MS Cosmetology flashcards
MS Cosmetology · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth phase of the hair cycle, when cells in the follicle divide rapidly and the hair lengthens. It lasts several years and determines maximum hair length.
- Cuticle layer
- The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the cortex. Damage to the cuticle causes dryness, split ends, and loss of shine.
- Disinfection
- A process that destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces and implements, but not necessarily bacterial spores. EPA-registered hospital-grade products are used with strict contact times.
- Sterilization
- The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, on an object. It is required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood and is achieved with heat or chemical sterilants.
- Patch test
- A small amount of product applied to the skin 24–48 hours before a chemical service to check for allergic reaction. Results must be recorded in the client record.
- Strand test
- A test performed on a small section of hair before a chemical service to determine processing time, product strength, and expected result.
- Developer volume
- The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a color developer. Ten volume deposits color, 20 lifts one level, 30 lifts two, and 40 lifts three levels.
- Law of color
- The principle that primary colors (red, yellow, blue) combine to form secondary colors, and complementary colors neutralize each other on the color wheel.
- Level system
- A scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde) describing the lightness or darkness of hair color. Tone describes warm, cool, or neutral undertones.
- Relaxer neutralizer
- A shampoo that stops the chemical action of a relaxer and restores the hair's pH. Incomplete neutralization allows continued processing and causes damage.
- Thioglycolate wave
- A cold wave using ammonium thioglycolate to break disulfide bonds, followed by a neutralizer that re-forms the bonds in the new shape.
- Elevation
- The angle at which hair is held from the head during cutting. Zero degrees creates a blunt line, 45 degrees graduation, 90 degrees layers, and 180 degrees long layers.
- Stationary guide
- A section of hair that is not moved during a haircut and serves as the length reference for all other sections. It creates a solid or graduated shape.
- Traveling guide
- A guide that moves with each section as the haircut progresses, allowing the length to increase or decrease gradually across the head.
- Texturizing
- Cutting techniques such as point cutting, notching, and slicing that remove bulk, soften lines, and create movement without changing the overall shape.
- Nail matrix
- The area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent nail deformity or abnormal growth.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is contagious and requires medical treatment; do not service infected nails.
- Paronychia
- An infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, often caused by bacteria entering through a cut or torn cuticle. It causes redness, swelling, and pain.
- Skin types
- The classification of skin as normal, dry, oily, or combination based on sebum production, pore size, and texture. Skin conditions such as acne or sensitivity are assessed separately.
- Effleurage
- A light, gliding massage stroke used at the beginning and end of a facial or scalp massage to warm tissue and improve circulation.
- Extraction
- The removal of comedones or milia from pores during a facial. It is performed only on non-inflamed lesions and avoided on cystic acne or broken skin.
- Acid mantle
- The slightly acidic film on the skin's surface (about pH 4.5–5.5) that protects against bacteria and moisture loss. Alkaline products can disrupt it.
- Sebaceous gland
- A gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum to lubricate hair and skin. Overactivity contributes to oily hair and acne.
- Telogen phase
- The resting phase of the hair cycle, when growth stops and the hair eventually sheds. It lasts about three months before a new anagen phase begins.
- EPA-registered disinfectant
- A product approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for killing pathogens on surfaces. It must be used at the labeled dilution and contact time.
- Safety Data Sheet
- A document provided by chemical manufacturers that lists hazards, handling precautions, and first-aid measures for a product. It must be available in the salon.
- Board license posting
- A Mississippi requirement that the current license be displayed in plain view at the workstation or establishment. Practicing without a posted, current license violates Board rules.
- Establishment license
- A license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology to a salon or school. It must be current, posted, and overseen by a licensed responsible individual.
- Client consultation
- A documented conversation before service that identifies allergies, medications, prior chemical services, and desired results. It guides product choice and reduces risk.
- Confidentiality
- The professional obligation to protect client information and not disclose it without consent. It includes service records, photos, and personal details.
- Porosity
- The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined by cuticle condition. High porosity absorbs quickly but loses moisture and color faster.
- Elasticity
- The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Poor elasticity indicates damage and limits chemical services.