OK Cosmetology flashcards

32 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, virucidal, and fungicidal, used on nonporous implements and surfaces after cleaning; implements must stay submerged for the label's stated contact time.

Sterilization versus disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, using heat, pressure, or chemical sterilants. Disinfection destroys most pathogens on nonporous surfaces but does not kill spores.

Porous implements

Items such as nail files, buffers, wooden sticks, and cotton that absorb liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected. They are treated as single-use and discarded after each client.

Blood exposure procedure

Stop the service, put on gloves, cleanse the wound, apply antiseptic and a bandage, then clean and disinfect the station; contaminated materials are sealed in a double bag.

OSHA

The federal agency enforcing workplace safety, including the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard that requires gloves, hand washing, and safe handling of potentially infectious materials in salons.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years. About 90 percent of scalp hair is in this phase at any given time.

Telogen phase

The resting phase of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, after which the strand is shed during exogen and replaced by a new growing hair.

Cortex

The middle layer of the hair shaft, making up about 90 percent of its weight. It holds melanin pigment and the disulfide bonds that give hair strength and shape.

Blunt haircut

A one-length cut performed with zero elevation, where hair is combed straight down and cut along a single perimeter line. Also called a zero-elevation cut.

Wet hair elasticity

Wet hair can stretch about 40 to 50 percent of its length before breaking, while dry hair stretches only about 20 percent; excessive stretching signals poor elasticity.

Developer volume

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a color developer: 10 volume lifts about one level, 20 volume two levels, 30 volume three levels, and 40 volume four.

Complementary colors

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. They neutralize each other and are used to cancel unwanted tones in hair color.

Patch test

A small amount of color or chemical product applied behind the ear or in the elbow crease 24 to 48 hours before the service to detect an allergic reaction.

Thioglycolic acid

The active reducing agent in most permanent wave solutions. It breaks disulfide bonds in the cortex so the hair can be reshaped around a rod.

Hydroxide relaxer

A high-pH straightener, typically sodium hydroxide near pH 13.5, that breaks disulfide bonds; the process is stopped by thorough rinsing and acid-balanced shampoo, not a neutralizer.

Nail matrix

The portion of the nail bed with nerves, lymph, and blood vessels where new nail cells form. Its shape and length determine the thickness and curvature of the nail plate.

Lunula

The whitish half-moon visible at the base of the nail plate, caused by the thicker, less compacted keratin over the most active part of the matrix.

Paronychia

A bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, marked by redness, swelling, and pus. A cosmetologist must not treat it and should refer the client to a physician.

MMA monomer

Methyl methacrylate, an artificial nail liquid restricted or banned in many states because it causes severe allergic reactions and nail damage; ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the accepted alternative.

Acid mantle

The slightly acidic film on the skin surface, about pH 4.5 to 5.5, formed by sebum and sweat; it limits bacterial growth and helps the skin hold moisture.

Effleurage

A light, gliding massage movement performed with the palms and fingertips, used at the start and end of a facial to relax tissues and improve circulation.

Fitzpatrick scale

A classification of skin types I through VI based on how skin responds to ultraviolet light; it predicts burning and tanning tendency and guides sun-protection advice.

Comedones

Non-inflamed clogged pores, either open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Estheticians may extract comedones gently but should not disturb inflamed pustules or cysts.

Facial nerve

The seventh cranial nerve, a motor nerve controlling the muscles of facial expression. It runs near the ear and jaw, so pressure in those areas must be light.

Temporal artery

A major blood supply to the head running up the side of the forehead in front of and above the ear; it is a pressure point commonly used in scalp massage.

Exothermic reaction

A chemical reaction that releases heat energy, such as the setting of some artificial nail products or the mixing of certain chemical treatment components.

pH scale

A range from 0 to 14 measuring hydrogen ion concentration: below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is alkaline, with each whole number a tenfold change.

Oklahoma regulatory board

The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering licenses and inspects practitioners, schools, and salons, adopts sanitation rules, and may fine, suspend, or revoke licenses.

License availability for inspection

Credentials issued by the board must be current and available for inspection at the establishment where services are performed, displayed as the board's rules require.

Unlicensed practice

Performing cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or manicuring services for compensation without a valid Oklahoma license, which can bring fines and block future licensure.

Client record

Written documentation of each service including date, products, formulations, and any adverse reactions; kept confidential and used to support safe repeat services and resolve disputes.

Scope of practice

The set of services a licensee is legally permitted to perform under their specific license type; acting outside it, such as diagnosing disease, is prohibited.