OR Barber key terms

Elevation is the angle at which a section of hair is held away from the head before cutting. Low elevation builds weight; high elevation removes weight and creates layers.

A guide is a strand or section of hair used as a reference point for length and shape while cutting. It helps keep both sides of the haircut balanced.

Graduation is a cutting technique where hair lengths build up in layers, usually shorter at the nape and longer on top. It creates volume and a stacked shape.

A taper is a gradual shortening of hair length near the hairline or neckline. The transition is blended rather than sharply outlined.

A fade is a haircut where hair blends from very short or shaved at the bottom to longer hair higher on the head. The transition can be low, mid, or high.

Shear-over-comb is a cutting method in which hair is held up by a comb and trimmed with shears. It is used to shorten and blend short hair.

Clipper-over-comb is a technique where clippers run over a comb to remove bulk and create close blends. It is common in fades and short tapered cuts.

Point cutting is a texturizing technique where the shear tips cut into the ends of a hair section. It softens a blunt line and reduces bulk without shortening the overall length much.

A blunt cut is a haircut made with all hair cut at one length, creating a solid line at the ends. It gives a strong perimeter and makes hair appear fuller.

A growth pattern is the natural direction in which a person's hair grows from the scalp. Cowlicks and whorls can change how a cut lies and must be considered during styling.

A straight razor is a shaving tool with a sharp, exposed blade that folds into a handle. It requires careful angle control and is used for close facial shaves and line work.

Honing is the process of sharpening a straight razor on a stone to restore its cutting edge. It is done before stropping and is less frequent than stropping.

Stropping is the routine of drawing a straight razor across a leather strop to align and polish the blade edge. It is done before each shave to keep the razor comfortable.

The free-hand stroke is a straight-razor shaving stroke used on flat facial areas, with the razor moved freely while the skin is held taut. It follows the grain carefully.

The back-hand stroke is a straight-razor shaving stroke used on curved or opposite-side areas where the hand position is reversed. It helps keep the blade angle controlled and safe.

Shaving against the grain means moving the razor opposite to the natural direction of hair growth. It gives a closer shave but increases the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Shaving lather is a moist, cushioned soap or cream applied to soften facial hair and protect skin during shaving. It helps the razor glide and reduces friction.

Razor bumps are small irritated or ingrown hairs that can appear after shaving, especially on curly hair. They are caused by close shaving, friction, or cutting hair below the skin surface.

Sanitation is the process of reducing germs on surfaces and tools to a safe level by cleaning and using low-level disinfectants. It is the basic daily practice in a barbershop.

Disinfection is the use of EPA-registered products to destroy most harmful germs on nonporous implements and surfaces. It is stronger than simple cleaning and is required for reusable tools.

Sterilization is a process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, on an object. In barbering it is used only for items that can withstand heat or chemical sterilants.

An EPA-registered disinfectant is a cleaning product approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to kill germs on surfaces. Barbers must use one labeled for hospital or barber use and follow its contact time.

Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing germs spread through blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Barbers use gloves and safe handling to prevent contact with blood.

Universal precautions mean treating all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious. Gloves and careful handling are used with every client to reduce disease spread.

An autoclave is a device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal tools and other heat-safe items. Correct packaging and monitoring are needed for sterilization to be effective.

The Oregon Health Licensing Office is the state agency that oversees barbering licenses and shop rules in Oregon. It handles applications, renewals, inspections, and consumer complaints.

The Board of Barbering and Hair Design is the Oregon board that advises on barbering standards and rules. It works with the Health Licensing Office on licensing and discipline.

A barbering license is the credential issued by Oregon that allows a person to practice barbering for pay. It requires approved training, passing exams, and renewal on schedule.

A shop license is the Oregon credential required for a business location where barbering services are offered. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and inspection requirements.

Scope of practice is the set of services a licensed barber is legally allowed to perform. Working outside it can lead to discipline or loss of license.

Continuing education is required training that licensees complete to renew their Oregon barbering license. It keeps skills current and may cover safety, sanitation, or law topics.

Unprofessional conduct is behavior that violates Oregon barbering standards, such as unsafe practices, dishonesty, or working while impaired. It can result in fines, suspension, or license revocation.

The integumentary system is the skin, hair, nails, and glands that cover and protect the body. It helps regulate temperature and acts as a barrier against germs.

The epidermis is the thin, outer layer of skin that protects the body and contains pigment cells. It has no blood vessels and constantly sheds and replaces cells.

The dermis is the thicker layer of skin beneath the epidermis. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands that support the skin and hair.

Sebaceous glands are oil glands in the skin, usually attached to hair follicles. They produce sebum, which lubricates skin and hair and can contribute to an oily scalp.

A hair follicle is a tube-like pocket in the skin from which a hair grows. It contains the hair root and connects to oil glands and a small muscle.

The arrector pili is a tiny muscle attached to a hair follicle. When it contracts, the hair stands up and creates goose bumps.

Alopecia is partial or complete hair loss. It can be temporary or permanent and may be caused by genetics, illness, medication, or stress.

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp that causes scaling, itching, and patchy hair loss. It is contagious and requires medical treatment before barbering services.