MA Cosmetology key terms

The angle at which a section of hair is held away from the head before cutting. Low elevation keeps length, while high elevation creates layers and reduces weight.

A cutting technique in which hair is elevated and cut at an angle so lengths stack or build on each other, often creating volume at the perimeter and a wedge or bob shape.

A one-length cut performed with zero elevation, cutting straight across the perimeter so all hair ends fall on the same line.

A texturizing method that snips vertically into the ends of a section with shears to soften a heavy perimeter, blend layers, and create movement without removing overall length.

A cutting technique in which clippers run over a comb held against the scalp to remove bulk and create short, blended tapering, commonly used on sides and nape.

A wet-set curl formed by shaping a ribbon of hair into a circle between the fingers and clipping it flat to the scalp; it produces smooth, long-lasting waves.

Roller or curl placement in which the tool sits directly on its base section, creating maximum volume and a strong, long-lasting curl pattern.

Also called teasing; hair is combed downward toward the scalp in short strokes to build a cushion of tangled strands that supports volume, then the surface is smoothed.

Using heated tools such as curling irons, flat irons, or hot combs to change hair shape; temperature must match hair texture and condition to avoid burns or heat damage.

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a color developer, expressed as volume or percentage; higher volumes supply more oxygen and produce more lift during oxidation coloring.

A predisposition test in which a small amount of color product is applied behind the ear or in the elbow crease and observed, usually 24 to 48 hours ahead, to detect allergy.

A test on a small cutting of client hair, using the intended formula and timing, to preview color or lightener result and check processing speed before applying product to the whole head.

A numbered scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde) describing the lightness or darkness of hair, independent of its warm, cool, or neutral tone.

Applying a dilute or deposit-only color after lightening to neutralize unwanted warmth or add a specific shade, without significantly changing the hair's level.

A chemical service that uses an alkaline product, either sodium hydroxide (lye) or a no-lye alternative, to straighten curly or coarse hair by breaking disulfide bonds.

A cream or ointment applied along the hairline, ears, and scalp before a relaxer to shield skin from irritation and chemical burns; also called base cream.

An acidic product applied after a relaxer to stop chemical processing, lower the hair's pH, and rebuild disulfide bonds so the new straight shape holds.

A small strand processed during a relaxer service to check how quickly the hair straightens; it helps determine when to rinse and avoid over-processing.

A relaxer or color application limited to new growth near the scalp, avoiding overlap onto previously processed hair to prevent over-processing, breakage, or uneven results.

A measure from 0 to 14 of acidity or alkalinity. Hair and skin are mildly acidic near 4.5 to 5.5; shampoos and chemical services shift pH and affect cuticle condition.

A molecule with a water-attracting head and oil-attracting tail that allows shampoo to lift oils and debris from hair and scalp so they can be rinsed away.

A stronger shampoo formulated to remove product buildup, minerals, and excess oil; it can be drying, so it is used occasionally or before chemical services.

An oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin and scalp that lubricates hair and skin; excess sebum contributes to buildup and oily scalp conditions.

A classification of skin types I through VI based on response to ultraviolet exposure and burning tendency; it guides sun-protection advice and esthetic treatment planning.

Removing dead cells from the skin's surface with a scrub, enzyme, or acid product to smooth texture and brighten; overuse or aggressive products can irritate clients.

Manual removal of clogged pores, blackheads, or milia using gentle pressure or a tool after softening the skin; it is avoided on inflamed or infected lesions.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, infection, or an active allergic reaction; the service should be postponed or modified.

The visible hard portion of the nail made of keratin, resting on the nail bed and protected at the free edge; it is not living tissue and does not feel pain.

The living area at the base of the nail beneath the proximal nail fold where new nail cells are produced; damage here can permanently affect nail growth.

The whitish, half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail plate, formed by the front portion of the matrix; its appearance varies among clients.

A fungal infection of the nail that may cause thickening, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed; it is contagious and requires medical referral, not a standard manicure.

A nail enhancement made by mixing a liquid monomer with a polymer powder to form a sculptable bead that hardens on the nail plate; proper ventilation and monomer handling are required.

A process that destroys most harmful microorganisms on nonporous implements and surfaces using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant; it does not destroy bacterial spores.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, usually through autoclave heat and pressure; it is required for tools that may contact blood or break skin.

A standardized document supplied with a chemical product that lists hazards, safe handling, first aid, and spill procedures; it must be available to workers.

Microorganisms such as hepatitis B and HIV that can be transmitted through blood or body fluids; cosmetologists follow universal precautions and blood spill procedures to prevent exposure.

The fifth cranial nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and scalp and motor control to the muscles of chewing; it is a key nerve in facial and scalp services.

The state regulatory body within the Division of Professional Licensure that licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, and barbers, sets sanitation rules, and handles complaints and discipline.