NBTE Cosmetology NID flashcards

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

Sterilisation definition

A process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores and viruses, on an implement. Autoclave and dry-heat methods achieve it in salon settings.

Disinfection definition

Use of a chemical agent on inanimate tools to reduce pathogenic organisms. It does not reliably kill spores, so it is weaker than sterilisation but standard between clients.

Primary colours

Red, yellow and blue. They cannot be produced by mixing other colours and are the base from which all secondary and tertiary colours are derived.

Complementary colours

Pairs sitting opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green. Mixed together they neutralise, which is why green toner cancels red tones in hair.

20 volume developer

A 6 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. It lifts hair roughly one to two levels when used with permanent colour and is the most common standard strength.

Patch test purpose

A small application of colour or product on skin, usually behind the ear or inner elbow, 24 to 48 hours before service, to detect allergic reaction.

Strand test purpose

A test on a small section of hair before full colour application. It predicts processing time, resulting shade and the hair's reaction to the formula.

Skin types

The five recognised categories are normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Each guides product choice, cleansing routine and facial treatment selection.

Contraindication in facial

A condition that makes treatment unsafe, such as active infection, open lesions, recent chemical peel, sunburn or known product allergy. Service is deferred or referred.

Nail plate composition

The visible nail is keratinised, translucent and non-living. It has no nerve supply, so trimming the free edge is painless while cutting surrounding living tissue is not.

Cuticle function

The cuticle is the sealed edge of the proximal nail fold. It protects the nail matrix from infection, so it should be softened and pushed, not cut away.

Hyponychium

The skin seal under the free edge of the nail. Breaching it during filing or cleaning opens a route for bacterial and fungal infection.

Client consultation record

A written record of client details, service history, allergies, patch test results and agreed outcome. It supports safe practice and provides evidence if a reaction is claimed.

Hair growth cycle

Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is resting before shedding. Waxing works best in anagen because the hair root is fully present.

Waxing direction rule

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it, holding skin taut. This reduces breakage of hairs and minimises discomfort.

Blow-dry sectioning

Hair is divided into clean sections and dried from root to tip. Working in sections controls volume and prevents tangling while the cuticle is lifted.

Relaxer neutralisation

After processing, the relaxer is rinsed and a neutralising shampoo restores pH and stops chemical action. Incomplete neutralisation causes continued breakage and scalp damage.

Perm winding direction

The direction the hair is wound around the rod determines curl direction and root movement. Consistent winding produces an even, predictable curl pattern.

Make-up foundation matching

Foundation is matched to the jawline under natural light, testing undertone as well as depth. A match on the hand is unreliable because skin tone differs there.

Colour correction in make-up

Green neutralises redness, peach or orange conceals blue-dark circles, and lavender brightens sallow tones. Correction is applied before foundation for an even finish.

Face shapes classification

Common shapes are oval, round, square, heart, oblong and diamond. Contour and highlight placement is chosen to balance the shape's proportions.

Sanitation of brushes

Brushes are washed with mild soap, dried flat, and disinfected between clients. Shared brushes are a recognised route for bacterial and viral transfer.

MSDS purpose

The Material Safety Data Sheet gives hazard, handling, storage and first-aid information for a chemical product. It must be accessible where the product is stored.

COSHH principle

The principle that employers assess and control risks from hazardous substances. In a salon it drives ventilation, gloves, labelling and safe storage of chemicals.

Service costing formula

Total cost equals product cost plus labour time cost plus allocated overhead. Price adds a profit margin to total cost to give the service charge.

Break-even point

The number of services at which total revenue equals total cost, giving neither profit nor loss. Fixed costs divided by contribution per service gives the figure.

Client record confidentiality

Client personal and treatment data is stored securely and shared only with consent or where law requires. This protects the client and the salon's professional standing.

Risk assessment in salon

A documented review of hazards, who may be harmed and the controls applied. It is reviewed when products, equipment or procedures change.

Electrical safety in salon

Equipment is inspected for damaged cords and plugs, kept away from water, and used with residual current protection. Faulty tools are removed from service immediately.

Ergonomic posture rule

Work at a height that keeps wrists neutral and back upright, adjusting chair and bed height per client. Poor posture is a leading cause of salon injury.

Waste segregation

Sharps go into a rigid sharps container, chemical waste is disposed per label instructions, and general waste is bagged. Segregation prevents injury and contamination.

Professional ethics in salon

Honest advice, informed consent, confidentiality, competence within training limits, and referral of conditions outside scope. These obligations protect clients and the profession.