MD Barber flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Cocci

Cocci are spherical bacteria that can appear singly, in pairs, chains, or clusters. Staphylococci form grape-like clusters, and streptococci form chains. Some cocci are pathogenic and cause skin infections.

Bacilli

Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria. Some form protective spores that resist heat and disinfectants, making them harder to kill. Examples include bacteria that cause tetanus and tuberculosis.

Disinfection

Disinfection is a process that kills most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and tools. It does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores. EPA-registered hospital disinfectants are used in barbershops.

Sterilization

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, viruses, and fungi. It is used for critical items and is not the same as disinfection or sanitizing.

pH scale

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. Hair and skin are mildly acidic at about pH 4.5 to 5.5.

OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to protect workers from blood and body fluids using gloves, spill kits, labeled containers, and training. It applies to barbershops where blood exposure is possible.

Anagen phase

Anagen is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly, and new hair pushes upward. Most scalp hair is in anagen at any time.

Telogen phase

Telogen is the resting phase of the hair cycle. Growth stops, the hair detaches from the follicle, and shedding occurs. It lasts about three months before a new cycle begins.

Cuticle

The cuticle is the tough, transparent outer layer of the hair shaft. Overlapping scales protect the cortex. Chemical services and brushing can damage the cuticle, causing roughness and porosity.

Sebum

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles. It lubricates hair and skin and helps keep the scalp supple. Excess sebum contributes to oily hair.

Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophytes. It produces scaling, redness, and patchy hair loss. It requires medical treatment and is not ordinary dandruff.

Blunt haircut

A blunt cut is created with zero elevation, cutting all hair at the same length. It forms a solid, heavy perimeter line and is also called a one-length cut.

Graduated haircut

A graduated haircut uses about 45-degree elevation, building weight at the perimeter. Hair is cut shorter at the nape and longer toward the top, creating a stacked or wedge shape.

Uniform layer cut

A uniform layer haircut uses 90-degree elevation throughout. All hair is cut at the same projection, creating even layers that blend and reduce bulk.

Long layer cut

A long layer cut uses 180-degree elevation, cutting hair from the top of the head downward. It creates long, flowing layers and removes weight from the interior.

Cross-checking

Cross-checking means parting and combing the finished haircut in the opposite direction from the original cutting lines. It reveals uneven areas and confirms balance before the service is completed.

Shaving with grain

Shaving with the grain means moving the razor in the direction of hair growth. It reduces tugging and irritation. A second pass against the grain may be done only if the skin tolerates it.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is inflammation caused by ingrown hairs, common in curly-bearded clients. Close shaving and cutting hair below the skin surface contribute. It appears as bumps and can lead to scarring.

Honing

Honing is sharpening a straight razor on a whetstone or hone. It grinds and shapes the cutting edge. Honing is followed by stropping to polish and align the edge.

Stropping

Stropping is the process of polishing and straightening the razor edge on a leather strop. It does not remove metal like honing. Proper stropping improves shaving comfort and edge life.

Beard neckline

The beard neckline is shaped about one finger's width above the Adam's apple. It follows a gentle curve from ear to ear. Placing it too high or too low distorts facial proportions.

Relaxer pH

Sodium hydroxide relaxers have a pH of about 12 to 14. This high alkalinity straightens curly hair by breaking disulfide bonds. The relaxer must be neutralized afterward to stop the chemical action.

Neutralizer

A relaxer neutralizer is an acidic shampoo that lowers the hair's pH and stops the relaxer action. It also helps restore disulfide bonds. Complete neutralization prevents continued processing and breakage.

Ammonium thioglycolate

Ammonium thioglycolate is the reducing agent in alkaline permanent waves. It breaks disulfide bonds so hair can be reshaped around a rod. A neutralizer then reforms the bonds.

Patch test

A patch test applies a small amount of color or chemical product to the skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease. It is checked after 24 to 48 hours for an allergic reaction.

Developer

Developer is hydrogen peroxide mixed with hair color. It lifts the natural pigment and develops the color deposit. Common volumes are 10, 20, 30, and 40, with higher volumes giving more lift.

Strand test

A strand test is performed on a small section of hair before a chemical service. It predicts processing time, color result, and possible damage. It is especially important for color, relaxing, and permanent waves.

Maryland State Board of Barbers

The Maryland State Board of Barbers regulates barber licensing, barbershop licensing, and barber school approval. It enforces the state's barber laws and sanitation rules through inspections, complaints, and disciplinary action.

Shop license display

Maryland barbershops must hold a current shop license issued by the state board. The license must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the shop. Operating without a license is prohibited.

Wet sanitizer

A wet sanitizer is a container filled with an EPA-registered disinfectant solution. Cleaned implements are submerged for the contact time on the label. It is used for nonporous tools such as combs and shears.

Blood spill procedure

For a blood spill, stop the service, put on gloves, absorb the spill with disposable material, disinfect the area with an approved germicide, and place waste in a closed container. Wash hands afterward.

Porous implements

Porous implements such as pumice stones, nail files, and some wooden items cannot be reliably disinfected. In Maryland barbershops they must be discarded after use on a client rather than reused.