LA Cosmetology key terms

The use of a chemical product registered with the EPA to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and some viruses on hard, nonporous surfaces and implements. It is the minimum required level of control for tools that contact intact skin.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually through high-pressure steam, dry heat, or chemical sterilants. It is required for implements that have contacted blood or broken skin.

The lowest level of infection control: mechanical cleaning with soap or detergent and water to remove visible dirt, debris, and many microorganisms from surfaces and tools before disinfection or storage.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that are carried in blood and body fluids. Exposure requires immediate handwashing, glove removal, and reporting under the shop's exposure control plan.

A document, now commonly called a Safety Data Sheet under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, listing a product's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal. Shops must keep one accessible for every chemical on site.

An infection-control practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as if infectious, using gloves, goggles, and proper handling no matter what a client discloses about their health.

A scalp condition in which greasy or waxy scales mixed with sebum cling to the scalp and may be accompanied by redness and itching. It is considered contagious and is a contraindication to chemical services.

A highly contagious fungal infection of the scalp and hair shaft, often marked by round, scaly patches and broken hairs. Clients with it must be referred to a physician and cannot receive services.

The technical term for ordinary dandruff: a flaky, dry or greasy scaling of the scalp that is not inflamed. Mild cases can be serviced with medicated shampoo, but severe or inflamed cases are referred out.

The ability of the hair to absorb moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle layer. Low porosity resists moisture, while high porosity absorbs quickly and loses moisture easily, affecting chemical service timing.

The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Normal, healthy hair stretches about half its length when wet; poor elasticity signals damage that limits chemical services.

The middle and thickest layer of the hair shaft, made of elongated cells. It gives hair strength and elasticity and holds the melanin that determines natural color, making it the target of coloring and waving.

The tough, outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scale-like cells that protect the cortex. Its condition controls porosity and how evenly color and relaxers process.

The direction in which hair grows from the scalp, including cowlicks and whorls. It determines where the stylist parts, blends, and directs sections during cutting and styling.

The angle at which a subsection of hair is held away from the head while cutting. Low elevation builds weight, medium creates graduation, and high elevation produces layers and shorter interior lengths.

The first section of hair that is cut and serves as the reference length and shape for all following sections. Also called the guide, it may be stationary or traveling.

A one-length haircut in which all hair is cut at the same elevation, usually zero degrees, creating a solid perimeter with weight at the ends. It is also called a zero-elevation or one-length cut.

A hydrogen peroxide solution, usually 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume, that supplies oxygen to oxidize dye and lighten melanin. Its strength controls the amount of lift and deposit during a color service.

The dye intermediate found in permanent hair color that, once oxidized by developer, forms color molecules inside the cortex. It can cause allergic reactions, so a patch test is required before first use.

A small amount of color or other chemical product applied to the inner elbow or behind the ear and left 24 to 48 hours before a full service to check for an allergic reaction.

A chemical product, usually sodium hydroxide or ammonium thioglycolate based, that straightens curly hair by breaking disulfide bonds in the cortex and reshaping them. It requires a base and neutralizing shampoo.

The active ingredient in lye relaxers, a strong alkali that straightens hair by breaking disulfide bonds. It is caustic and requires gloves, a protective base on the scalp, and careful timing.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an inflamed scalp, a contagious disease, or a prior metallic dye. Recognizing it protects both client and cosmetologist.

A fungal infection of the nail plate and bed that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is contagious and must be referred to a physician rather than serviced.

The visible, hardened keratin structure that covers the nail bed and protects the fingertip. Its free edge, sidewalls, and surface are the focus of filing, shaping, and polish application.

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that overlaps the matrix and forms the cuticle. It should never be cut because it seals out infection; only the dead cuticle is gently pushed back.

A six-point classification of skin type based on how skin responds to ultraviolet light, from very fair to deeply pigmented. It guides treatment selection, waxing care, and sun protection advice.

The removal of dead cells from the skin's surface through mechanical scrubs or chemical agents such as alpha hydroxy acids. It brightens texture but must be avoided on inflamed or broken skin.

Any mark, wound, or abnormality on the skin. Cosmetologists may work over intact, non-infectious lesions but must not treat or disturb raised, inflamed, or suspicious ones.

The body system made up of the skin, hair, nails, and glands. It protects against infection, regulates temperature, and is the main system a cosmetologist works on and observes.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, with 7 being neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic near 4.5 to 5.5; products far outside that range can damage or swell the cuticle.

A strong chemical bond between sulfur atoms in neighboring hair protein chains that gives hair its strength and shape. Waving and relaxing break these bonds and re-form them in new positions.

The legally defined services a licensed cosmetologist may perform, such as hair, nail, and skin care. Performing services outside that scope can bring disciplinary action from the state board.

The Louisiana state agency that licenses cosmetologists, shops, and schools and enforces the cosmetology law and rules. It investigates complaints and may suspend or revoke licenses.

Required ongoing training hours that Louisiana licensees must complete to renew a license, covering topics such as sanitation and new techniques. Documentation must be kept and reported as the board requires.

The credential a Louisiana salon must hold before offering cosmetology services to the public. It requires a licensed operator in charge, proper sanitation, and periodic board inspection.