NV Cosmetology flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hospital-grade disinfectant

An EPA-registered product labeled bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal, used on nonporous implements after cleaning. Implements must stay fully immersed for the label's stated contact time.

Single-use porous items

Items such as nail files, buffers, wooden sticks, and cotton that cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client. Reusing them can transfer pathogens between clients.

Blood spill procedure

Stop the service, don gloves, clean the area, apply an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant or freshly mixed 10% bleach, and dispose of contaminated materials in a sealed bag.

SDS

Safety Data Sheet, required on site for each chemical product. It lists hazards, first aid, handling, and storage information and must be accessible to all employees.

Nevada license display

A current Nevada Board license must be displayed in the work area. Licenses are issued per individual and per establishment and are not transferable to another person or location.

Scope of practice

The services a licensee is legally permitted to perform under the specific license held. Performing services outside that scope, such as chemical relaxing by a nail technologist, violates Board rules.

Board inspection authority

The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology may inspect licensed establishments during business hours to verify sanitation, licensing, and compliance. Violations can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation.

Biennial renewal

Nevada licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle with continuing education and fee requirements that vary by license type. Lapsed practice without renewal is unlicensed practice.

Hair cuticle

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the cortex. Chemical services and heat raise or damage the cuticle, affecting porosity and shine.

Hair growth cycle

Anagen is the active growth phase, catagen the transition, and telogen the resting and shedding phase. Growth rate and shedding patterns vary by individual and health status.

Nail matrix

The tissue at the base of the nail where new cells form and keratinize into the nail plate. Injury to the matrix can permanently alter nail shape or growth.

Melanocytes

Cells in the hair bulb and skin epidermis that produce melanin. Eumelanin gives brown and black tones, while pheomelanin gives red and yellow tones.

Scalp analysis

Examination of the scalp for dryness, oiliness, flaking, redness, or lesions before a service. Suspicious or contagious conditions are referred to a physician rather than treated.

Cationic conditioners

Conditioning ingredients that carry a positive charge and bind to negatively charged hair, reducing friction and improving combability. They smooth the surface but do not repair the cortex.

Shampoo surfactants

Cleansing agents that lift oil and debris from hair and scalp. Anionic surfactants clean strongly, while amphoteric and nonionic types are gentler for dry or color-treated hair.

Patch test

A small application of product, usually behind the ear or inner elbow, checked 24 to 48 hours later. It is required before aniline-derivative hair color to detect allergic reaction.

Developer volumes

Hydrogen peroxide strengths of 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume, corresponding to roughly 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%. Higher volume lifts more pigment but increases damage.

Underlying pigment

The natural warm pigment exposed when hair is lightened, progressing from red to orange to yellow. It must be considered when choosing a toner to achieve the target shade.

Level and tone

Level describes lightness on a scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Tone describes warm, neutral, or cool character and is corrected with complementary colors.

Elevation in haircutting

The angle at which hair is held from the head. Zero degrees builds a solid form, 45 degrees a graduation, 90 degrees uniform layers, and 180 degrees long layers.

Traveling guide

A moving section of hair used as the length reference for subsequent cuts. It creates continuous, blended length changes, unlike a stationary guide that keeps one fixed length.

Point cutting

A texturizing technique in which the shear tips cut into the ends at an angle, softening the perimeter and creating movement. It is used sparingly to avoid excessive thinning.

Disulfide bond

A strong chemical bond between cysteine amino acids that gives hair its shape. Permanent waves and relaxers break and rebuild these bonds to change texture.

Neutralizer

A product such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate that rebuilds disulfide bonds after a permanent wave. Incomplete neutralization leaves the hair weak and undercurled.

Test curl

A check during permanent waving that shows how the wave pattern is forming. It helps determine when to rinse and neutralize, preventing overprocessing or underprocessing.

Base cream

A protective product applied to the scalp before a relaxer service to reduce irritation. It is never applied over broken or inflamed skin.

Traction alopecia

Hair loss caused by sustained tension from tight braids, ponytails, or extensions. Moderate tension and scheduled removal of braids help prevent permanent follicle damage.

Heat protectant

A product applied before blow-drying or thermal styling that reduces heat damage. Tool temperature should match hair texture, with lower settings for fine or damaged hair.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is a contraindication for nail services and requires referral to a physician.

Eponychium

The living skin at the base of the nail plate that seals it to the skin. It should not be cut; only loose, nonliving tissue may be trimmed within scope of practice.

Fitzpatrick scale

A classification of skin types based on response to sun exposure, from very fair to deeply pigmented. It guides treatment planning and sun protection recommendations in esthetics.

Waxing direction rule

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it. Test the temperature first and avoid waxing over irritated skin, recent peels, or open lesions.

Client consultation record

Documentation of lifestyle, hair and chemical history, allergies, agreed service, price, products, formulas, timing, and patch test results. It supports consistent results and resolves disputes.