MS Natural Hair Stylist key terms

The state agency that licenses cosmetologists and natural hair stylists, inspects salons, and enforces the Mississippi cosmetology statutes and rules. It sets sanitation, licensing, and practice standards for all licensees.

The legally permitted services and procedures a licensed natural hair stylist may perform in Mississippi. Working outside these limits can lead to discipline, fines, or license loss.

The required periodic process of updating a Mississippi cosmetology or natural hair license, including paying fees and meeting continuing education or other board requirements. Practicing on an expired license is a violation.

A regulation that specifies how tools, equipment, and work areas must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. In Mississippi, failure to follow these rules is a violation that can result in fines or license suspension.

The process of killing or inactivating most harmful microorganisms on surfaces and tools using an EPA-registered disinfectant. It does not necessarily kill bacterial spores. In salons, it is used for nonporous implements after cleaning.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item. It is required for tools that may contact blood or broken skin. Common methods include autoclaving and chemical sterilants.

A device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal tools and other heat-resistant items. It is the preferred method for sterilizing implements that may have contacted blood or body fluids.

The step-by-step protocol for safely cleaning and disinfecting after blood or body fluid contact: wear gloves, absorb the spill, clean with detergent, disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant, and dispose of materials properly.

Items such as gloves, aprons, and eye protection worn to protect the stylist and client from contact with blood, body fluids, and chemicals. PPE must be used during chemical services and cleanup.

A document provided by chemical manufacturers that lists a product's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and disposal instructions. Salons must keep SDSs accessible for all hazardous products.

The movement of fresh air through a salon to remove fumes, vapors, and dust. Proper ventilation reduces exposure to chemicals and is required by occupational safety rules.

The visible part of a hair strand that extends above the scalp. It consists of three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Its condition affects how hair responds to styling and chemical services.

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scale-like cells. It protects the inner layers and controls how easily hair absorbs moisture and chemicals. A damaged cuticle leads to dryness and breakage.

The middle layer of the hair shaft, containing the bulk of the hair's protein and melanin pigment. It gives hair strength, elasticity, and color. Chemical services alter the cortex.

The innermost layer of the hair shaft, a core of soft, sometimes absent cells. It has little effect on styling or chemical services but is part of the hair's anatomy.

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle. High porosity hair absorbs quickly but loses moisture easily; low porosity hair resists absorption.

The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Good elasticity indicates strong, healthy hair; poor elasticity means the hair is weak and prone to breakage.

The number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp. It is different from hair texture and affects how styling products and techniques are chosen.

The diameter or thickness of an individual hair strand, classified as fine, medium, or coarse. Texture influences how hair holds styles and responds to chemicals.

Partial or complete hair loss that can result from genetics, illness, medications, or scalp disorders. A stylist should recognize signs and refer clients to a physician; it is not a condition to treat in the salon.

A contagious fungal infection of the scalp, also called ringworm, causing patches of scaling and hair loss. It is a medical condition; clients must be referred to a doctor and not served until cleared.

An infestation of lice on the scalp or hair. It is highly contagious and must be treated medically. A stylist must not provide services until the infestation is resolved.

A skin or scalp condition caused by a fungus, such as ringworm. It is contagious and requires medical treatment. Stylists should avoid direct contact and refer clients to a physician.

Services and practices that maintain and style hair without chemical straighteners or harsh treatments, focusing on moisture, gentle cleansing, and protective styling to support healthy hair.

The process of removing dirt, oil, and product buildup from hair and scalp using a shampoo or cleanser. Proper cleansing prepares hair for conditioning and styling and helps maintain scalp health.

The application of products that restore moisture, protein, and softness to hair after cleansing. Conditioning helps reduce breakage, improve manageability, and protect the hair shaft.

A manual technique that uses gentle pressure and movement on the scalp to increase circulation, relax the client, and support scalp health. It is often performed during shampoo or treatment services.

A service that applies products such as oils, moisturizers, or medicated preparations to the scalp to address dryness, flaking, or irritation. It may include massage and should be tailored to the client's scalp condition.

An oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp that lubricates hair and skin. Excess sebum can cause buildup, while too little can lead to dryness.

A styling technique that interlaces three or more strands of hair to create a secure, patterned length. Braids can be protective and must be installed without excessive tension to prevent hair loss.

A styling method that coils two strands of hair around each other to form a rope-like pattern. Twists can be done on natural hair and are often used as a protective style.

A process of matting or interlocking hair into permanent, rope-like strands called locks. Methods include palm rolling, comb coiling, and interlocking; maintenance varies by hair type.

Additional hair strands attached to natural hair to add length, volume, or color. They can be sewn, glued, or fused and require careful attachment to avoid tension and damage.

Hair loss caused by constant pulling or tension on hair follicles, often from tight braids, twists, or extensions. Stylists can prevent it by using gentle tension and educating clients.

The use of heat tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers to shape or straighten natural hair. Proper temperature control and heat protectant products reduce damage.

A product that straightens curly or natural hair by breaking and reforming bonds in the hair cortex. It requires careful timing, patch testing, and scalp protection to avoid burns and damage.

A small application of a chemical product on the skin to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. It is required for certain dyes and chemicals and helps prevent adverse reactions.

A pre-service conversation between stylist and client to understand needs, assess hair and scalp condition, review service options, and obtain informed consent. It helps ensure safety and client satisfaction.

A condition or circumstance that makes a particular service inadvisable or unsafe for a client, such as scalp infection, open wounds, or known allergy. Identifying contraindications prevents harm.

The principles of honesty, confidentiality, respect, and integrity that guide a stylist's behavior with clients and coworkers. Ethical practice builds trust and protects the public.