MT Cosmetology flashcards
MT 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.
- Cuticle
- The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping transparent scales that protect the cortex and regulate moisture; chemical services must lift it to penetrate.
- Cortex
- The middle layer of the hair containing melanin and keratin fibers; it gives hair strength, elasticity, and color and is the layer reshaped by perming and relaxing.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to seven years; most scalp hair is in anagen at any time.
- Elevation
- The angle at which hair is held from the head during cutting; 0 degrees builds weight, 45 degrees graduates, and 90 degrees creates uniform layers.
- Stationary guideline
- A fixed first section of hair that does not move and is used as the reference for all subsequent sections in a haircut.
- Color level
- The lightness or darkness of a hair color on a scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde), independent of the color's warm or cool tone.
- Underlying pigment
- The warm color remaining in hair after melanin is removed during lightening; it ranges from red at dark levels to yellow at light levels.
- Developer volume
- The concentration of hydrogen peroxide that determines lift and deposit; 10 volume deposits, 20 lifts one to two levels, and 30 to 40 lift more.
- Strand test
- A test on a small section of hair before a color or texture service to check processing time, resulting color, and hair condition.
- Relaxer neutralizer
- A shampoo or lotion at the hair's natural pH applied after relaxing to stop chemical action and rebuild the hair's disulfide bonds.
- Permanent wave neutralizer
- A solution, usually hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate, applied after waving to rebuild disulfide bonds and lock the new curl shape.
- Pin curl stem
- The straight section of a pin curl from the scalp to the first turn; it determines the direction and mobility of the finished curl.
- Ridge curl
- A pin curl placed along the hairline with the stem forming a ridge; it creates a strong, stable wave at the front of the style.
- Thermal iron temperature
- The heat setting chosen by hair texture: lower for fine or damaged hair, medium for normal hair, and higher for coarse, resistant hair.
- Backcombing
- Teasing hair toward the scalp with a comb to build volume at the base; it should be used lightly because it roughens the cuticle.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-level classification of skin by response to sun exposure; it guides exfoliation, waxing, and light-based service decisions.
- Effleurage
- A light, gliding facial massage stroke performed upward and outward; it begins and ends most massage sequences and promotes relaxation.
- Extraction
- Removal of visible comedones during a facial; deep, inflamed, or cystic lesions are outside scope and must be referred to a physician.
- Comedone
- A plugged follicle; an open comedone is a blackhead and a closed comedone is a whitehead, both of which may be extracted when ready.
- Nail matrix
- The tissue at the base of the nail that produces new nail cells; injury to the matrix can permanently alter nail growth.
- Lunula
- The whitish half-moon at the base of the nail plate, visible where the matrix is thickest and the nail is newly formed.
- Eponychium
- The living tissue at the base of the nail plate often called the cuticle; it is softened and pushed back but should not be cut.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening and discoloration; it is a contraindication and requires referral to a physician.
- Arrector pili muscle
- A small muscle attached to each hair follicle that contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing goose bumps and lifting the hair.
- Sebaceous gland
- A gland in the dermis that secretes sebum to lubricate the skin and hair; overactivity contributes to oily skin and acne.
- Dermis
- The middle skin layer containing nerves, blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles; it supplies the epidermis and supports the hair and nails.
- Trifacial nerve
- The fifth cranial nerve, also called the trigeminal, which supplies sensation to the face and scalp; its branches are used as pressure points.
- Disinfection
- The process that destroys most pathogens on implements and surfaces, but not necessarily spores, using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product.
- Sterilization
- The complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores, usually by autoclave; it exceeds the level required for routine cosmetology implements.
- Porous implements
- Items such as nail files, buffers, and wooden sticks that absorb liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected; they must be discarded after a single use.
- Contact time
- The time an implement must remain fully immersed in disinfectant, as stated on the product label, to achieve the claimed level of disinfection.
- Scope of practice
- The set of services a licensee is legally permitted to perform under Montana law; medical diagnosis and treatment of disease fall outside it.