MO Barber flashcards

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

Most resistant pathogen form

Bacterial spores resist standard disinfection and survive most chemical agents; only sterilization reliably destroys them, which is why sporicidal and tuberculocidal products matter in barbershops.

Disinfection versus sterilization

Disinfection destroys most pathogens on surfaces but not spores. Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, and is required for items that penetrate skin.

Standard precautions

Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of known diagnosis, requiring gloves and hand washing before and after every client contact.

Bloodborne pathogen exposure

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV spread through blood contact. Hepatitis B is the most contagious and stable outside the body, so spills require a tuberculocidal disinfectant.

Clean before disinfect

Organic debris such as hair and skin inactivates disinfectants, so implements must be washed with soap and water and dried before immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectant.

Hair cortex function

The cortex is the thick middle layer of the hair shaft, containing keratin and melanin; it provides strength, elasticity, and color and is the target of coloring and relaxing chemicals.

Surfactant in shampoo

A molecule with a water-loving head and oil-loving tail that lifts sebum and debris into water so it can be rinsed away; the basis of all shampoo cleansing.

Scalp type identification

Oily scalps show shine and excess sebum, dry scalps flake without oil, and combination scalps are oily at the crown and dry at the sides; product choice follows the type.

Conditioner mechanism

Conditioners smooth the cuticle, reduce static, and restore moisture after shampooing; they are applied mainly to mid-lengths and ends, not heavily to an oily scalp.

Elevation in haircutting

The angle at which hair is held away from the head: 0° produces blunt lines, 45° graduation, 90° uniform layers, and 180° long layers.

Stationary versus traveling guide

A stationary guide stays fixed to set length for all subsections; a traveling guide moves with each cut and is used to build layered or graduated shapes.

Cross-checking a haircut

Re-combing the hair in a different pattern and re-examining the shape to verify balance, symmetry, and clean lines before finishing the service.

Clipper-over-comb technique

The comb is held against the head as a guide while the clipper cuts only hair protruding above the comb teeth, creating blended, tapered lengths.

Straight razor shaving angle

Hold the razor at roughly 30 degrees to the skin, keep the skin taut with the free hand, and use short strokes to reduce nicks and razor burn.

With versus against grain

Shaving with the grain follows hair growth and irritates less; against the grain cuts closer but raises the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Beard neckline rule

Define the neckline just above the Adam's apple and curve it toward the jaw rather than cutting a straight line, which looks artificial on most faces.

Styptic use after shaving

Styptic powder or a cold compress stops minor bleeding from nicks; never shave over moles, raised lesions, or active acne.

Developer volume and lift

Ten volume deposits tone, 20 lifts about one level, 30 lifts two to three levels, and 40 lifts three to four levels with greater damage risk.

Color wheel neutralization

Complementary colors cancel unwanted tones: violet cancels yellow, blue cancels orange, and green cancels red in hair color formulation.

Strand test purpose

A strand test on a small section predicts timing, final result, and damage risk before a full lightening or color service, especially on previously treated hair.

Relaxer chemical action

Strong alkaline relaxers break disulfide bonds in the cortex, straightening the hair; the process must be stopped and neutralized to reform bonds in the new shape.

Relaxer retouch application

Product is applied only to new growth because overlapping previously relaxed hair causes overprocessing, breakage, and scalp irritation.

Neutralization after relaxing

Neutralizing shampoo removes residual relaxer and restores normal pH; incomplete neutralization leaves bonds breaking and causes continued damage.

Perm rod size effect

Smaller rods wrap hair tighter and produce smaller curls, while larger rods create looser waves; rod size and wrapping pattern determine the finished texture.

Facial massage movements

Effleurage glides, petrissage kneads, tapotement taps, and friction rubs; movements on the face and neck are directed toward the heart.

Facial treatment contraindications

Active acne, open lesions, recent peels, and contagious skin conditions rule out massage and extractions; refer clients with suspected infection to a physician.

Hair growth cycle stages

Anagen is active growth lasting years, catagen is a short transition, and telogen is a resting phase after which hair sheds naturally.

Three layers of hair

The medulla is the inner core, the cortex is the bulk containing pigment and strength, and the cuticle is the protective outer layer of overlapping scales.

Skin layer functions

The epidermis is the avascular outer layer, the dermis holds nerves, glands, and follicles, and subcutaneous tissue stores fat and insulates the body.

Facial nerves and muscles

The facial nerve controls expression, the trigeminal nerve carries sensation, and the masseter and temporalis muscles drive chewing; barbers must know these landmarks.

Missouri barber licensing authority

The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, under the Division of Professional Registration, licenses barbers and shops and enforces sanitation rules.

Professional ethics in barbering

Protect client confidentiality, disclose pricing, stay within licensed scope, and refer medical conditions to a physician rather than diagnosing or treating them.