions; the result must be recorded in the client's notes.

AHA vs BHA

Alpha-hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic, lactic) are water-soluble and exfoliate the skin surface; beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic) is oil-soluble and penetrates pores, making it useful for acne-prone skin.

Effleurage

A massage stroke using smooth, gliding movements with the palms and fingers, typically applied at the start and end of a massage to warm tissue and aid relaxation and lymph flow.

Hot wax

A resin-based wax applied warm against the direction of hair growth and removed against it; it grips coarse hair and is preferred for sensitive or small areas such as the face and bikini line.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting years; hair follicles in anagen are most susceptible to laser and IPL destruction, which is why multiple sessions are required.

Threading

A hair removal technique using twisted cotton thread rolled over the skin to trap and pull hairs from the follicle; suitable for sensitive skin and precise brow shaping.

Nail matrix

The tissue beneath the proximal nail fold where new nail cells are produced; damage to the matrix can cause permanent nail plate deformity or abnormal growth.

Paronychia

Inflammation or infection of the tissue around the nail, often bacterial or fungal, presenting with redness, swelling, and pain; it is a contraindication to nail services and requires referral.

Nail plate growth rate

Fingernails grow approximately 3 mm per month, while toenails grow about 1 mm per month; growth slows with age and poor circulation, and faster in summer.

Lash growth cycle

Eyelashes cycle through anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest) phases; natural shedding means lash extensions require infills every two to three weeks.

Lash lift

A treatment using a reducing agent to break disulfide bonds in lash keratin and a neutraliser to reform them, creating an upward curl; over-processing causes frizzling and breakage.

Brow mapping

A measuring technique that positions the brow start at the inner eye corner, the arch above the outer iris edge, and the tail at the outer eye corner to create balanced, symmetrical brows.

Complementary colours

Colour pairs opposite each other on the colour wheel-red/green, yellow/violet, blue/orange-that neutralise one another when mixed or layered, used in colour correction makeup.

Colour correction

The use of complementary shades to neutralise unwanted skin tones: green for redness, peach or orange for blue undereye circles, yellow for purple, and lavender for sallow tones.

Foundation undertone

The subtle hue beneath the skin's surface-cool (pink/blue), warm (yellow/gold), or neutral-which should be matched to the jawline in natural light for a seamless foundation result.

Petrissage

A massage technique involving kneading, squeezing, and rolling of soft tissue to release tension and improve circulation; it is deeper than effleurage and applied to fleshy areas.

Lymphatic drainage

A gentle, rhythmic massage technique using light strokes directed toward lymph nodes to encourage removal of excess tissue fluid and reduce oedema; it is not a medical treatment.

Body wrap

A treatment in which the body is coated with a product such as clay, algae, or mud and wrapped to promote hydration, detoxification, or relaxation; client comfort and temperature must be monitored.

Humectant

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in the skin, increasing hydration in the stratum corneum when applied topically.

Emollient

An ingredient such as oils, esters, or fatty alcohols that softens and smooths the skin surface by filling gaps between corneocytes and improving flexibility and texture.

SPF

Sun Protection Factor, a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation; broad-spectrum products also protect against UVA, and reapplication every two hours is recommended.