TN Esthetician key terms

A chemical process that destroys most harmful microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and tools, but not bacterial spores. Estheticians disinfect implements such as tweezers, extractors, and shears between every client.

The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, usually with an autoclave or another high-level method. It is required for items that penetrate skin or contact blood.

An EPA-registered product labeled to kill a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses when used exactly as directed, including the stated contact time. Tools must soak for the full labeled time.

Infection-control habits that treat every client's blood, body fluids, and tissues as potentially infectious. Gloves, handwashing, eye protection, and careful waste disposal protect both worker and client.

A standardized document from a product manufacturer listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, storage, first-aid steps, and disposal methods. Keep one available for every professional product used in the salon.

The outermost layer of skin, built from layers of keratinized cells and containing no blood vessels. It renews from the bottom up and forms the body's primary barrier against water loss.

The middle layer of skin, made of collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands. It supplies the epidermis with nutrients and gives skin strength and elasticity.

The top sublayer of the epidermis, made of flattened, dead, keratin-filled cells that shed continuously. Its thickness and lipid content strongly affect how easily products absorb.

A cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin and passes it to nearby keratinocytes. Melanin colors skin, hair, and eyes and helps screen DNA from ultraviolet damage.

A gland usually attached to a hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. Overactive glands contribute to oily skin and acne.

The mildly acidic film of sebum, sweat, and cellular debris on the skin's surface, with a pH near 4.5 to 5.5. It discourages harmful bacteria and supports barrier function.

A six-level system that classifies skin by pigment amount and by how it responds to ultraviolet light. It guides sun-protection advice and estimates risk of burning and hyperpigmentation.

A pore clogged with sebum, dead cells, and bacteria, appearing as an open blackhead or a closed whitehead. It is a noninflammatory lesion that may be softened and extracted.

A small, solid, raised bump less than about one centimeter wide with no visible pus. In acne it signals inflammation under a blocked pore and should not be squeezed.

Any condition or circumstance that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable for a particular client. Examples include active infection, open lesions, and recent cosmetic procedures that need healing time.

Fine, dilated capillaries visible near the skin surface as red or purple lines. Heat, injury, and aggressive exfoliation can worsen them, so the area should be treated gently.

A temporary condition in which skin lacks water, showing tightness, flaking, or fine lines regardless of oil level. It is different from dry skin, which produces too little oil.

A molecule with a water-loving end and an oil-loving end, allowing oil and water to mix so debris can be rinsed away. Surfactants are the cleansing agents in cleansers and shampoos.

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts water and holds it in or near the skin. Humectants hydrate best when an emollient or occlusive is layered over them.

An ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling spaces between surface cells and reducing water loss. Oils, butters, and fatty esters are common emollients in moisturizers.

A water-soluble acid such as glycolic or lactic acid that loosens the bonds holding dead surface cells together. AHAs smooth texture but increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is essential.

Describes an ingredient or product likely to clog pores and contribute to comedones. Acne-prone clients should look for noncomedogenic formulas and patch test new products.

A scale from 0 to 14 that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with 7 neutral. Skin-friendly products sit near the skin's mildly acidic range to avoid irritation.

A light, gliding massage stroke made with the palms and fingers, usually moving toward lymph nodes. It opens and closes most facial massages and helps relax the client.

Removing a comedo with gentle pressure from wrapped fingertips or a clean extractor after the skin is softened. Treat only noninflamed lesions and stop if the client feels pain or bleeding begins.

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when hair is firmly anchored in the follicle and strongest. Waxing during this phase removes hair that will regrow from a new bulb.

A resin-based wax applied warm and peeled off without a cloth strip. It grips short, coarse hair well and is often chosen for the brows, lip, and bikini area.

Putting a used wax applicator back into the wax pot, which can transfer blood and microorganisms to later clients. Professional practice calls for a fresh applicator each time or a single-use technique.

Applying a small amount of a product to a discreet area to check for an allergic reaction before a full service. It is recommended for waxes, adhesives, and tinting products, especially for new clients.

Inflammation or infection of hair follicles that appears as red bumps or pus-filled spots after hair removal. Suspected cases should be referred to a physician and not waxed again until cleared.

A hair that curls back into the skin or grows sideways under the surface, forming a red bump. Gentle regular exfoliation and loose clothing help reduce recurrence.

A cyanoacrylate-based glue that cures with airborne moisture to bond a synthetic lash to a natural lash. Strong fumes require good ventilation, client eye closure, and careful isolation of lashes.

A ready-made band of synthetic hairs glued along the upper lash line and removed at the end of the day. Gentle removal protects the natural lashes from being pulled out.

The study of how colors relate and cancel one another on the color wheel. Makeup artists use complementary pairs to hide redness, dark circles, or discoloration before applying foundation.

The specific services and techniques a license legally allows a practitioner to perform. Tennessee rules define what estheticians may and may not do, and exceeding them risks discipline.

Training hours a licensee must complete during each renewal cycle to keep a license active. Approved courses and certificates should be kept on file in case of audit.

The state board that licenses estheticians, cosmetologists, barbers, and salons in Tennessee and enforces practice and sanitation rules. It investigates complaints and can suspend, revoke, or fine licensees.

A client's voluntary agreement to a service after being told its benefits, risks, alternatives, and likely outcome. Documenting consent protects both the client and the practitioner.

The ethical and legal duty to keep a client's personal, health, and financial information private. Records should be stored securely and shared only with those who need them.

A form completed before service that records health history, medications, allergies, and past reactions. It guides safe treatment choices and documents that the esthetician acted responsibly.