MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty key terms

The spread of harmful microorganisms from one person, tool or surface to another. In a salon it is prevented by washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting tools between clients, and never sharing items such as files or razors.

A chemical process that destroys most harmful microorganisms on tools and surfaces, but not bacterial spores. Items must be washed and dried first because dirt and residue stop the disinfectant from working properly.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on an item. In salons it is usually done with an autoclave using steam under pressure, and it is needed for tools that may contact blood or broken skin.

A document supplied with a professional product that lists its hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and storage requirements. Staff must be able to find it quickly and follow its instructions when using or diluting chemicals.

The design and arrangement of work, tools and furniture so the body is used efficiently and safely. Good ergonomics in a salon means adjustable chairs, correct bed heights and avoiding repeated twisting, which reduces strain injuries.

Any condition, allergy, medication or circumstance that makes a treatment unsafe or unsuitable for a client. The stylist must identify contraindications during consultation and either adapt the service or refuse it and refer the client elsewhere.

Permission given by a client after the stylist has explained what the treatment involves, its benefits, risks and alternatives. The client must be competent to decide and free to refuse at any point.

A confidential form holding a client's contact details, treatment history, patch test results, products used, allergies and preferences. It is completed at consultation, updated at each visit and kept securely for the period required by law.

The active growth stage of the hair growth cycle, when cells in the follicle divide and new hair is produced. It lasts from about two years up to seven and determines how long the hair can grow.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, when growth stops and the old hair is held in the follicle before being shed. It lasts around three months, and roughly one in ten scalp hairs is in this stage at any time.

The tough, overlapping outer layer of a hair shaft that protects the softer inside. It lies flat when hair is healthy and lifts when hair is damaged, chemically treated or brushed roughly, which makes hair feel rough and look dull.

The thick middle layer of the hair shaft, made of long protein bundles, which gives hair its strength, elasticity and most of its colour. Chemical services such as colouring and perming work by changing the bonds inside this layer.

A small gland in the skin, usually attached to a hair follicle, that produces sebum. Sebum lubricates the hair and skin and helps keep them waterproof, but too much of it makes hair greasy and skin prone to spots.

How easily a hair shaft absorbs and holds moisture and chemical products. Hair with high porosity has a lifted cuticle and absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast, so it needs gentler products and careful chemical processing.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 as neutral. Hair and skin prefer mild acidity around pH 4.5 to 5.5, and strong alkalis lift the cuticle and damage hair.

A molecule in shampoo and cleansers that has one end attracted to water and one end attracted to oil and dirt. This lets water lift grease from hair and skin so it can be rinsed away.

A product applied after shampooing that smooths the hair cuticle, adds moisture and reduces friction so hair is easier to comb. It contains ingredients such as fatty alcohols and proteins that temporarily fill gaps in damaged hair.

Dividing the hair into neat, controlled parts before cutting, colouring or styling. Clean sections let the stylist work evenly, keep track of the hair and avoid missing areas, especially in long or thick hair.

The angle at which the hair is held away from the head while cutting. It controls where the cut hair falls: cutting at zero degrees gives a one-length line, while lifting the hair creates layers and graduation.

A cutting technique where the hair is cut straight across with scissors held parallel to the section line. It creates a solid, one-length outline with a strong weight line and is the basis for many classic shapes.

A cutting technique in which hair is lifted and cut shorter at the lower part of the head, building weight towards the perimeter. The result is a shape that sits close at the neckline and becomes fuller higher up.

Cutting small amounts of hair within a shape to break up solid lines, add movement and soften the finish. It can be done with point cutting, slicing or thinning shears and is used after the main shape is completed.

A small amount of colour or other chemical product applied to the skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, 48 hours before treatment. It checks whether the client is allergic to an ingredient.

A chemical used with hair colour and bleach to lighten the hair and develop the colour. It is sold as a cream or liquid in different strengths, called volumes, and stronger solutions lighten more but damage hair more.

A chemical reaction in which oxygen is added to a substance. In hairdressing, oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide develop permanent colour and change the hair's inner structure during perming and relaxing.

A strong alkaline cream that straightens curly or Afro-textured hair by breaking the bonds inside the hair shaft. It must be applied by a trained professional, timed precisely and followed by thorough rinsing and conditioning.

A chemical service that makes straight hair wavy or curly by breaking and reforming bonds inside the hair with a reducing lotion and a neutraliser. The result lasts until the new hair grows out.

The usual categories used to describe skin: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Identifying the client's skin type guides the choice of cleanser, toner, moisturiser and treatment products during a facial.

A blocked pore filled with sebum and dead skin cells. It looks black when the pore is open and white when closed, and it is common on oily skin. Extraction should only be done by a trained therapist.

Removing dead cells from the skin surface with a scrub, brush or mild acid. It smooths the skin and helps products absorb, but it must be gentle and avoided on broken, inflamed or recently waxed skin.

The hard, visible part of the nail that sits on the nail bed and is made mainly of keratin. It protects the sensitive nail bed underneath and its appearance can show signs of illness or injury.

The area at the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced. Damage to the matrix, from injury or harsh treatment, can permanently change the shape or thickness of the nail that grows.

The pale, half-moon shape visible at the base of the nail plate. It is the part of the matrix that can be seen through the nail, and it should not be pushed or scraped during a manicure.

Inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail, causing redness, swelling and pain. It is often caused by bacteria entering a torn cuticle, and a manicurist must not treat the area until it has healed.

Removing hair from the root, for example with waxing, sugaring, tweezers or electrolysis. The result lasts longer than surface removal because the hair takes time to grow back from the follicle.

Removing hair at or just below the skin surface without taking the root out, for example with shaving or depilatory cream. Hair regrows quickly and may feel rougher because the tip is blunt.

A liquid, cream or powder makeup applied over the whole face to even out skin tone and provide a base for other makeup. It should be matched to the client's skin tone and skin type.

A machine that sterilises metal tools using steam at high pressure and temperature. It is used for items that may contact blood, and tools must be cleaned, dried and correctly packaged before being loaded.