NM Cosmetology key terms

The process of significantly reducing the number of pathogens on a surface or tool by cleaning and using an EPA-registered disinfectant, without necessarily destroying all bacterial spores.

Destroying or inactivating most pathogenic organisms, except bacterial spores, on hard, nonporous implements using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product mixed and used according to label directions.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, usually achieved with an autoclave using steam under pressure; not required for most routine salon implements.

Disease-causing microorganisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that are transmitted through contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.

The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as if they carry infectious agents, using gloves and other barriers for every client rather than judging risk by appearance.

A specific event in which a worker's skin, eye, mucous membrane, or broken skin contacts blood or other potentially infectious material; it must be reported and documented promptly.

The required procedure for reusable tools such as shears, combs, and metal clips: clean with soap and water, dry, then fully immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the label contact time.

A porous or disposable product, such as a nail file, buffer, wooden stick, or razor blade, that cannot be safely disinfected and must be discarded after one client.

A Safety Data Sheet summarizes a product's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and disposal; the salon must keep one available for each chemical product used.

The older name for a Safety Data Sheet, a document supplied by the manufacturer that describes a chemical's ingredients, health risks, handling precautions, and emergency procedures for salon staff.

A 0-to-14 scale measuring acidity and alkalinity, with 7 neutral; hair and skin are mildly acidic near 4.5 to 5.5, and this value affects product choice and chemical service results.

The state in which hair and skin sit at their natural mildly acidic pH, keeping the cuticle tight and the mantle protective; products labeled pH-balanced support this condition.

A liquid with a pH above 7 that swells the hair shaft and opens the cuticle, allowing color or waving chemicals to penetrate; lye relaxers and many shampoos are alkaline.

The ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle; low porosity resists moisture, while high porosity absorbs and loses it quickly.

The ability of dry hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking; normal hair stretches about 50 percent when wet and indicates internal protein strength.

The tough, transparent outermost layer of the hair shaft made of overlapping scale-like cells that protects the cortex and controls how much moisture and chemical product enters.

The thick middle layer of the hair shaft containing melanin and the fibrous protein that gives hair strength, elasticity, and its natural color and curl pattern.

The active growth stage of the hair follicle, lasting roughly two to six years, during which new cells divide and push the hair upward; most scalp hair is in this phase.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, lasting about three months, at the end of which the hair sheds and the follicle re-enters the growth phase.

The repeating sequence of growth, transition, and rest that every follicle follows, producing new hair and shedding old hair in a continuous cycle throughout life.

The angle at which a section of hair is held away from the head before cutting; it determines the resulting shape, from a graduated wedge at low elevation to layered lengths at high elevation.

The first section of hair that is cut and used as the reference length for all following sections, keeping the finished haircut balanced and even on both sides.

A one-length haircut in which all hair is cut at the same elevation and length, producing a solid, heavy perimeter line with no visible layering.

A hydrogen peroxide solution, usually 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume, that opens the hair cuticle and activates lightening or color products; higher volumes lighten more but cause more damage.

A small application of color or chemical product behind the ear or in the elbow crease, checked 24 to 48 hours later for redness or swelling to detect an allergic reaction.

A test on a small section of the client's hair to predict how a color, lightener, or relaxer will perform, allowing timing and product strength to be adjusted before the full service.

A strongly alkaline chemical product, either sodium hydroxide or no-lye guanidine, that breaks the hair's disulfide bonds to straighten tightly curled or textured hair permanently.

A product applied after a relaxer or permanent wave to rebuild disulfide bonds and return the hair to its natural pH, stopping the chemical action and setting the new shape.

The first step of a facial, using a product suited to the client's skin type to remove makeup, oil, and debris before analysis and treatment products are applied.

A visual and tactile assessment of the client's skin type and condition, including oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, and lesions, used to select appropriate products and avoid contraindicated treatments.

Manual manipulation of facial muscles and tissues using effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement to improve circulation, relax the client, and support product absorption.

The visible, hard keratin structure covering the nail bed, extending from the matrix to the free edge and protecting the sensitive tissue beneath it.

The pinkish tissue beneath the nail plate that supplies nourishment and appears pink because of the blood vessels running through it.

The hidden area at the base of the nail where new cells are produced and keratinized; its shape determines the thickness and width of the nail plate.

The thin layer of dead tissue that seals the space between the nail plate and the skin at the base of the nail, protecting the matrix from bacteria and debris.

The state regulatory body that licenses cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and manicurists, sets sanitation standards, and investigates complaints and violations under the New Mexico Cosmetology Act.

The ongoing training hours a New Mexico licensee must complete before renewing a license, including required topics such as sanitation and infection control, verified by certificate of completion.

The periodic process of paying fees and submitting proof of continuing education to keep a New Mexico cosmetology license active; practicing on an expired license is a violation.

The legally defined services a New Mexico licensee is trained and permitted to perform within a given license category, such as cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring.