MI Natural Hair Culturist flashcards

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

Natural hair culturist scope

In Michigan, the license covers nonchemical hair services such as shampooing, cutting, styling, and arranging. Chemical relaxing, waving, and coloring require a cosmetology or hairstylist license.

Michigan training hour requirement

Applicants for natural hair culturist licensure must complete an approved program of at least 400 hours of instruction before taking the state theory and practical examinations.

License renewal cycle

Michigan natural hair culturist licenses renew every two years through LARA, with continuing education and infection control training required as specified in the administrative rules.

Licensee-in-charge

A licensed individual designated to be responsible for an establishment's compliance with the Public Health Code and administrative rules, including sanitation and recordkeeping.

Establishment license posting

The salon establishment license must be displayed conspicuously where clients can see it, and the individual practitioner license must be available for inspection on request.

Practicing beyond scope

Performing chemical or other services outside the natural hair culturist license is unprofessional conduct and grounds for disciplinary action by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology.

Sanitation versus disinfection

Sanitation removes visible soil and reduces microorganisms, while disinfection destroys most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces. Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores.

Hospital-grade disinfectant use

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants must be mixed at the label dilution and left on the implement for the full labeled contact time to be effective.

Porous implement rule

Items that cannot be effectively disinfected, such as nail files, wooden tools, and porous buffers, are single-use and must be discarded after each client.

Hand washing standard

Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before and after each client and after glove removal; sanitizer does not replace washing when hands are soiled.

Blood spill procedure

Absorb the spill, clean the area, disinfect with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal product at the labeled contact time, and document the event per the exposure control plan.

Sharps disposal

Contaminated sharp items go into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container; other contaminated disposables go into a covered, plastic-lined waste receptacle.

Disinfectant container labeling

Wet disinfectant containers must be covered, labeled with the product name, and the solution changed per manufacturer instructions or when visibly soiled.

Hair shaft layers

The shaft has three layers: the medulla (innermost, often absent in fine hair), the cortex (bulk, containing melanin and strength), and the cuticle (outer protective scales).

Follicle bulb function

The bulb at the base of the follicle contains the matrix, where cell division creates hair, and the dermal papilla, which supplies blood and nutrients.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years, during which the matrix produces new hair cells continuously.

Telogen phase

The resting phase of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, after which the hair sheds and a new growth cycle begins.

Normal shedding rate

A typical person sheds roughly 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the normal anagen-catagen-telogen cycle, and this rate varies with washing and styling.

Sebaceous gland

A gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum, which lubricates the hair and scalp and helps retain moisture in the shaft.

Dandruff

A common flaking condition of the scalp, often associated with Malassezia yeast, managed with medicated shampoo rather than heavy oil-based products.

Tinea capitis

A contagious fungal infection of the scalp causing scaly patches and broken hairs; it requires medical referral, and hair services must be declined until treated.

Traction alopecia

Hair loss caused by prolonged tension from tight braids, twists, or ponytails; it is preventable by avoiding tension, especially along the hairline.

Hair porosity

The cuticle's ability to absorb and retain moisture; low porosity resists moisture and needs lightweight products, while high porosity absorbs quickly and needs protein and moisture balance.

Hair typing system

A classification of curl pattern from type 1 (straight) through type 4 (tightly coiled), with subcategories a to c; it does not describe porosity, density, or texture.

LOC method

A layering technique applying liquid or leave-in conditioner first, then oil, then cream, moving from thinnest to thickest to seal moisture into the hair.

LCO method

A variation of the layering technique that applies liquid, then cream, then oil, suited to hair that needs more sealing and less heavy product at the ends.

Co-washing

Cleansing the hair with conditioner instead of shampoo to reduce stripping of natural oils; it suits dry or tightly coiled hair but requires periodic clarifying to prevent buildup.

Protein treatment

A treatment that temporarily fills gaps in the cuticle to strengthen hair; overuse causes brittleness, so it is alternated with moisturizing deep conditioning.

Protective styling limits

Braids, twists, and similar styles reduce manipulation but must avoid tension at the hairline and generally should not remain longer than about six to eight weeks.

Detangling technique

Detangle damp, conditioned hair with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, working from ends to roots; dry detangling of tightly coiled hair increases breakage.

Heat styling safety

Use a heat protectant, select a temperature suited to the hair type, generally no higher than about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and strand test before full application.

Client consultation

A pre-service review of hair history, chemical services, medications, allergies, and scalp condition to identify contraindications and document them before beginning the service.