Cosmetology Theory and Practice (Oregon)
This domain tests the theory and applied practice on Oregon’s cosmetology licensing exam: infection control, anatomy and physiology, product chemistry, hair/skin/nail services, and Oregon Board of Cosmetology rules. Items are scenario-based, so apply the rule to the client in front of you.
Infection control
Cleaning removes visible debris; disinfection kills most pathogens on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms. In Oregon salons, reusable nonporous implements (combs, shears, metal clips, reusable drill bits) must be cleaned, rinsed, dried, then fully immersed in an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant at the label’s dilution and contact time. Porous items-files, buffers, wooden sticks, sponges-are single-use or discarded. For blood or body-fluid exposure: stop, glove, clean visible material, disinfect with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant, and bag waste as biohazard. Wash hands before and after each client and after glove removal.
Anatomy and chemistry
Skin layers: epidermis, dermis (nerves, vessels, glands), subcutaneous. Hair: follicle, bulb, sebaceous gland; growth stages anagen, catagen, telogen. Nail: plate, bed, matrix, cuticle; the matrix forms the plate. Hair and skin pH is about 4.5–5.5; relaxers are high-pH; hair color is alkaline. Follow the manufacturer’s patch test for aniline-derivative color and never mix products unless the label permits.
Oregon scope
Display your license; the salon needs a salon license; only licensed persons perform services. Follow OAR 817 and manufacturer directions, keep SDS sheets accessible, and refuse services on open lesions or signs of infection.
Worked example
A client with a small dry scalp cut wants a relaxer. Reasoning: relaxer is high-pH; broken skin raises irritation and infection risk. Inspect the scalp. If the cut is open, weeping, or infected, do not proceed-refer and reschedule. If healed, patch test per manufacturer, glove, keep product off the cut, and document. If blood appears, stop and follow the blood-spill procedure.
Traps
Treating cleaning as disinfection; skipping contact time; using a “sanitizer” or UV cabinet as a substitute; reusing porous files; skipping the patch test; mixing MMA monomer; storing product in an unlabeled bottle.