CDACC Hairdressing key terms

A set of routine infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of known health status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of blood or body fluids.

The use of a chemical agent to destroy or reduce harmful micro-organisms on tools and surfaces, excluding bacterial spores, typically after cleaning.

A process that destroys all micro-organisms including bacterial spores, usually by autoclave or heat, required for items that may break skin.

The transfer of micro-organisms from one person, tool, or surface to another, often through shared implements, unwashed hands, or contaminated towels.

A document supplied with a chemical product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements for salon staff.

A small amount of product applied to skin and observed for a set period before a full service, used to detect allergic reaction to colour or other chemicals.

Inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen, showing as redness, itching, blistering, or cracking, common in hairdressers.

A written or digital note of the client's details, hair history, service agreed, products used, and any reactions, kept for reference and legal protection.

A structured conversation before a service in which the stylist assesses hair, scalp, lifestyle, and expectations, then agrees a realistic plan with the client.

Assessment of hair texture, density, porosity, elasticity, and condition, plus scalp state, to guide product choice and service suitability.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, described as low, normal, or high; highly porous hair takes colour quickly but fades fast.

A check in which a wet strand is stretched to judge whether hair returns to length or snaps, indicating protein loss and service suitability.

Permission given by a client after being told the nature, risks, alternatives, and expected outcome of a service, documented before proceeding.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as open scalp wounds, recent chemical burns, or a known product allergy.

Choosing a cleansing product suited to hair type, scalp condition, and prior chemical services, balancing cleansing strength against moisture and colour retention.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity; hair and skin sit near pH 4.5 to 5.5, and products outside that range affect cuticle and colour.

Controlled manipulation of the scalp during treatment to boost circulation, relax the client, and aid removal of product, using safe pressure and direction.

The outer protective layer of the hair shaft made of overlapping scale-like cells; its condition controls shine, moisture loss, and colour uptake.

A cutting technique in which scissors are angled into the ends of a section to soften a line, reduce weight, and create texture.

A cut made with scissors parallel to the hair ends, producing a solid, straight line with maximum weight at the perimeter.

Dividing hair into clean, controlled subsections using clips or bands so each area is cut, coloured, or styled evenly and predictably.

A trial on a small cutting of hair to predict how colour, lightener, or chemical product will behave on that specific hair before full application.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with colour or lightener; its strength determines lift and deposit, expressed as a percentage or volume.

A circular arrangement of primary, secondary, and tertiary colours used to predict colour results, neutralise unwanted tones, and plan complementary shades.

Applying a gentle, low-lift colour to adjust or neutralise unwanted warmth and refine the final shade after lightening or colouring.

A strong alkaline product, usually sodium hydroxide or guanidine based, that straightens curly hair by breaking and reforming bonds in the cortex.

A reducing chemical that breaks disulphide bonds in the hair so it can be wound into a new shape, later fixed by a neutraliser.

A product applied after perming or relaxing to rebuild broken bonds in the new shape and stop further chemical action.

The period a chemical product is left on the hair before removal, set by manufacturer instructions and adjusted for hair condition and desired result.

Hair loss caused by prolonged or excessive pulling on the hair, commonly from tight braids, weaves, or extensions, especially along the hairline.

A braid created by plaiting hair close to the scalp in rows, with hair woven under and over in a continuous pattern.

A method where wefted hair is stitched onto braided natural hair with needle and thread, leaving the natural hair protected beneath.

A styling product used to smooth and hold the hairline, applied sparingly to avoid build-up and breakage at delicate edges.

A common scalp condition causing flaking, redness, and itching, sometimes linked to yeast; it needs medicated shampoo and may require referral.

Fully concentrating on a client's words, tone, and body language, then reflecting back what was understood to confirm accuracy before acting.

A question that cannot be answered with yes or no, used to gather detail about the client's history, preferences, and expectations.

The limits that keep a stylist-client relationship safe and appropriate, covering confidentiality, personal involvement, gifts, and conduct.

The duty to keep client information, such as health details, images, and records, private and share it only where consent or law allows.

The level of sales at which total revenue equals total costs, meaning the salon makes neither profit nor loss.

The amount added to the cost of products or services to set a selling price, usually expressed as a percentage of cost.

The movement of money into and out of a salon over a period, tracking when income arrives against when bills fall due.