MA Cosmetology flashcards
MA Cosmetology · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Apex
- The highest point on the top of the head; it is a key reference point for establishing balance and directing sections in a haircut.
- Traveling guideline
- A guide that moves forward with each new section as the cut progresses, keeping the length and shape consistent throughout the haircut.
- 90-degree elevation
- Holding hair parallel to the floor before cutting produces uniform layers, where strands are shorter at the top and follow the curve of the head.
- Point cutting
- A texturizing technique in which the shear tips cut into the ends at an angle, softening the perimeter and blending weight without shortening the overall length.
- On-base placement
- A roller or pin curl positioned directly on its base, giving maximum volume and fullness at the scalp where lift and height are wanted.
- Ridge curl
- A pin curl with a closed center and a raised ridge formed by the stem, producing strong volume at the base of the curl.
- Thermal iron heat test
- Clamping a piece of light paper or tissue in the iron before styling; if the paper scorches or browns, the iron is too hot for hair.
- Backcombing
- Combing hair toward the scalp in short strokes to build a cushion of volume, after which the surface is smoothed so the style looks finished.
- Eumelanin
- The brown-to-black pigment in hair; its amount and its ratio to pheomelanin set the natural level and the warmth exposed during lightening.
- 20-volume developer
- A 6% hydrogen peroxide solution that lifts roughly one to two levels and deposits color when mixed with permanent tint.
- Patch test
- Applying a small amount of color product behind the ear or in the elbow crease 24 to 48 hours before the service to detect an allergic reaction.
- Double-process color
- Lightening the hair first to remove natural pigment, then applying a toner to create the final shade; used when going significantly lighter.
- Ammonium thioglycolate
- The alkaline reducing agent, pH about 8.5 to 9.5, used in permanent waves to break disulfide bonds so hair can be reshaped around a rod.
- Neutralizer
- An oxidizing solution, usually hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate, applied after waving to rebuild disulfide bonds and lock the new curl pattern.
- No-base relaxer
- A sodium hydroxide relaxer applied without a protective base cream on the scalp; it must be used exactly as the manufacturer directs.
- Relaxer retouch
- Application of relaxer only to the new growth, keeping product off previously relaxed hair to prevent over-processing, breakage, and scalp irritation.
- Cationic surfactant
- A positively charged cleansing agent that conditions, reduces static, and is the main ingredient in cream rinses and conditioning shampoos.
- Petrissage
- A kneading and squeezing scalp massage manipulation that stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles of the scalp and neck.
- High porosity hair
- Hair with a raised or damaged cuticle that absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast; it needs gentle, acidic, penetrating conditioners.
- Elasticity test
- Stretching a wet strand of hair; normal hair stretches about half its length and returns, while brittle hair snaps instead of recoiling.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-level classification of how skin responds to ultraviolet light, used to judge sun sensitivity and select safe treatment intensity.
- Effleurage
- A light, gliding massage stroke made with the palms and fingertips, used to begin and end a facial and to apply product.
- Clay mask
- A mask that draws out oil and impurities as it dries; best suited to oily and combination skin and to the T-zone.
- Waxing contraindication
- Clients taking isotretinoin or topical retinoids should not be waxed, because the skin is fragile and can tear during removal.
- Matrix
- The living area at the base of the nail where new cells form; it determines nail thickness and shape and is where growth occurs.
- Lunula
- The whitish half-moon visible at the base of the nail plate, formed by the front portion of the matrix showing through the nail.
- Squoval nail shape
- A shape with straight sides and slightly rounded corners; it resists breaking better than pointed or oval shapes on natural nails.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening and discoloration; it is a contraindication for nail services and requires medical referral.
- Hospital-grade disinfectant
- An EPA-registered product carrying a tuberculocidal claim, used on hard nonporous implements to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Masseter muscle
- The muscle of mastication at the angle of the jaw; massage over it follows the direction of the fibers and uses firm pressure.
- Massachusetts training requirement
- Massachusetts requires 1,000 hours of board-approved cosmetology education before a candidate may sit for the licensing examination.
- Blood spill procedure
- Stop the service, put on gloves, clean the area with a tuberculocidal disinfectant, cover the wound, and discard all contaminated porous items.