LA Barber cheat sheet

Sanitize means to reduce pathogens on a surface to a safe level; it does not destroy spores or all microorganisms.

Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores and is required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.

Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms on nonporous implements but does not reliably kill bacterial spores.

Blood and body fluid spills: don gloves, absorb with disposable towel, clean with detergent, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant at label dilution and contact time.

Standard precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of known health status.

Implements that cut, puncture, or contact blood must be cleaned then sterilized in an autoclave or disposed of in a sharps container.

Single-use porous items such as neck strips, cotton, and wooden sticks are discarded after one client and never reused.

Hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds precedes and follows every client service; alcohol sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Scalp analysis precedes shampooing: check for abrasions, lesions, inflammation, excessive oiliness, or flaking and refer medical conditions to a physician.

Water temperature for shampooing is warm, roughly 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit; hot water strips color and irritates the scalp.

Shampoo selection rule: clarifying for buildup, moisturizing for dry or chemically treated hair, medicated only for diagnosed scalp conditions.

Hair is weakest when wet; detangle from ends to roots and avoid aggressive towel rubbing to reduce breakage.

Sectioning for a haircut: divide into four quadrants plus a center part, then isolate subsections no wider than the elevation being used.

Elevation determines structure: 0 degrees builds a solid form, 45 degrees a graduated form, 90 degrees a uniform layer, and 180 degrees increases volume and length.

A blunt cut is created with zero elevation and a horizontal cutting line; a graduated cut combines 45-degree elevation with a horizontal line.

Cross-checking the cut by combing hair into its natural fall and re-examining the perimeter catches uneven lines before finishing.

Shaving order: prepare with warm towel and lather, shave in the direction of hair growth first, then re-lather for any against-the-grain pass.

A shaving brush lifts hair and distributes lather; a dull or rusted blade must be discarded, never stropped for reuse on another client.

Hold a straight razor at roughly a 30-degree angle to the skin and keep the skin taut to prevent nicks.

Shave with light pressure and short strokes; stretching skin with the free hand reduces cuts and ingrown hairs.

Beard trimming: comb hair into its natural growth pattern, trim outline first, then reduce bulk with clippers against or with the grain as the design requires.

Never shave over moles, raised lesions, inflamed skin, or a recent sunburn; these are contraindications requiring referral.

After shaving, rinse with cool water, apply a mild astringent or toner, and finish with a soothing moisturizer or aftershave balm.

Dispose of used razor blades in a puncture-resistant sharps container kept at the station, not in a trash can.

Hair has three layers: the cuticle (outer protective scales), cortex (bulk and pigment), and medulla (central core, often absent in fine hair).

The follicle is the pocket in the dermis that holds the hair root; the hair bulb at its base contains the matrix where cells divide.

The sebaceous gland attached to the follicle secretes sebum, which lubricates hair and skin; the arrector pili muscle causes goose bumps.

Hair growth cycles: anagen (growth, roughly 2 to 6 years), catagen (transition, weeks), and telogen (resting/shedding, roughly 3 months).

Skin layers from outside in: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous (hypodermis); the dermis holds follicles, glands, and blood vessels.

The scalp has five layers remembered as SCALP: skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose areolar tissue, and pericranium.

Melanin produced by melanocytes in the hair bulb and epidermis determines hair and skin color; loss of melanocytes produces gray hair.

Nail and skin barriers: the acid mantle on skin has a pH near 4.5 to 5.5, and hair fiber is roughly pH 4.5 to 5.5 as well, which is why alkaline services require acid balancing.

Permanent wave chemistry: the reducing agent breaks disulfide bonds, thio neutralizer or hydrogen peroxide rebuilds them in the new shape; the wave is locked only after neutralization.

Relaxer chemistry: an alkaline agent (sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, or guanidine) or ammonium thioglycolate breaks disulfide bonds and is neutralized by an acid-balanced shampoo or neutralizer.

Base and no-base relaxer application differ in whether protective base cream is applied to the scalp; follow the manufacturer's direction for the specific product.

Relaxer retouch application touches new growth only, never pulls relaxer through previously relaxed hair, and should not overlap.

Color levels run 1 (black) through 10 (lightest blonde); the developer volume determines lifting power: 10 volume deposits, 20 to 40 volume lifts progressively.

Hair color patch test at least 24 to 48 hours before a first-time color service to screen for allergic reaction.

Strand test before any chemical service confirms processing time, result, and hair condition on the individual client.

Contraindications for chemical services include metallic salt or compound henna history, recent relaxer or bleach overlap, broken scalp, and incompatible products; a relaxer and permanent wave must not be done on the same day.

Massage movements include effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction, and vibration; each has a specific effect on circulation and muscle tone.

Facial massage direction follows muscle and lymphatic flow, generally from the center of the face outward and upward, with light pressure.

Contraindications for facial massage: acne with inflammation, open lesions, recent chemical peel, active cold sore, sunburn, and skin infections.

Cleansing sequence for a facial: cleanse, analyze skin, exfoliate as appropriate, massage, mask, then moisturize and protect.

Mask selection: clay or mud for oily and congested skin, cream or hydrating masks for dry and mature skin, gel masks for sensitive or irritated skin.

Facial treatments must never include extraction of deep lesions or treatment of diagnosed skin disease; those are referred to a physician.

Record skin analysis findings, products used, and any reaction in the client record after each treatment.

Shears are measured by blade length in inches; a convex edge cuts with less drag, and shears must never be used to cut anything but hair.

Clippers and trimmers require blade oiling and cleaning after each use; a detachable blade is removed, brushed, and disinfected.

Straight razors are held with the handle balanced in the palm; the blade is wiped clean and the razor disassembled for cleaning and disinfection between clients.

Combs and brushes must be washed with soap and water, then immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the label contact time.

Electrical equipment such as clippers and blow dryers must never be immersed in liquid; wipe housings with a disinfectant wipe.

Autoclave operation requires correct packaging, temperature and pressure per the manufacturer, and biological or chemical indicators to verify sterilization.

Keep cords inspected for fraying, use GFCI outlets near water, and unplug equipment before cleaning to prevent shock and fire hazards.

Store clean and disinfected implements separately from soiled ones; a closed container marked clean versus soiled prevents cross-contamination.

Barbering in Louisiana is regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners, which licenses barbers, barber shops, and barber schools.

A licensed barber may practice only in a licensed barber shop; a shop license must be displayed and the shop is subject to board inspection.

License renewal is required on the schedule set by the board, and continuing education or fees must be current to keep the license active.

Sanitation requirements in the rules include a covered waste receptacle, clean towels per client, and disinfected implements for each patron.

Unlicensed practice and employing an unlicensed person are violations subject to fines, suspension, or revocation by the board.

A barber must post the license at the work station and produce it on request of a board inspector or authorized representative.

Shop requirements generally include hot and cold running water, hand-washing facilities, and adequate lighting and ventilation.

Always verify current fees, hour requirements, and renewal dates directly with the Louisiana State Board of Barber Examiners, since rules amend.

Confidentiality: client information, health disclosures, and service records are not shared outside the shop without consent.

Informed consent means explaining the service, its risks, and alternatives, and documenting the client's agreement before chemical or shaving services.

Scope of practice: a barber does not diagnose or treat skin or hair disease; suspicious lesions, infections, and infestations are referred to a physician.

Safety data sheets (SDS) must be on hand for every chemical product in the shop and accessible to workers.

Store chemicals in labeled original or properly marked containers, away from heat and out of reach of children; never transfer to unmarked bottles.

Professional conduct includes punctuality, clean personal grooming, non-discrimination, and honest pricing disclosed before the service.

Incident documentation: record any cut, burn, or reaction with date, service, product, and action taken, and follow shop policy for reporting.

Shop emergency readiness includes a stocked first aid kit, posted emergency numbers, and a clear exit path kept free of obstruction.