TX Cosmetology key terms

Cleaning surfaces and tools with soap and water or detergent to remove visible dirt, oil, and many germs. It reduces contamination but does not destroy all pathogens, so it comes before disinfection.

Using an EPA-registered hospital-grade product on cleaned nonporous implements to destroy most disease-causing organisms. It does not kill all bacterial spores, so it is not the same as sterilization.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an implement. In salons it is used mainly for metal tools and is usually done with steam under pressure in an autoclave.

A product approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in healthcare settings. The label lists the pathogens it kills and the contact time required for salon use on nonporous tools.

The number of minutes an implement must stay completely wet with disinfectant, as stated on the product label. Shortening this time means pathogens may survive and the tool is not properly disinfected.

A tool or material that absorbs liquid, such as wooden sticks, cotton, or paper files. Because disinfectant cannot penetrate it, a porous item must be discarded after one client rather than reused.

A hard, smooth tool that does not absorb liquids, such as metal shears, combs, or glass. It can be cleaned, disinfected, and reused when salon rules are followed.

The spread of germs from one person or object to another by hands, tools, linens, or surfaces. Proper handwashing, cleaning, and disinfection break this chain in the salon.

A safety practice of treating all blood and body fluids as if they carry infectious disease. It means wearing gloves and using barriers for every client, not only those who look sick.

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Salon workers prevent exposure by using gloves, barriers, and safe handling of sharp tools.

The angle at which a strand of hair is held away from the head while cutting. Low elevation builds weight and length; higher elevation creates layers and removes weight.

A cut in which all hair is held at zero elevation and cut at one length, creating a solid, heavy perimeter line. It is also called a one-length cut.

A cut that uses slight elevation, often at the back, so hair is stacked shorter at the perimeter and longer toward the crown. It creates a wedge or stacked shape with weight at the bottom.

A layered cut in which hair is held at 90 degrees from the head throughout, so all layers are the same length. It adds movement and removes bulk evenly.

Dividing the hair into organized working areas with clips and partings before a service. Good sectioning keeps cuts balanced and makes the service faster and safer.

A cutting technique in which a comb is used as a guard and the clipper runs over it to shorten hair. It is common for tapering and blending short haircuts.

Removing bulk or creating irregular lengths so hair has movement, softness, or a piecey look. It is done with thinning shears, a razor, or point cutting and should not be overused.

The ability of hair to absorb and hold moisture, rated low, normal, or high. High porosity hair takes in moisture quickly but loses it fast and needs gentle conditioning.

A chemical product with a high pH that straightens curly or wavy hair by breaking bonds in the hair. It requires careful timing, patch testing, and a neutralizer to stop the process.

A low-pH shampoo used after a relaxer to stop the chemical action and help restore the hair's normal pH. It must be used completely or the hair can continue to break.

The visible hard part of the nail made of keratin, covering the nail bed. It protects the fingertip and its appearance can show health or disease.

The skin directly beneath the nail plate. It looks pink because it contains many blood vessels, and it supports the nail plate as it grows.

The area at the base of the nail where new cells form and push forward to create the nail plate. Injury or disease here can permanently affect nail growth.

The thin, dead tissue that seals the base of the nail plate to the skin. It should be softened and pushed back gently, not cut, to avoid infection.

The living skin at the base of the nail that many people mistakenly call the cuticle. It protects the nail matrix and should never be cut during a manicure.

A fungal infection of the nail that can cause thickening, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed. A nail technician should not treat it and should refer the client to a physician.

A liquid applied to the natural nail plate before acrylic or gel enhancements to improve adhesion. It must be used sparingly and kept off skin and eyes.

The outer, thinnest layer of skin and the body's first barrier against infection and water loss. It has no blood vessels and its outer cells are constantly shed and replaced.

The middle layer of skin, containing nerves, blood vessels, oil and sweat glands, and collagen. It gives skin strength and supplies the epidermis with nutrients.

Oil glands in the skin, usually attached to hair follicles, that produce sebum. Sebum lubricates skin and hair and can contribute to acne when follicles become blocked.

Sweat glands in the skin that help regulate body temperature. Eccrine glands are found over most of the body, while apocrine glands are in the underarms and genital area.

A hair follicle blocked by oil and dead skin cells. An open comedone is a blackhead; a closed comedone is a whitehead, and squeezing it can cause inflammation or scarring.

A six-point scale that classifies skin by color and how it responds to sun exposure, from very fair to deeply pigmented. It helps estheticians choose safe treatment intensity and sun protection advice.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the state agency that issues cosmetology licenses and enforces salon rules. It inspects salons and can fine or discipline license holders.

The part of the Texas Administrative Code that contains the official cosmetology rules, including licensing, sanitation, and scope of practice. Licensees are expected to know and follow it.

The services and tasks a person may legally perform under a specific license type, such as cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician. Doing work outside that scope can lead to discipline.

Approved training hours a licensee must complete before renewing a Texas cosmetology license. The required hours and approved providers are set by TDLR rules.

The process of keeping a Texas cosmetology license active by paying the required fee and meeting continuing education and other rules before the expiration date.

An arrangement in which a licensed professional rents space in a salon and works as an independent contractor rather than an employee. The salon must still follow sanitation and licensing rules.

A money fine that TDLR can impose on a licensee or salon for breaking cosmetology laws or rules. It is one form of disciplinary action and may be appealed.