OR Cosmetology flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Cortex
- The middle layer of the hair shaft, making up most of its mass. It contains melanin and keratin bundles that determine strength, elasticity, and curl pattern.
- Cuticle
- The outermost layer of overlapping scale-like cells that protects the hair shaft. Chemical services lift or damage it, and smoothing it reduces porosity and frizz.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to seven years on the scalp. Most scalp hairs are in this phase at any time.
- Telogen phase
- The resting stage of the hair cycle, lasting about three months, after which the hair sheds. About ten percent of scalp hairs are normally in telogen.
- Acid mantle
- The slightly acidic film on skin and hair, near pH 4.5 to 5.5. It protects the cuticle and discourages microbial growth; alkaline products disrupt it.
- Thioglycolate
- The reducing agent in most permanent waves, active around pH 9. It breaks disulfide bonds so hair can be reshaped around a rod.
- Neutralizer
- The product applied after a permanent wave that rebuilds disulfide bonds in the new shape. Hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate are common active ingredients.
- Disulfide bond
- A strong chemical bond between cysteine units in keratin that gives hair its strength and shape. Waving breaks these bonds; neutralizing reforms them.
- Lye relaxer
- A strongly alkaline straightener using sodium hydroxide. It requires base and scalp protection and thorough neutralizing shampooing to stop the chemical action.
- Guanidine hydroxide
- A no-lye relaxer system formed by mixing calcium hydroxide with guanidine carbonate. It is less irritating to skin but can leave mineral buildup.
- Developer volume
- A measure of hydrogen peroxide strength: 10 volume is 3 percent, 20 is 6 percent, 30 is 9 percent, and 40 is 12 percent. Higher volume lifts more melanin.
- Patch test
- A small application of a chemical product to skin, usually 24 to 48 hours before service, to detect an allergic reaction before full exposure.
- Strand test
- A test on a small section of the client's hair before a chemical service to predict timing, lift, and possible damage. Results guide the formula and processing time.
- Porosity
- The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, linked to cuticle condition. Low porosity resists moisture; high porosity absorbs fast but loses it quickly.
- Elasticity
- The hair's ability to stretch and return to its original length. Low elasticity signals damage and warns against strong chemical processing.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-type classification of skin based on response to sun exposure. Type one always burns and never tans; type six rarely burns and tans deeply.
- Epidermis
- The outer protective layer of skin, containing no blood vessels. It renews itself continuously and is the first barrier against chemicals and microbes.
- Dermis
- The middle skin layer containing blood vessels, nerves, glands, and collagen. It supports the epidermis and houses hair follicles and sweat glands.
- Nail matrix
- The living tissue at the base of the nail that produces the nail plate. Injury to the matrix can permanently alter nail shape or growth.
- Eponychium
- The living skin at the base of the nail plate, often called the cuticle area. It seals the nail against infection and should not be cut deeply.
- Effleurage
- A massage stroke using light, gliding pressure in the direction of blood flow. It begins and ends most massage services and promotes relaxation.
- Petrissage
- A kneading massage movement that lifts and compresses tissue. It targets deeper muscle layers and is used after warming the area with gliding strokes.
- Tapotement
- A brisk rhythmic tapping or percussion movement using the hands or fingertips. It stimulates circulation and is applied briefly, avoiding bony areas.
- GFCI
- A ground fault circuit interrupter that cuts power when current leaks to ground. It is required near water and protects against electric shock.
- Standard precautions
- The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. It includes hand washing, gloves, and disinfecting contaminated tools after every client.
- EPA-registered disinfectant
- A product approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for killing pathogens on hard surfaces. Implements must be fully immersed for the label contact time.
- Tinea capitis
- A contagious fungal infection of the scalp causing scaling and hair loss. It requires medical referral, and contaminated porous items must be discarded.
- Pediculosis
- An infestation of head lice, which is contagious. Service must be refused and the client referred for treatment; tools require disinfection.
- Alopecia areata
- A noncontagious autoimmune condition causing smooth, patchy hair loss. It is not caused by poor hygiene and should be referred to a physician.
- Traction alopecia
- Hair loss caused by prolonged tension from tight braids, ponytails, or weaves. Early detection and looser styling can allow regrowth.
- Telogen effluvium
- Diffuse shedding that follows illness, stress, or hormonal change, pushing many hairs into the resting phase. It is usually temporary and resolves over months.
- Keystone pricing
- A retail pricing method that doubles the wholesale cost of a product. Some salons use a higher multiplier to cover overhead and profit.