Barber
The Barber domain tests the core skills and safety standards for New Mexico barber licensure under the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Questions focus on haircutting, shaving and beard work, tool handling, and the sanitation chain that protects every client.
Sanitation hierarchy
- Clean: remove visible debris with soap and water.
- Disinfect: use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant on nonporous implements after each client.
- Sterilize: only needed for items that penetrate skin or contact blood; most barber tools are disinfected, not sterilized.
- Porous items such as neck strips and capes are single-use or laundered. Never carry a razor or clipper without a guard; store disinfected tools in a closed, labeled container.
Shaving and skin
Shaving removes hair at the skin line and removes stratum corneum, so skin must be prepped with warm towel and lubricant. Stretch skin against the grain only when the skin is healthy. Avoid close shaves on inflamed, infected, or ingrown-prone skin.
Worked example
A client with pseudofolliculitis barbae asks for a clean, close shave. Reasoning: the condition is inflammation from curved hairs re-entering skin. A close blade shave can worsen it. Choose clippers with a guard, do not stretch skin tightly, and refer persistent cases to a physician. Document the service choice.
Traps
- Calling disinfection sterilization.
- Using the same razor or blade on two clients.
- Shaving over a raised mole or acne lesion.
- Forgetting to disinfect clipper blades between clients.