NM Cosmetology flashcards
NM Cosmetology · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Acid mantle
- A thin, slightly acidic film on skin and hair (about pH 4.5-5.5) that inhibits bacteria and protects the cuticle; alkaline shampoos temporarily disrupt it, and acidic conditioners restore it.
- Disinfection vs sterilization
- Disinfection destroys most pathogenic organisms on nonporous surfaces using EPA-registered products; sterilization destroys all microbial life, including spores, and is required only for items that penetrate skin.
- Blood spill procedure
- Wear gloves, absorb the spill with a disposable towel, clean the area with soap and water, then apply an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant at the label contact time and discard all contaminated materials.
- Porous vs nonporous implements
- Nonporous items such as metal shears and glass can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse; porous items such as nail files, cotton, and wooden sticks cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded after one use.
- Hair porosity
- The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Low porosity resists moisture and needs heat and light products; high porosity absorbs quickly but loses moisture and needs protein and sealing treatments.
- Hair elasticity test
- Wet a strand and stretch it; healthy hair stretches about 50 percent and returns to length. Hair that snaps or stays stretched has poor elasticity and should not receive chemical services.
- Tinea capitis
- A contagious fungal infection of the scalp causing scaling and hair loss. It is outside the cosmetologist's scope; refer the client to a physician and do not provide services until cleared.
- Protein vs moisture treatment
- Protein treatments rebuild weak, over-processed hair by filling gaps in the cortex; moisture treatments use humectants to restore softness and flexibility. Excess protein causes brittleness and breakage.
- Reference points
- Anatomic landmarks used in haircutting: the parietal ridge, apex, occipital bone, nape, and four corners. They guide sectioning, balance lines, and where weight should sit.
- Stationary vs traveling guide
- A stationary guide stays in one place and builds weight and length; a traveling guide moves with each section, creating layered, blended results with less weight.
- Elevation in haircutting
- The angle at which hair is held from the head. Zero degrees builds weight at the perimeter, 90 degrees creates layers, and 180 degrees removes weight and creates long layers.
- Cross-checking
- Cutting or examining the hair in the opposite direction from the original sections to verify evenness and balance, especially important for blunt and one-length cuts.
- Developer volumes
- Hydrogen peroxide strengths: 10 volume (3 percent) deposits only, 20 volume (6 percent) lifts one level, 30 volume (9 percent) lifts two to three, and 40 volume (12 percent) lifts up to four with more damage.
- Law of color
- Hair color results from combining the hair's natural contributing pigment with the artificial pigment applied. Each level has underlying pigment, such as orange at level 7 and pale yellow at level 10.
- Patch test
- A small application of aniline derivative color on skin 24 to 48 hours before a color service to detect allergic reaction; a positive result (redness, swelling, itching) means the color must not be used.
- Relaxer neutralization
- After a relaxer breaks disulfide bonds, a neutralizing shampoo lowers pH and rebuilds the bonds into the straightened shape; incomplete neutralization causes continued processing, breakage, and scalp irritation.
- Permanent wave process
- Thioglycolate reduces disulfide bonds in the cortex, the hair is wrapped into the new shape, and a neutralizer (hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate) re-forms the bonds to set the curl.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-point classification of skin's response to sun exposure, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns); it guides treatment intensity and referral.
- Effleurage
- A facial massage movement using light, gliding strokes with the palms and fingers to warm tissue and improve circulation; it begins and ends most facial massage routines.
- Extraction contraindications
- Extractions are limited to noninflamed comedones with sterile tools. Pustules, cystic acne, active cold sores, and recently resurfaced skin should not be extracted; refer to a physician.
- Waxing direction rule
- Apply wax in the direction of hair growth, then remove it against the growth while holding skin taut. Waxing is contraindicated on skin recently treated with retinoids or Accutane.
- Nail matrix
- The area beneath the nail fold where new nail cells form and keratinize; it produces the nail plate. Injury or infection here can permanently alter nail growth and shape.
- Lunula
- The whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the matrix and is lighter because cells there are not yet fully keratinized.
- Paronychia
- A bacterial infection of the skin around the nail, causing redness, swelling, and pus. It is a contraindication for manicure service; refer the client to a physician.
- Onychomycosis
- A fungal infection of the nail plate causing thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is contagious and outside scope; do not service and refer to a physician.
- Nail growth rates
- Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, while toenails grow about 1 mm per month. Growth slows with age, illness, and poor circulation, and speeds up in warm weather.
- Methacrylate allergy
- An allergic reaction to uncured acrylic monomer or gel, causing redness, itching, and lifting at the nail. Proper mix ratio, curing, and ventilation reduce overexposure risk.
- New Mexico licensing board
- Cosmetology in New Mexico is regulated by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists under the Regulation and Licensing Department; licenses must be current and posted in the salon.
- Scope of practice
- The services a licensed cosmetologist may legally perform. Diagnosing disease, cutting living tissue, and performing medical treatments fall outside that scope and require referral.
- Informed consent
- Explaining a service, its risks, alternatives, and expected result before the client agrees. It protects the client's autonomy and reduces liability for the stylist and salon.
- Booth rental vs employee
- A booth renter is an independent contractor who sets hours, pays rent, and files self-employment taxes; an employee is directed by the salon, which withholds taxes and carries liability.
- Service pricing formula
- Price should cover product cost plus overhead (rent, utilities, insurance) plus labor time, then apply a markup. Pricing below cost erodes profit even when client volume is high.