NE Barber flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Cuticle layer

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers. Chemical services raise or open the cuticle so products can enter the cortex.

Cortex

The middle layer of the hair shaft, containing melanin pigment, moisture, and the bonds that give strength and elasticity. Most chemical and color changes occur in this layer.

Medulla

The innermost core of the hair shaft. It may be absent in fine or naturally light hair, so it is not a reliable indicator of hair type or strength.

Anagen phase

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years. About 90 percent of scalp hair is in this phase at any given time.

Catagen phase

The short transitional stage of the hair cycle, lasting a few weeks, when growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink and prepare for resting.

Telogen phase

The resting stage of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, ending when the old hair sheds and a new anagen hair begins to grow.

Hair porosity

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture, linked to cuticle condition. Low porosity resists moisture, while high porosity absorbs quickly but loses moisture easily.

Hair elasticity

The ability of wet hair to stretch and return to its original length. Healthy hair stretches about 50 percent; low elasticity means breakage risk and limits chemical services.

Hair density

The number of hairs per square inch on the scalp, described as thin, medium, or thick. Density differs from texture, which describes the diameter of each strand.

Oval face shape

The balanced ideal used as a reference for design. Most cuts and beard lines suit it because length and width are proportionate.

Round face shape

A face with fullness at the cheeks and little visible angle. Styling adds height at the crown and avoids wide, chin-level volume that emphasizes width.

Square face shape

A face with a strong, wide jawline and broad forehead. Softening layers and a beard line that follows the jaw reduce the appearance of sharp angles.

Heart face shape

A face that is wider at the forehead and temples and narrows to a pointed chin. Styling adds volume below the temples and avoids heavy top width.

Diamond face shape

A face widest at the cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. Styling adds width at the forehead and jaw and keeps volume off the cheekbones.

Cleaning

The first step of infection control: removing visible dirt, hair, and product residue with soap or detergent and water before any disinfection step.

Sanitizing

Reducing the number of pathogens on a surface to a level considered safe by public health standards. It is used for surfaces and some low-risk items, not for blood-contaminated tools.

Disinfection

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant to destroy most pathogens on nonporous implements. Tuberculocidal products are required for items that may contact blood.

Sterilization

Destroying all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually with an autoclave. It is the highest level of infection control and is required for surgical-type implements.

Single-use items

Porous or disposable tools such as neck strips, cotton, and wooden sticks that cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client.

Tuberculocidal disinfectant

A disinfectant proven to kill the tuberculosis organism, which is harder to kill than most bacteria. Many states require it for razors and clipper blades.

Blood exposure procedure

Stop the service, wash with soap and water, apply antiseptic, cover the wound, disinfect or discard tools, and document the incident according to state board rules.

Contraindication

A condition that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as open skin, inflammation, or a contagious scalp condition. Identify it during the client consultation before starting.

Patch test

A small skin test of a chemical product applied before the full service to check for an allergic reaction. Many state rules require it before certain color or lightener services.

Shaving grain direction

The direction hair grows on the face or neck. Shaving with the grain first reduces irritation; shaving against the grain is avoided on sensitive skin.

Razor angle

The tilt of the blade against the skin. A low angle, roughly 30 degrees, cuts hair cleanly while reducing the risk of nicks and razor burn.

Taut skin technique

Stretching the skin with the free hand before a razor or clipper passes. It flattens the surface and reduces cuts and ingrown hairs.

Taper vs fade

A taper gradually shortens hair at the neckline and sideburns while leaving length above. A fade blends shorter into longer hair over a larger area, often down to the skin.

Beard line design

Shaping facial hair along the cheek, jaw, and neck to balance facial features. Lines should be symmetrical and follow natural growth patterns and skin contours.

Cross-contamination

Transfer of pathogens from one person or object to another, often by shared tools, hands, or containers. It is prevented by cleaning between clients and using single-use items.

Material Safety Data Sheet

A document from the product manufacturer listing hazards, safe handling, and first-aid steps for a chemical. Keep these sheets available in the shop for reference.

Client consultation

A pre-service conversation covering the desired look, hair and scalp analysis, allergies, prior chemical services, and contraindications. It guides the service plan and documents consent.

Wet sanitizer vs dry cabinet

Wet sanitizers hold disinfectant solution for immersion of small implements. Dry cabinets use ultraviolet light to store clean, disinfected tools, not to disinfect soiled ones.