NV Cosmetology key terms

To significantly reduce the number of pathogens on a surface or tool by cleaning with soap or detergent and water. Sanitizing is a lower level of protection than disinfection and does not destroy all microorganisms.

A chemical product registered with the EPA that destroys or prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms on hard, nonporous implements. It must be used at the label's specified dilution and contact time to be effective.

The number of minutes an implement must remain fully submerged in a disinfectant solution for the product to kill the organisms listed on its label. Shortening contact time invalidates disinfection.

A disease-causing microorganism transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids, notably hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Cosmetologists follow universal precautions and OSHA standards to limit exposure.

The practice of treating all blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials as if they carry pathogens, regardless of a client's known health status. Gloves and proper handling are used for every client.

The required response to blood on the floor or a work surface: wear gloves, clean visible matter with absorbent material, disinfect the area with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product, and dispose of contaminated items in a sealed bag.

An EPA-registered disinfectant labeled as effective against tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV, and proven to kill pseudomonas and staphylococcus. It is the standard for implements that may contact broken skin or blood.

Reusable tools such as shears, combs, clips, and metal pushers. After each client they must be cleaned of debris, then completely immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the label's contact time before reuse.

A distinction between items that absorb liquids, such as towels, cotton, and emery boards, and those that do not, such as metal and glass. Porous items cannot be reliably disinfected and must be discarded after a single use.

A product designed to be used on one client and then thrown away, such as a nail file, wooden stick, or disposable razor. It is never disinfected and reused, even if it appears clean.

The Nevada regulatory body that licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technologists, and salons, and that enforces sanitation and practice standards under the state's cosmetology statutes and regulations.

The legal authorization to practice a cosmetology specialty in Nevada, granted after meeting training hours, passing the required examinations, and paying fees. Practicing without a current license is unlawful.

The specific services and procedures a licensee is legally permitted to perform under a given license type. Performing services outside that scope, such as a nail technologist doing chemical peels, can bring disciplinary action.

An official examination of a salon's cleanliness, tool storage, disinfection practices, and records to verify compliance with Nevada sanitation rules. Results can affect the salon's license status and may carry penalties.

Required ongoing training hours licensees complete to renew a Nevada cosmetology license. It keeps practitioners current on sanitation, safety, and technical developments and is a condition of renewal.

A contagious fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails, commonly called ringworm. It spreads through shared tools and contaminated surfaces, so suspected cases are not serviced and implements are disinfected.

A condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable, such as broken skin, an active infection, or a recent chemical burn. The practitioner should decline or postpone the service and refer the client appropriately.

A small, limited application of a chemical product, such as hair color or relaxer, to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. Results are observed over the time specified by the manufacturer.

A chemical compound found in permanent hair color that can cause allergic reactions and is a known sensitizer. It requires patch testing and careful handling according to product directions.

The body system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and glands. It protects the body, regulates temperature, and senses the environment, and it is the primary system cosmetologists work with.

The outermost, thinnest layer of the skin, made of cells that continually renew and shed. It contains no blood vessels and forms the body's first barrier against infection and moisture loss.

The thicker layer beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. Its condition affects skin elasticity, healing, and how products and treatments are tolerated.

The tube-shaped pocket in the dermis from which a hair grows. It contains the hair root, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle, and its health determines hair growth and condition.

The repeating phases of hair development: anagen, the active growth phase; catagen, a short transitional phase; and telogen, the resting phase before shedding. Understanding the cycle explains growth patterns and shedding.

A gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates hair and skin. Its activity influences whether hair and scalp are oily, dry, or balanced.

A measure from 0 to 14 of how acidic or alkaline a solution is, with 7 being neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, so products far from that range can strip, swell, or damage them.

A molecule in shampoo that attracts both water and oil, allowing it to lift dirt and sebum from hair and scalp so they rinse away. It is the active cleaning agent in most shampoos.

A product applied after shampooing to smooth the cuticle, restore moisture, and reduce tangling. It often contains acidic ingredients that help return hair to its natural mildly acidic state.

The tough, overlapping outer layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner layers. When it lies flat, hair looks smooth and shiny; when it is raised or damaged, hair feels rough and loses moisture.

The middle layer of the hair shaft, made of long protein chains that give hair strength and elasticity. It holds melanin, so color and lightening chemicals act primarily on this layer.

The pigment produced in the hair and skin that determines their color. Its amount and type influence how hair responds to lightening and how much warmth or brassiness may appear during color services.

A hydrogen peroxide solution that, when mixed with hair color or lightener, opens the cuticle and lifts natural pigment while depositing color. Its volume strength determines the degree of lightening.

A strong alkaline chemical product that straightens curly or tightly coiled hair by breaking the bonds in the cortex. It requires careful timing, protective base, and thorough rinsing to avoid scalp injury.

A product applied after a relaxer or permanent wave to stop chemical action and rebuild the hair's bonds into its new shape. Incomplete neutralizing leaves hair weak and prone to breakage.

The degree of pull applied to hair during braiding, styling, or chemical wrapping. Excessive tension can damage the follicle and cause traction hair loss, so it should stay comfortable for the client.

Extensions, wigs, or other supplemental hair attached to enhance length or volume. They must be applied, cleaned, and removed with attention to scalp health and secure, comfortable attachment.

A fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed that causes thickening, discoloration, and separation. It is contagious, so the service is declined and implements are disinfected after any contact.

The removal of dead surface cells from the skin through mechanical or chemical means. It improves texture and product absorption but must be adjusted for sensitive or compromised skin.

A client's agreement to a service after being told its nature, risks, and expected results. Documenting consent protects both the client and the practitioner and supports professional trust.

The pre-service conversation in which the practitioner assesses the client's hair, skin, or nails, discusses goals and history, and identifies contraindications. It guides the service plan and builds realistic expectations.