MN Cosmetology key terms

Minnesota Statutes chapter that governs the practice of cosmetology, including licensing, salon permits, sanitation standards, and enforcement by the state board. Candidates must know which activities it covers and the penalties for unlicensed practice.

The Minnesota state agency that issues licenses and salon permits, adopts administrative rules, investigates complaints, and disciplines licensees who violate cosmetology law or board rules.

The specific services and procedures a licensee is legally allowed to perform under a given license type, such as cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician. Performing services outside that boundary is a violation.

The first step of infection control: physically removing visible dirt, hair, and product residue from tools and surfaces with soap and water before any disinfecting step.

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product on nonporous implements and surfaces to destroy most harmful microorganisms, though not bacterial spores. Required for tools that touch skin, hair, or nails.

The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including bacterial and fungal spores, usually by autoclave, dry heat, or chemical sterilant. Required for implements that have contacted blood or broken skin.

A product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as effective against a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Minnesota rules require its use according to label instructions, including the correct contact time.

Treating all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials as if they carry disease, regardless of the client's appearance or known health status. Includes handwashing and wearing gloves.

A standardized document supplied by a product manufacturer that lists hazards, safe handling, first aid, and disposal information for a chemical. Salons must keep these sheets accessible for products on site.

The steps taken when bleeding occurs during a service: stop, don gloves, clean the area, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant, dispose of contaminated items in a sealed bag, and document the incident.

A contagious fungal infection of the scalp and hair follicles, often called ringworm. It causes scaly patches and hair loss; clients with a suspected infection must be referred to a physician and not serviced.

The angle at which a section of hair is held away from the head while cutting. It controls the resulting shape and length distribution, from a blunt line at zero degrees to full layers at 180 degrees.

The first cut section that establishes the length and shape the rest of the haircut follows. It may stay in place (stationary) or move along with each new section (traveling).

Cutting hair at a graduated, increasing elevation so shorter lengths build on longer ones, creating stacked layers, volume, or a tapered wedge shape near the perimeter.

Parting the hair in the opposite direction from the way it was cut to verify that the line, balance, and blend are even before finishing the service.

Removing excess bulk or adding movement and blend with thinning shears, razors, or point cutting, so the hair lies smoothly and the ends look softer.

A small application of a color, lightener, or other chemical product on the skin, usually 24 to 48 hours before the service, to check for an allergic reaction.

A test on a small section of the client's hair with the actual product and timing planned for the service, used to predict the result and check for damage.

Hydrogen peroxide mixed with hair color or lightener to open the cuticle and provide oxygen for color formation. Its volume strength determines how much lift the mixture provides.

The color directly opposite another on the color wheel, such as blue and orange. In hair color it neutralizes unwanted tones and can adjust a shade's warmth.

A chemical such as ammonium thioglycolate that breaks the disulfide bonds in hair so it can be reshaped around a rod or smoothed. It is the active ingredient in permanent waves and some relaxers.

The second chemical step of a permanent wave or relaxer that stops the reducing action and rebuilds the hair's disulfide bonds in its new shape, usually an oxidizing agent such as sodium bromate.

A strong alkaline product, either sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine (no-lye), that straightens curly hair by breaking disulfide bonds. It requires careful scalp protection and timing to prevent burns.

The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, related to how tightly the cuticle layers lie. Low porosity resists moisture, while high porosity loses it quickly and processes fast.

The hair's ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking, an indicator of internal strength. Poor elasticity means the hair is fragile and may not tolerate chemical services.

The tough, outermost layer of overlapping scales that protects the hair shaft. It controls porosity and must be lifted for color or waving chemicals to penetrate the cortex.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years. Hair in this phase has a formed bulb and is most affected by chemical and hair removal services.

The area beneath the nail root where new nail cells are produced. Damage to the matrix permanently affects the shape and thickness of the nail plate.

A fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed. It is contagious and a reason to refer the client rather than perform nail services.

The liquid component of acrylic nail systems, typically ethyl methacrylate, that reacts with polymer powder to form a hard artificial nail. It requires good ventilation and must be kept off the skin.

A six-level classification of skin phototypes based on how skin responds to ultraviolet light. It guides the selection of treatment intensity and estimates the risk of burning or hyperpigmentation.

Describes an ingredient or product that tends to clog pores and contribute to acne. Estheticians avoid comedogenic products when working with acne-prone skin.

A condition, medication, or skin state that makes a planned service unsafe or inadvisable, such as open lesions, a recent chemical peel, or pregnancy with certain products. The service is postponed or referred out.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity or alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic; products that are too alkaline swell the cuticle and can damage hair.

A molecule with a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail that allows oil and water to mix, letting shampoo lift dirt and sebum from hair. It is the main cleansing agent in shampoos.

A direct electric current used in facial treatments for iontophoresis or desincrustation. It requires intact skin, a properly grounded client, and strict adherence to equipment directions.

The client's agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the expected result, the risks, and the alternatives. It should be documented in the client's record.

A written or electronic file of each client's history, services performed, products used, test results, and consent. It must be kept accurate and confidential and retained as the board requires.

A business arrangement where a licensed professional pays a set fee to rent space in a salon and works as an independent contractor, responsible for their own supplies, taxes, and insurance.