SC Barber key terms

Using an EPA-registered chemical, mixed and timed exactly as the label says, to kill most germs on tools and surfaces that do not penetrate the skin.

Destroying every microorganism on an implement, including bacterial spores, usually with an autoclave; required for tools that may contact blood or broken skin.

Washing with soap and warm water to remove visible dirt, oil, and debris before a disinfectant is used; also the everyday cleaning of floors, bowls, and linens.

A machine that uses pressurized steam to sterilize metal tools; it must be loaded correctly and tested with spores to prove it is working.

A common barber disinfectant that kills many bacteria and some viruses and fungi, but not tuberculosis; it must be diluted correctly with tools fully submerged for the labeled time.

Viruses and bacteria such as hepatitis B and HIV that spread through blood; they require gloves, handwashing, and careful disposal of sharp or bloody items.

Treating every client's blood and body fluids as if they were infectious, so gloves and other barriers are used every time, not just with clients who look sick.

An infestation of head lice; barbers must not serve the client, should refer them for treatment, and must disinfect all tools and linens that touched the hair.

A hard, sealed surface such as metal, glass, or plastic that liquid and germs cannot soak into, so it can be properly disinfected between clients.

The angle at which a section of hair is held away from the head before it is cut; it controls how much length builds up in the shape.

The first section of a haircut, cut to the desired length, whose line every other section is matched to.

Combing a finished section in a new direction and trimming again to confirm both sides and the outline are even.

Cutting hair at an angle so shorter lengths stack on longer ones, creating weight; low graduation stays close to the head and high graduation builds volume.

A gradual shortening of hair near the hairline, neckline, or ears so it blends into the skin instead of ending in a hard line.

A very tight taper in which the hair blends so closely into the skin that the edge of the cut seems to disappear.

Cutting short hair by holding a comb against the scalp and running clippers over it to remove length without digging into the skin.

Removing bulk or softening the ends of a cut with thinning shears or point cutting so the hair moves and lies better without getting shorter overall.

Warm soap or cream whipped with water into a thick foam that softens the beard and gives the razor a slick surface to glide on.

A brush used to work lather into the beard and lift the hairs so they stand up for a closer, more even shave.

A razor stroke made on skin that the barber is not pulling tight with the other hand, used where the skin cannot be stretched.

A bacterial infection of hair follicles that causes red, pus-filled bumps, often after shaving with a dull blade or dirty tool; do not shave the area.

Razor bumps that form when tightly curled hairs re-enter the skin after shaving and cause irritation; the fix is to stop shaving the area close.

Grinding a straight razor on a sharpening stone to cut a fresh bevel and edge on the blade.

Drawing the razor across a leather strop to smooth and align the edge before shaving; it does not remove metal the way honing does.

Placing a small amount of a chemical product on the skin and waiting 24 to 48 hours to see whether an allergic reaction develops.

Processing one small cutting of hair with the chemical to check timing, strength, and the likely result before treating the whole head.

A strong alkaline cream, such as sodium hydroxide or guanidine, that straightens curly hair by breaking the bonds that hold its shape.

An acidic product applied after a relaxer to stop the chemical from working and to rebuild the hair's bonds in its new straight shape.

Hydrogen peroxide mixed with color to supply oxygen; its strength decides how much the hair lightens and how much color is deposited.

The pocket in the skin where a hair grows; its shape and size decide whether the hair comes out straight, wavy, or curly.

The small cone of tissue at the bottom of the follicle that brings blood and nutrients to the growing hair.

A tiny muscle attached to each follicle that tightens in cold or fear, pulling the hair upright and causing goose bumps.

An oil gland attached to the follicle that releases sebum, which coats the hair and scalp and keeps them from drying out.

The active growth stage of a hair, when new cells are added at the follicle and the hair gets longer; it lasts for years.

The resting stage of a hair, when growth stops, the hair loosens, and it is eventually shed before a new one starts.

The tough outer layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping scales that protect the inside and reflect light when smooth.

The South Carolina state board that issues barber and shop licenses, writes sanitation and practice rules, inspects shops, and disciplines licensees.

Holding a current license from the state board that allows a person to practice barbering or a business to operate a barbershop.

Someone learning barbering under a licensed barber and completing the board-required training hours before taking the licensing exam.

The state permit a barbershop must hold, which requires approved equipment, sanitation practices, and passing inspection by the board.