MS Master Barber Exam key terms

To clean a surface or tool with soap or detergent and water so that visible soil, debris, and many germs are physically removed. It is the first step before any disinfecting or sterilizing.

A chemical product registered with the EPA that kills or inactivates most harmful organisms on hard, nonporous implements. It must be mixed and used exactly at the label's dilution and contact time to be effective.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an item. In barbering it is typically achieved with an autoclave using steam under pressure, and it is required for items that penetrate or contact broken skin.

The number of minutes a wet disinfectant must stay in contact with an implement to kill organisms as claimed on its label. Cutting that time short makes the disinfection unreliable even if the product is the correct one.

A pressure vessel that sterilizes tools using high-pressure steam, usually at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit for a set cycle. Items must be cleaned first, and packages must be dated and stored so sterility is not compromised.

The OSHA rule requiring employers to protect workers from blood and other potentially infectious materials. It mandates exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination offers, gloves, and safe handling of sharps and contaminated items.

An approach in which every client's blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious regardless of known health status. Gloves and other barriers are used whenever exposure to blood or broken skin is possible.

A rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof container with a closable lid used to discard razor blades, needles, and other sharp items. It must be labeled with a biohazard symbol and never filled past the marked line.

A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches and broken hairs. It is contagious, so barbers must not service an active case and must disinfect all contact tools and linens.

A fungal infection of the beard and mustache area, often with redness, scaling, and pustules around hair follicles. Service must be refused while active, and contaminated tools and capes must be cleaned and disinfected.

Infestation with head lice, which cling to hair and lay eggs called nits near the scalp. It is highly contagious through shared combs, brushes, and caps, so service is refused and tools are disinfected thoroughly.

Inflammation of hair follicles, usually appearing as small red bumps or pus-filled pimples where hair grows. It can follow shaving or waxing, and barbers should avoid irritating the area and refer persistent cases for medical care.

A condition in which tightly curled hairs re-enter the skin after shaving, causing bumps and sometimes scarring, most often on the beard and neck. Barbers manage it with careful technique and by avoiding close, aggressive shaving.

Partial or complete hair loss, which may be hereditary, stress-related, hormonal, or caused by disease or medication. Barbers should recognize patterns, avoid claiming to cure it, and refer clients for medical evaluation when appropriate.

The repeating phases of hair growth, rest, and shedding: anagen for active growth, catagen for transition, and telogen for rest before shedding. Understanding it explains why hair grows at different rates and why some shedding is normal.

The three structural layers of a hair: the cuticle, a protective outer covering of overlapping scales; the cortex, the main body holding pigment and strength; and the medulla, an inner core that may be absent in fine hair.

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined largely by the condition of the cuticle. Highly porous hair takes color quickly but fades fast, while low-porosity hair resists moisture and may need longer processing.

The middle and thickest layer of the hair shaft, made of elongated cells that contain melanin and give hair its strength, elasticity, and color. Chemical services act primarily on the cortex, so its condition affects results.

A small application of a color or chemical product on the skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, checked after 24 to 48 hours for redness or swelling. It helps detect an allergic reaction before full service.

A test performed on a small section of the client's hair before a color, lightener, or texture service to predict timing and outcome. It reveals how the hair reacts and helps prevent overprocessing or an unexpected shade.

A hydrogen peroxide solution that, when mixed with color or lightener, opens the cuticle and develops the new shade. Its volume number indicates strength, with higher volumes producing more lift and more potential damage.

The minutes a chemical product is left on the hair to complete its reaction, set by the manufacturer and confirmed by a strand test. Leaving it too long risks damage, while removing it early gives an uneven result.

A strong alkaline cream, usually containing sodium hydroxide or a gentler alternative, that straightens curly or tightly coiled hair by breaking and reforming bonds in the cortex. It requires careful scalp protection and strict timing.

A product applied after a relaxer or permanent wave to stop the chemical action and rebuild the hair's disulfide bonds in the new shape. Rinsing thoroughly before neutralizing is essential for a lasting, safe result.

A reducing chemical, commonly ammonium thioglycolate, that breaks disulfide bonds so hair can be wrapped into a new curl pattern. It is followed by a neutralizer that locks the curls in place.

A small inflamed or infected bump that forms after shaving when a hair curls back into the skin or a follicle becomes irritated. Barbers reduce risk with proper prep, sharp blades, and light pressure.

A lubricating foam or gel worked into the beard to soften hair, hold moisture, and let the razor glide without scraping skin. Adequate lather and a warm, damp towel before shaving reduce irritation and cuts.

The natural direction in which facial hair grows. Shaving with the grain, especially on sensitive or curved areas, lowers the chance of razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks.

Controlled movements on the face and neck used after shaving or during a facial service to relax muscles, improve circulation, and soothe the skin. It is performed with clean hands and gentle pressure.

A heated towel or steam appliance applied to the face to soften the beard, open pores, and relax tissue before shaving or a facial. The temperature must be checked to avoid burns.

A plastic or metal attachment placed over the clipper blade to control the length of hair left after cutting. Guards are numbered by length, and using the correct guard is essential to an even, predictable cut.

A cutting technique in which the clipper is run over a comb held against the head to remove bulk while leaving a controlled length. It blends sections and is often used to soften the transition in a fade.

A haircut in which hair length gradually blends from shorter at the bottom to longer at the top, with no visible line. It is built by working through guards and blending with clipper-over-comb or shears.

The proper seating and adjustment of clipper or trimmer blades so the cutting teeth line up and cut evenly without pulling or nicking. Misaligned blades cause uneven cuts and skin irritation.

Cleansing of the hair and scalp with a shampoo suited to the client's hair type and condition, followed by rinsing and often conditioner. Proper draping, water temperature, and scalp massage are part of the service.

Rhythmic manipulation of the scalp with the fingertips to increase circulation, loosen scale, and relax the client. It is performed during shampooing or as a treatment and is avoided on irritated or infected scalps.

A product applied after shampooing to smooth the cuticle, restore moisture, and improve manageability. It is chosen by hair type and porosity and rinsed or left in according to the manufacturer's directions.

The state agency that licenses barbers and shops, sets sanitation and practice standards, and investigates complaints in Mississippi. Candidates must know its rules on licensing, inspections, and disciplinary action.

The permit issued by the state board allowing a barber shop to operate lawfully. It requires compliance with sanitation, equipment, and facility rules and must be displayed where clients can see it.

The services and procedures a licensed barber is legally permitted to perform under state law. Working outside it, such as certain skin or medical treatments, can lead to discipline or license loss.

Explaining a service's risks, benefits, and alternatives so the client can agree knowingly before it begins. It protects both client and barber and is especially important for chemical and skin services.

Required hours of approved training that a licensed barber completes to renew a license and stay current. The state board sets the number of hours and acceptable topics.