NABTEB Cosmetology key terms

The complete destruction of all micro-organisms, including bacterial spores, on tools and surfaces, usually achieved in a salon by autoclave or approved chemical sterilant after thorough cleaning.

The reduction of most harmful micro-organisms on implements and work surfaces using an approved chemical agent; it does not necessarily destroy spores and is done after cleaning.

A lower-level hygiene measure that lowers the number of micro-organisms on hands, linens and surfaces to a safe public-health level, typically using soap, detergent or a sanitising solution.

The transfer of micro-organisms or chemicals from one person, tool or surface to another, for example by reusing an uncleaned nail file or sharing a towel between clients.

A tool or material such as a nail file, razor blade, wooden spatula or disposable glove that is used on one client only and then discarded, never reprocessed.

The safe handling and discarding of blades, needles and broken glass into a rigid, puncture-resistant container with a lid, never into ordinary bins or client towels.

A blood-borne viral infection spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids; salon staff are advised to be vaccinated because of exposure risk during shaving, cutting and nail work.

The design and arrangement of the workstation and working posture so that strain on the back, neck, wrists and shoulders is reduced during long hours of cutting, styling or manicure work.

Pain and inflammation in muscles, tendons or nerves caused by repeated movements such as blow-drying, cutting with scissors or filing nails without breaks and correct posture.

A pressure device that sterilises metal implements using high-temperature steam under pressure; items must be cleaned first and the cycle monitored to confirm effectiveness.

Professional hair-cutting scissors with a sharp, finely honed edge used for slicing and blunt cutting; they must be handled carefully, oiled at the pivot and never used on anything but hair.

Cutting tools with one serrated or notched blade that removes bulk and creates texture without shortening the overall length; they are used sparingly and kept sharp.

The professional sharpening and alignment of blades on shears, clippers or razors so they cut cleanly; dull edges pull hair, cause split ends and increase injury risk.

A detachable plastic or metal attachment fitted over clipper blades to control the length of hair left, numbered by the amount of hair removed.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, where 7 is neutral; hair and skin are mildly acidic, and this value guides the choice of shampoos and chemical services.

A shampoo formulated near the natural acidity of hair and scalp, which helps close the cuticle, reduce tangling and preserve colour and moisture.

The tough, overlapping outer layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner fibres; when it is raised, chemicals and moisture enter, and when it lies flat, hair looks shiny.

The thick middle layer of the hair shaft containing keratin bundles and melanin pigment; it gives hair its strength, elasticity and colour and is the target of chemical services.

The innermost core of the hair shaft, made of loosely packed cells; it may be absent in fine hair and plays little part in chemical processing.

A small amount of product applied to the skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, 24 to 48 hours before a colour or chemical service to detect an allergic reaction.

A test performed on a small section of hair before a colour or relaxer service to predict timing, development and the likely result on that client's hair.

A strongly alkaline cream applied to tightly curled hair to break disulphide bonds and straighten the curl; it requires careful timing, protective base and thorough rinsing.

A product applied after a relaxer or perm to stop chemical action, lower the hair's pH and rebuild disulphide bonds so the new shape holds.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with hair colour to lift the cuticle and develop the colour; its strength, measured in volumes or percentage, controls the degree of lightening.

Dividing the hair into clean, controlled parts with clips before cutting, colouring or styling so that each area is worked evenly and no strands are missed.

Drying and shaping hair with a hand-held dryer and a brush, working from the scalp outward and directing air down the shaft to smooth the cuticle and set the shape.

A barbering cut in which hair length blends gradually from short at the skin or neckline to longer on top, achieved with clippers and guards and finished with edging.

A crisp outline shaved along the hairline, beard or neck with a razor to define the shape of a cut or beard; the skin must be held taut and the blade fresh.

Inflammation of hair follicles, often appearing as small red bumps after shaving or waxing; it is a contraindication for further waxing over the affected area.

A condition or circumstance, such as broken skin, infection, allergy or recent cosmetic surgery, that makes a treatment unsafe and requires the service to be refused or postponed.

A temporary hair-removal method in which warm or hot wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it, with the skin supported to reduce discomfort.

The visible hard keratin structure covering the nail bed, protected at its base by the cuticle and surrounded by the nail walls and free edge.

Gentle pushing back and tidying of the dead cuticle tissue on the nail plate with a wooden or rubber pusher after softening, without cutting living tissue.

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, leaving a white or discoloured gap; it is a contraindication for nail enhancements and should be referred for medical advice.

A six-point classification of skin by colour and its response to sun exposure, used to choose safe treatment intensity and predict risk of burning or pigmentation.

A structured examination of a client's skin under good light to identify skin type, condition, sensitivity and areas needing care before a facial or make-up service.

A light, gliding massage stroke used in facial and scalp treatments to apply product and relax muscles, always moving in an upward and outward direction.

The structured conversation before a service in which the practitioner records the client's history, wishes, allergies and expectations, agrees the plan and obtains informed consent.

A client's clear agreement to a service after being told what it involves, the likely results, the risks and the alternatives, recorded in writing on the client record card.

A confidential client file holding contact details, service history, products and timings used, test results and consent, kept secure and retained as required by local rules.

The standards of honesty, confidentiality, fairness and respect that guide a practitioner's conduct, including refusing unsafe services and never criticising a colleague in front of clients.

The range of services and techniques a practitioner is trained, qualified and legally permitted to perform, with anything outside it referred to a suitable professional.