PA Cosmetology flashcards
PA Cosmetology · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Anagen phase
- The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting two to six years; about 90 percent of scalp hair is in this phase at any time, so scalp growth is continuous.
- Disulfide bond
- The strongest side bond in hair, formed between sulfur atoms of neighboring keratin chains; relaxers and permanent waves break it, and neutralizers rebuild it in the new shape.
- Cortex
- The middle layer of the hair shaft, making up roughly 80 to 90 percent of the hair's mass; it holds melanin and the side bonds that determine strength, curl, and color.
- 20-volume developer
- A hydrogen peroxide solution containing about 6 percent peroxide; it lightens roughly two levels when used with permanent tint, and higher volumes lighten more but damage more.
- Complementary color
- Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green; mixed together they neutralize or cancel an unwanted tone.
- Hair porosity
- The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle; porous hair takes color quickly and fades quickly and may need fillers or lower-volume developer.
- Relaxer neutralizer
- An acidic shampoo with a pH near 4.5 to 5.5 applied after a relaxer to stop chemical processing, remove residue, lower pH, and rebuild disulfide bonds in the straightened shape.
- Telogen phase
- The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, lasting about three months, at the end of which the hair sheds and a new anagen hair begins to grow.
- Acid mantle
- The slightly acidic film, pH about 4.5 to 5.5, of sebum, sweat, and lipids covering the skin; it inhibits bacteria and protects the barrier, and alkaline cleansers disrupt it.
- Stratum corneum
- The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened keratinized cells that form the skin's barrier; cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers act mainly at this layer.
- Fitzpatrick scale
- A six-point classification of sun reactivity and pigmentation, from type I (always burns, never tans) to type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns), used to judge treatment risk.
- Vesicle
- A primary skin lesion consisting of a small fluid-filled blister under one centimeter, seen in conditions such as herpes simplex or contact dermatitis; service is postponed and the client referred.
- Effleurage
- A facial massage movement using light, gliding strokes that follow the direction of the muscle; it warms tissue, aids product absorption, and typically opens and closes the massage.
- Salicylic acid
- An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid used to exfoliate inside follicles and reduce comedones; it increases photosensitivity, so sun protection is needed, and it is avoided on broken skin.
- Comedone
- A non-inflammatory acne lesion formed when sebum and keratin block a follicle; an open comedo is a blackhead and a closed comedo is a whitehead. Only non-inflamed lesions may be extracted.
- Nail matrix
- The tissue at the base of the nail beneath the proximal fold that produces the nail plate; its length and shape determine the thickness and curvature of the nail.
- Eponychium
- The living skin fold at the base of the nail plate from which the cuticle extends; only the dead cuticle is softened and pushed, and the living fold is never cut.
- Onychomycosis
- A contagious fungal infection of the nail plate that causes thickening, discoloration, and crumbling; a nail technician cannot treat it and must refer the client to a physician.
- Paronychia
- An infection of the nail fold causing redness, swelling, and pus, often after bacteria enter through a cut or torn cuticle; the service is postponed and the client referred.
- Monomer
- The liquid component of sculptured acrylic nails, usually ethyl methacrylate, that polymerizes with polymer powder to form the hard nail enhancement.
- Squoval nail shape
- A nail shape with straight sides and a slightly rounded free edge, combining the strength of a square nail with the softer appearance of an oval.
- Hospital-grade disinfectant
- An EPA-registered product labeled bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, used on nonporous implements after cleaning; implements stay fully immersed for the contact time stated on the label.
- Sterilization
- The destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, typically using an autoclave; it is required for items that contact blood or break the skin, not for routine salon tools.
- Porous implement
- A tool made of wood, cloth, foam, or unsealed plastic that absorbs liquids and cannot be reliably disinfected; emery boards, pumice, and cotton must be discarded after use.
- Safety Data Sheet
- An OSHA-required document listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, personal protective equipment, and first-aid steps; it must be kept accessible to every salon employee.
- Universal precautions
- Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious by using gloves and other barriers with every client; handwashing follows glove removal and precedes every service.
- Autoclave
- Equipment that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize metal implements; it does not replace cleaning, so items must be washed, rinsed, and dried before being placed inside.
- Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
- The licensing board within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs that regulates cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, natural hair braiders, and teachers under 49 Pa. Code Chapter 63.
- Salon license
- A license issued to the facility itself, separate from each worker's individual practitioner license; a salon may not legally operate without it, and it must be displayed.
- Unannounced inspection
- A Board inspector's authority to enter a licensed salon during business hours without advance notice to check sanitation, licensing, and compliance; refusing entry is grounds for discipline.
- License display requirement
- Each licensee's current license must be posted conspicuously at the workstation or in the salon and shown to a Board inspector on request.
- Biennial renewal
- Pennsylvania cosmetology licenses expire and must be renewed every two years; practicing on an expired or lapsed license is treated as unlicensed practice and carries penalties.