SC Barber flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Sterilization versus disinfection

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial and fungal spores. Disinfection uses an EPA-registered product to kill most pathogens on hard, nonporous surfaces but does not reliably destroy spores.

Tuberculocidal disinfectant

A disinfectant labeled as effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Many state boards, including South Carolina's, require this claim on products used to disinfect implements that contact blood or body fluids.

Cleaning before disinfection

Washing implements with soap and water to remove hair, skin, and product residue before immersion, because organic matter left on the surface can inactivate the disinfectant solution.

Single-use porous items

Items such as paper emery boards, wooden sticks, cotton, and neck strips cannot be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, so they are used once and then discarded.

Blood exposure procedure

Stop the service, put on gloves, absorb and remove the material, clean the area, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant, seal contaminated waste in a bag, then wash hands.

Hand washing duration

Lather with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, including between the fingers and under the nails. Hand sanitizer does not replace washing after blood or body-fluid contact.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

A federal rule requiring employers to keep a written exposure control plan, supply gloves and other protective equipment, offer hepatitis B vaccination, and train workers with occupational blood exposure.

Stationary guideline

A subsection of hair that is not moved and acts as the fixed reference for all other sections, producing a solid perimeter or evenly graduated shape.

Traveling guideline

A guide created by cutting each new subsection at the same elevation as the one before it, so the guide travels along the head shape in layered and graduated forms.

90-degree elevation

Holding the hair perpendicular to the curve of the head. All sections are cut at equal length, which produces the uniform-layered form and forward movement of weight.

45-degree elevation

Projecting hair midway between natural fall and perpendicular. The cut builds graduated weight and a stacked, shorter-in-back line at the perimeter.

Cross-checking a haircut

Cutting the same area from the opposite direction or parting to confirm balance and even length, revealing ridges, gaps, or heavy corners left by uneven sections.

Clipper-over-comb technique

Combing hair up and running clippers over the top of the comb. The comb's angle and distance from the head control how short the hair is cut.

Point cutting

A texturizing method in which the tips of the shears cut into the ends of a subsection at an angle, softening and blending ends without reducing overall length.

Straight razor angle

Approximately 30 degrees, or about one spine width off the skin. Short strokes with the free hand stretching the skin ahead of the blade reduce nicks.

Honing versus stropping

Honing grinds and shapes the razor's edge on a sharpening stone; stropping on leather polishes and realigns the edge. Strops are used before and after each shave.

Shaving with the grain

The first pass follows the direction of hair growth, removing most hair and lather with the least irritation. Against-the-grain passes shave closer but increase irritation and ingrown hairs.

Hot towel preparation

Warm, moist heat applied before shaving to soften the beard and relax the skin and follicles. A cool towel afterward tones the skin and closes the follicles.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Razor bumps caused by tightly curled hair re-entering the skin after a close shave. Managed with a single-blade razor, shaving with the grain, and avoiding very close shaves.

Beard trimming direction

Comb and trim in the direction of hair growth so the finished length looks even, then outline the cheek and neck borders using the corner of the trimmer.

pH of hair and skin

Hair and skin are naturally acidic at about pH 4.5 to 5.5. Acid-balanced shampoos sit in this range and help smooth the cuticle after alkaline services.

Relaxer chemistry

Relaxers are alkaline and break disulfide bonds in the cortex. Sodium hydroxide types run about pH 12 to 14, while guanidine hydroxide and thioglycolate types are lower.

Neutralizing shampoo function

An acidic, low-pH shampoo applied after relaxing to remove relaxer residue, restore the hair's normal pH, and stop the chemical action begun by the alkaline product.

Patch test

A small amount of product applied to the skin, usually behind the ear or at the inner elbow, 24 to 48 hours before a chemical service to detect an allergic reaction.

Strand test

A test on a small section of hair before a color or relaxer service to predict how the hair will respond, set processing time, and avoid overprocessing.

Developer volume strengths

Hydrogen peroxide strengths: 10 volume is about 3 percent, 20 volume about 6 percent and lifts one to two levels, 30 volume about 9 percent, and 40 volume about 12 percent.

Hair cortex

The middle layer of the hair, made of elongated keratinized cells. It holds melanin and provides the hair's strength, elasticity, and color.

Arrector pili muscle

A tiny muscle attached to each hair follicle. Cold or strong emotion makes it contract, pulling the hair upright and producing goose bumps on the skin.

Anagen phase

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to six years, during which cells in the follicle divide and build new hair.

Fifth cranial nerve

The trigeminal nerve, with ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches. Its branches carry sensation from the scalp, forehead, and face to the brain.

South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners

The board within the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation that licenses barbers, barber instructors, and barbershops, and enforces the state's sanitation rules.

SC barber training hours

South Carolina requires 1,500 clock hours of approved barber training and passing scores on the written and practical licensing examinations before a barber license is issued.