MI Cosmetology cheat sheet

Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; nonpathogens do not cause disease, but both can be present on skin and implements.

Bacterial shapes are cocci (round), bacilli (rod), and spirilla (spiral); diplo-, strepto-, and staphylo- describe groupings.

Disinfection destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores.

An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim is used for blood or body-fluid spills, following the label contact time.

The pH scale runs 0–14: below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is alkaline; hair and skin’s acid mantle is about pH 4.5–5.5.

Alkaline solutions swell the hair shaft and raise the cuticle; acidic solutions contract the shaft and smooth the cuticle.

Skin layers from outer to inner are epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue; the hair follicle and sebaceous gland sit in the dermis.

Galvanic current is direct current flowing in one direction; faradic and sinusoidal currents are alternating and used for stimulation.

An SDS provides hazard, handling, and first-aid information for a product; it does not replace salon sanitation procedures.

Blunt cutting uses zero elevation and a single guideline to create a solid weight line; graduated cutting uses elevation to build stacked weight.

Layered cutting removes weight and creates movement by cutting shorter sections above longer ones; tension and clean sectioning control accuracy.

Aniline-derivative hair color requires a patch test 24–48 hours before the first application or after a formula change.

Developer volumes: 20 volume is about 6% hydrogen peroxide, 30 volume about 9%, and 40 volume about 12%; higher volume increases lifting.

A strand test predicts color, lightener, or relaxer processing time and helps avoid overprocessing or uneven results.

Chemical relaxers are high-pH (about 12–14) and break disulfide bonds; the neutralizer lowers pH and re-forms bonds.

Permanent wave solution breaks disulfide bonds, and the neutralizer oxidizes them back into new curl patterns.

Complementary colors on the color wheel neutralize each other; primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.

Thermal styling safety requires a clean, dry hair shaft, controlled tool temperature, and keeping hot tools away from skin and eyes.

Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI classify sunburn and tanning response; higher types have more melanin and lower burning risk.

Facial order: cleanse, exfoliate, tone (if used), extract (if permitted), massage, mask, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.

Effleurage is light gliding, petrissage is kneading, tapotement is tapping, and friction is small circular pressure.

Contraindications include open lesions, active infection, recent surgery, and photosensitizing medications; postpone or refer.

Wax should be tested for temperature; apply in the direction of hair growth and remove against the growth with firm support.

Isotretinoin use, recent chemical peels, and sunburn are contraindications for waxing and many exfoliating services.

ABCDE melanoma warning signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving lesion.

Single-use items are discarded after one client; reusable implements must be cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-registered product.

Facial steamers increase hydration and soften sebum; they are contraindicated for clients with asthma, sensitive skin, or claustrophobia.

The nail plate sits on the nail bed; the matrix produces the plate; the lunula is the visible half-moon of the matrix.

Eponychium is the living tissue at the proximal nail fold; the cuticle is the dead tissue adhering to the plate.

File natural nails in one direction with a fine-grit file to reduce splitting and peeling; coarse side-to-side filing weakens the free edge.

Nail shapes include square, squoval, oval, almond, and stiletto; shape is chosen from client preference and nail strength.

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection; paronychia is inflammation or infection around the nail; both require referral, not cosmetic treatment.

Acrylic enhancements use liquid monomer and powder polymer; the correct mix ratio controls curing, strength, and adhesion.

UV/LED gels cure only under the matching lamp; undercuring leaves tacky, weak, or serviceable-unsafe enhancements.

Pedicure footbaths require cleaning and disinfection between clients; porous items such as files and buffers are single-use.

Do not apply enhancements over inflamed, broken, or infected skin; referral is required before service.

Michigan cosmetology licenses are issued and enforced by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology advises LARA on licensing standards and cosmetology rules.

Michigan law prohibits performing cosmetology services for compensation without a valid license for that service.

Salon and individual licenses must be kept current; operating with an expired license is unlicensed practice.

Licensees must follow Michigan sanitation rules, including cleaning and disinfecting implements and using EPA-registered disinfectants.

Services must not be performed on skin or nails with open lesions, infection, or parasitic infestation; the client is referred.

Michigan rules require separate license categories such as cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, electrologist, and instructor, each with a defined scope.

A licensee must not allow an unlicensed person to perform services under their license or salon.

Profit = total revenue − total expenses; a service’s contribution margin = price − variable cost.

Break-even sales = fixed costs ÷ contribution margin ratio, or fixed costs ÷ per-unit contribution margin.

Retail markup can be calculated as (retail price − cost) ÷ cost × 100; gross profit = retail price − product cost.

Booth renters typically pay rent and manage their own taxes, insurance, and supplies; employees are paid by wage or commission and covered by employer obligations.

Client records should include contact details, service history, formulas, patch or strand test results, and consent documentation.

Confidentiality requires protecting client information and discussing services only with those who need to know.

Informed consent documents the client’s understanding of risks, benefits, alternatives, and permission to perform the service.

Ethical practice includes staying within scope, disclosing conflicts, refusing unsafe services, and referring medical conditions.

A target market is the specific group a salon serves; marketing messages should match that group’s needs and legal advertising rules.