MS Barber flashcards

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

Disinfection versus sterilization

Disinfection eliminates most pathogenic microorganisms from surfaces but not bacterial spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, using heat or pressure devices such as an autoclave.

Blood spill cleanup steps

Stop the service, don gloves, cleanse the wound, apply antiseptic and a bandage, disinfect the surface with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant, and seal contaminated items in a bag.

Porous versus nonporous implements

Nonporous items such as metal shears and combs can be cleaned and disinfected; porous items such as towels, wooden sticks, and cotton cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after use.

Proper handwashing duration

Wash with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing between fingers and under nails, before and after every client service and after handling waste.

Elevation for uniform layers

Cutting hair at 90 degrees from the head pulls strands to a uniform elevation, producing layered lengths with blended, softened ends throughout the shape.

Tapering versus a fade

Tapering shortens hair gradually from the hairline toward the crown, while a fade is a taper cut so close at the hairline that the skin becomes visible.

Blunt one-length cut guideline

Holding hair at zero-degree elevation and cutting every section to a stationary guideline creates a blunt, one-length perimeter with no graduation or layering.

Clipper guard size increments

Standard guards rise in 1/8-inch steps: #1 leaves 1/8 inch, #2 leaves 1/4 inch, #3 leaves 3/8 inch, and #4 leaves 1/2 inch of hair.

Purpose of cross-checking

Cross-checking recuts a section perpendicular to the original parting so uneven strands the first cut missed become visible and can be corrected before finishing.

Freehand versus backhand stroke

In a freehand shaving stroke the fingers of the free hand rest on the skin and stretch it; in a backhand stroke the palm turns outward and the back of the hand leads.

Beard neckline placement

The beard neckline is shaped about one to two finger widths above the Adam's apple, following the natural curve where the head meets the neck.

Shaving with the grain

Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces irritation and ingrown hairs; across or against the grain gives a closer shave but raises the risk of razor burn.

Developer volume and lift

20-volume peroxide lifts color roughly one to two levels, 30 volume lifts about two to three levels, and 40 volume lifts about three to four levels of lightness.

Patch test timing

Apply a small amount of color product behind the ear or on the inner elbow and wait 24 to 48 hours before the full service to check for an allergic reaction.

Relaxer retouch rule

During a retouch, apply chemical relaxer only to new growth; overlapping onto previously relaxed hair causes breakage, overprocessing, and uneven texture.

How a permanent wave works

Thioglycolate waving lotion breaks disulfide bonds in the cortex while hair is wound on a rod, and the neutralizer rebuilds those bonds in the new curl shape.

Scalp massage manipulations

The main manipulations are effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), and friction or vibration, all of which increase circulation to the scalp.

Clay mask indication

Clay-based masks absorb excess oil and suit oily or combination skin, while creamy or gel moisturizing masks are chosen for dry, mature, or sensitive skin.

Scalp treatment contraindications

Do not perform scalp massage or treatment over open wounds, contagious conditions such as ringworm or lice, or inflamed lesions; refer the client to a physician.

Hair porosity test

Spray a strand with water: quick absorption with a rough feel indicates high porosity, while water beading and slow absorption indicate low porosity.

Scope of practice limits

Barbers may cleanse and groom the surface of hair and skin but may not diagnose or treat disease, prescribe medication, or perform medical procedures.

License display requirement

Most states require the current license of every practitioner and the shop license to be posted in plain view in the work area during business hours.

Sanitation violation consequences

State boards may impose fines, probation, suspension, or license revocation for sanitation and infection-control violations found during an official shop inspection.

Booth rental arrangement

A booth renter pays a fixed weekly fee to the shop owner, keeps all service income, and is typically responsible for their own supplies, taxes, and insurance.

Client consultation sequence

Consultation follows a set order: ask questions, listen actively, analyze hair and scalp, propose options, confirm the plan, then begin the service.

Handling a client complaint

Listen without interrupting, acknowledge the concern, apologize for the experience, offer a specific remedy, and document the resolution in the client record.

Hair growth cycle phases

Anagen is the active growth phase lasting two to six years, catagen is a short transitional phase, and telogen is the resting phase when hair sheds.

Three layers of the hair shaft

The shaft has a protective outer cuticle, a middle cortex holding pigment and disulfide bonds, and a central medulla that may be absent in fine hair.

Sebaceous gland function

Sebaceous glands attach to hair follicles and secrete sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin and helps the skin retain moisture.

Contagious scalp disorders

Tinea capitis and tinea barbae, pediculosis, scabies, and impetigo are contagious and require refusing service and referring the client for medical treatment.

Trigeminal versus facial nerve

The fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve is the chief sensory and motor nerve of the face, while the seventh cranial (facial) nerve supplies the muscles of facial expression.

Anagen and telogen shedding ratio

At any time about 90 percent of scalp hair is in the active anagen phase, with the remainder in catagen or telogen, where normal shedding occurs.