NV Barber cheat sheet

Sanitize = reduce pathogens on surfaces to safe levels; sterilize = destroy all microbial life including spores; disinfect = destroy most pathogens on hard nonporous surfaces.

EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with tuberculocidal claim is required for blood or body-fluid contact on implements and surfaces.

Implements must be cleaned (soap and water, dried) before disinfection; organic residue inactivates most disinfectants.

Porous items (towels, capes, neck strips) are single-use only and cannot be disinfected; launder with detergent and bleach per label.

Electrical tools (clippers, dryers) are cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered spray or wipe; never immerse in liquid.

Hand washing: wet hands, lather soap 20 seconds, scrub palms, backs, between fingers and under nails, rinse, dry with a single-use towel.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens: gloves for blood exposure, sharps in puncture-resistant containers, exposure control plan, Hepatitis B vaccination offered.

Wet floors, spills, and clippings are removed immediately; slip hazards and hair buildup are documented safety violations.

Hair shaft layers: cuticle (outer protective scales), cortex (bulk, melanin, disulfide bonds), medulla (central core, may be absent in fine hair).

Hair growth cycles: anagen (growth, 2-6 years), catagen (transition, weeks), telogen (rest, ~3 months), then shedding.

Scalp analysis before service: check for redness, flakes, lesions, parasites, or tenderness; refer medical conditions to a physician.

Shampoo selection: acidic/low-pH for color-treated hair; clarifying for buildup; moisturizing for dry scalp; medicated only as directed.

Water temperature for shampooing is warm, not hot; hot water strips sebum and can irritate scalp.

Massage movements: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (tapping), friction (circular); all move toward the scalp center.

Hair porosity test: a strand that floats is low porosity; sinks quickly is high porosity; determines product absorption and processing time.

Elasticity test: wet strand stretches and returns = normal; snaps = overprocessed or damaged; do not proceed with chemical service.

Reference points: parietal ridge, occipital bone, apex, nape, crown; use to establish balance and guide lines.

Elevation determines graduation: 0 degrees = blunt/one length; 45 degrees = graduated; 90 degrees = uniform layers; 180 degrees = long layers.

Sections: horizontal for graduation, vertical for graduation and layering, diagonal for blended effects.

Cutting lines: stationary guide (no movement) for consistent length; traveling guide moves with each subsection.

Blunt cut perimeter is cut with zero elevation and no overdirection; over-direction shifts weight and creates graduation.

Clipper guards: #1 = 1/8 inch, #2 = 1/4 inch, #3 = 3/8 inch, #4 = 1/2 inch; detachable blades numbered inversely by closeness.

Texturizing (point cutting, notching, slicing) removes bulk and softens lines; perform after the main shape is established.

Blow-dry finish: direct airflow down the shaft to smooth the cuticle; use a nozzle and keep heat moving to avoid damage.

Shave direction: with the grain first (reduces irritation), across the grain second; against the grain only for experienced clients with tolerant skin.

Lather must be warm and moist; a dry or thin lather causes razor burn and cuts.

Razor angle is approximately 30 degrees; short strokes with light pressure; rinse blade between strokes.

Skin tension: stretch skin opposite the stroke direction to raise the hair and flatten the surface.

Hot towel before shave softens hair and opens pores; cool towel after closes pores and soothes.

Never shave over moles, warts, inflamed acne, or broken skin; these are contraindications and require referral.

Aftershave products: alcohol-based astringents for oily skin; balms or lotions for dry or sensitive skin.

Beard and mustache design: outline with clippers or trimmer, define neckline just above the Adam's apple and jaw curve.

pH scale: 0-14; hair is ~4.5-5.5; alkaline products swell and open the cuticle; acidic products close and smooth it.

Permanent wave: reducing agent (thioglycolate or bisulfite) breaks disulfide bonds; neutralizer (hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate) reforms them.

Relaxer: sodium hydroxide (lye, pH ~13) or guanidine hydroxide (no-lye); both require a base and strict timing.

Patch test and strand test are performed before color, relaxer, or lightener services to predict reaction and processing time.

Developer volumes: 10 vol (3%) deposits tone, 20 vol (6%) lifts 1-2 levels, 30 vol (9%) lifts 2-3, 40 vol (12%) lifts 3-4.

Hair color: temporary (coats cuticle), semipermanent (stains, no lift), demipermanent (deposits, low ammonia), permanent (lifts and deposits).

Lightener stops processing when desired level is reached; do not overlap on previously lightened hair without protection.

Chemical burn or breakage: stop service, rinse thoroughly with cool water, do not neutralize with another chemical unless product directions specify.

Skin layers: epidermis (outer protective), dermis (nerves, glands, vessels), subcutaneous (fat, insulation).

Hair follicle structures: bulb (matrix), papilla (blood supply), sebaceous gland (oil), arrector pili muscle (goose bumps).

Nail structures: nail plate, nail bed, matrix (growth), lunula (white half-moon), cuticle (eponychium), nail folds.

Skeletal system: skull bones (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital), mandible (only movable facial bone), hyoid.

Muscles of the face: frontalis (forehead), temporalis (temples), masseter (chewing), orbicularis oculi and oris (eyes and mouth).

Nervous system: trigeminal nerve (sensation to face), facial nerve (movement of face); both are tested on barber exams.

Circulatory system: common carotid, temporal, and facial arteries supply the head; blood carries oxygen and nutrients to follicles.

Endocrine and integumentary systems influence hair growth; hormonal changes can alter texture and growth patterns.

Skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive; identify before selecting products or performing services.

Facial massage movements: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration; always move upward and outward, avoiding pressure on arteries.

Contraindications for facial services: open lesions, active acne, sunburn, recent cosmetic procedures, contagious conditions.

Exfoliation removes dead cells from the epidermis; mechanical (scrubs) vs. chemical (AHA/BHA) methods.

Mask selection: clay for oily skin, hydrating for dry, calming for sensitive; leave on per manufacturer's directions.

Nail care: file in one direction to avoid splitting; push cuticles gently; never cut living tissue without proper training.

Nail disorders: paronychia (infection of nail fold), onychomycosis (fungal), onychorrhexis (splitting); refer to physician.

Sanitation for nail services: implements disinfected between clients; single-use files and buffers are discarded.

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates barber licensing, shops, and sanitation standards.

Barber license requires completion of an approved program (typically 1,500 hours) and passing written and practical exams.

License renewal is required periodically; continuing education may be required; verify current cycle with the Board.

Shop license and sanitation inspections are conducted by the Board; post licenses visibly in the establishment.

Sanitation rules: disinfectants must be EPA-registered; implements stored in clean, covered containers; single-use items discarded.

Blood exposure protocol: stop service, glove, clean wound, disinfect area, dispose of contaminated items per OSHA.

Advertising and pricing must be accurate; no unlicensed practice; apprentices work under supervision.

Client records and chemical service documentation should be retained per Board rules; verify current retention period.