NM Barber key terms

The process of reducing the number of disease-causing microorganisms on a surface to a safe level, usually by cleaning and applying a low-level disinfectant. It is a lower standard than disinfection or sterilization.

The use of a chemical agent registered with the EPA to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on hard, nonporous implements, except bacterial spores. Implements must be cleaned first, then fully immersed for the label contact time.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an object. In salons it applies to items such as metal tweezers or lancets and normally requires an autoclave or a hospital-grade sterilant.

A product carrying an Environmental Protection Agency registration number on its label, meaning it has been reviewed and approved for killing specified pathogens. Salon disinfectants must be hospital-grade and used exactly as the label directs.

The number of minutes an implement must stay fully submerged in a disinfectant solution for the product to work as labeled. Cutting it short means the item is not truly disinfected, even if it looks clean.

An OSHA rule requiring employers to protect workers who may contact blood or other potentially infectious material. It covers written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination offers, gloves, sharps handling, and spill cleanup procedures.

A practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as if they carry infectious agents, regardless of the client's known health status. Gloves and other barriers are used for every client, not only those who appear ill.

A device that sterilizes metal implements using high-pressure steam. Items must be cleaned and dried first, placed so steam reaches all surfaces, and then stored in a sealed package until use.

A safety data sheet supplied by the manufacturer of a chemical product. It lists hazards, first aid, handling, and storage information, and OSHA requires employers to keep one accessible for each hazardous product in the salon.

A confidential form documenting a client's health history, services performed, products used, and any reactions. It must be kept current and stored securely, because it supports safe service decisions and documents what happened.

A condition that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, an active infection, or a recent cosmetic procedure. Recognizing one means declining or postponing the service and referring the client appropriately.

A small application of a product on the client's skin, usually behind the ear or in the elbow crease, observed for 24 to 48 hours before full use. It helps detect an allergic reaction to tints, dyes, or adhesives.

An immune reaction to a substance that may appear as redness, swelling, itching, or blisters, sometimes hours after exposure. It differs from irritation and can worsen with repeated contact, so the product should be discontinued.

The use of capes, towels, and neck strips to protect the client's clothing and skin and to keep the work area clean. Proper draping also defines boundaries during services and supports professional hygiene.

Arranging the workstation, tools, and body posture to reduce strain and injury. For barbers and stylists this means adjusting chair height, keeping wrists neutral, and avoiding prolonged awkward positions.

The repeating phases of hair growth: anagen, when hair actively grows; catagen, a short transition; and telogen, a resting phase before shedding. Understanding the cycle explains why some hair removal methods need repeat sessions.

The active growth stage of a hair follicle, when the hair shaft is produced. In this phase hair is most responsive to chemical and light-based removal, and plucking can damage the follicle.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, ending with shedding of the old hair. Hair in this phase is often less affected by treatments aimed at the growing follicle.

The three parts of a hair: the cuticle, an outer protective layer of overlapping scales; the cortex, the main body containing pigment and strength; and the medulla, a soft central core that may be absent in fine hair.

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scale-like cells. It protects the cortex, controls how products penetrate, and its condition determines shine and whether color takes evenly.

The middle and thickest layer of the hair shaft, containing keratin and melanin pigment. Chemical services such as coloring, perming, and relaxing act here, and damage to it cannot be reversed.

A scale from 0 to 14 measuring acidity and alkalinity, with 7 neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, and products such as shampoos, relaxers, and color developers are formulated to specific pH ranges that affect the hair.

Having a pH below 7. Acidic products, such as many conditioners, help close the hair cuticle, smooth the surface, and preserve color by limiting swelling of the hair shaft.

Having a pH above 7. Alkaline products swell the hair cuticle and allow chemicals to enter, which is why relaxers, permanent waves, and some shampoos are alkaline and require careful timing.

A hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with permanent hair color to lighten existing pigment and activate the dye. Its strength, usually 10 to 40 volume, determines how much lift occurs and must be chosen for the goal.

A chemical product that straightens curly or tightly coiled hair by breaking bonds in the cortex. It is highly alkaline, requires strand testing and careful timing, and must never contact skin that is broken or irritated.

Dividing hair into controlled, clipped-off portions before cutting, coloring, or styling. Even sections make work predictable, allow balanced results, and keep lengths and processing times consistent.

The angle at which hair is held away from the head during cutting. Elevation controls the shape of the haircut, from a tight graduated line at low angles to layered, shorter lengths at high angles.

A professional skin service including consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask, and moisturizer. The esthetician analyzes skin type and condition, then selects products and steps suited to the client's needs.

The broad categories used to describe skin: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Skin condition, such as dehydration or sensitivity, is separate and can change, so analysis considers both.

Permanent hair removal using a fine probe inserted into a follicle to deliver current that destroys the growth cells. It is performed by licensed electrologists and requires proper probe handling and skin care.

The visible hard part of the nail, made of keratin and resting on the nail bed. Its health and shape guide filing, product application, and decisions about whether a service should proceed.

The required cleaning and disinfection of a foot basin after each client. The basin is drained, cleaned of debris, and treated with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the label contact time before reuse.

Tools used during services, such as shears, combs, nippers, and brushes. They are grouped as nonporous or porous, which determines whether they can be disinfected or must be discarded after use.

A product designed to be used once and then thrown away, such as a wooden stick, cotton swab, or nail file. Because it cannot be reliably disinfected, it must never be reused on another client.

The supervised practice hours and services a barber or cosmetology student must complete before licensure. Schools document these hours and provide instructor supervision, and records may be audited by the licensing board.