VA Barber key terms

Using an EPA-registered chemical, mixed and timed exactly as its label states, to destroy most harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi on nonporous tools and surfaces. Some hardy organisms, such as spores, may survive the process.

Complete destruction of all living microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on an item. In barbering it is usually done with an autoclave and is reserved for tools that contact broken skin or blood.

Washing with soap or detergent and water to remove visible dirt, debris, and many germs from surfaces, floors, and hands. It is a cleaning step and does not kill organisms the way disinfection does.

A disinfecting product or ingredient that destroys bacteria. It is one of the three main kill claims on a disinfectant label, along with virucide and fungicide.

A disinfectant that destroys viruses, including those that cause hepatitis and HIV. A product must carry this claim on its label to be trusted for it.

A disinfectant able to destroy fungi such as the organisms behind ringworm. Check that the word appears on the product label before relying on it for that purpose.

Disease-causing microorganisms carried in blood and other body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Barbers must treat any blood they encounter as infectious and follow exposure procedures.

The practice of treating every client's blood and body fluids as if they carry infection. It means wearing gloves for any service that may break skin and washing hands before and after.

A standardized document supplied by a product manufacturer that describes a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first aid, and storage. Shops keep one available for every product they use.

An infestation of head lice on the scalp. It is contagious, so barbers refuse service, avoid sharing tools, and disinfect or bag any item that touched the client.

The angle at which a section of hair is lifted away from the head before it is cut. Low elevation builds weight and length, while high elevation removes weight and creates layers.

The first strand or section of a haircut, cut to the length the client wants. Every later section is measured against it so the finished shape stays even.

A cut made with the hair held flat at zero elevation so all ends fall on one level. It creates a solid, heavy perimeter line and keeps the most weight.

A cut in which sections are held at increasing elevation, so hair is short at the perimeter and gradually longer above. The stacked ends build weight and a rounded shape.

A technique in which clippers cut hair that a comb is holding up, allowing fades and tapers without scissors. The comb's teeth control how much hair is taken off.

Going back over a finished haircut from a different direction, such as against the natural fall or from the opposite side, to find uneven spots that were missed.

Cutting into the ends or inner lengths of hair to remove bulk, soften a hard line, or add movement. Point cutting and slide cutting are common methods.

Grinding the edge of a straight razor against a sharpening stone to rebuild its bevel and cutting edge. It is done before stropping and only when the edge truly needs reshaping.

Drawing a straight razor across a leather strop to realign and polish the blade edge. It is done before each shave and does not replace honing a dull blade.

A soft foam of shaving soap or cream and water worked up with a brush. It holds moisture against the beard, softens the hair, and lets the razor glide over skin.

A warm, damp towel applied to the face before a shave to soften the beard and relax the skin, and often afterward to soothe the face and remove leftover product.

A clotting product applied to a small nick or cut to stop minor bleeding during a shave. It does not replace cleaning the area and covering a wound properly.

Redness, stinging, and roughness of the skin caused by a dull blade, too much pressure, a wrong blade angle, or passing over the same spot repeatedly.

Also called razor bumps: inflammation that occurs when closely cut curly hair grows back into the skin. It is managed by shaving with the grain and avoiding very close passes.

A zero-to-fourteen scale measuring how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with seven being neutral. Hair and skin are mildly acidic, so strongly alkaline products can swell the cuticle and roughen the surface.

The oily substance released by sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles. It lubricates hair and scalp; too much leaves hair oily, while too little leaves it dry and brittle.

The cleansing molecule in shampoo that attaches to oil and dirt so water can rinse them away. One end of the molecule grabs water while the other grabs grease.

How readily a hair strand absorbs and holds moisture, which depends on the condition of its cuticle. Highly porous hair takes in water quickly and also loses it quickly.

The ability of a wet hair strand to stretch and then spring back to its original length. Low elasticity signals weak, brittle hair that snaps instead of stretching.

Flaking of the scalp skin, often with mild itching, caused by rapid cell turnover. It is managed with medicated shampoo rather than by scrubbing the flakes away.

A contagious fungal infection of the scalp, sometimes called ringworm, that causes scaling, broken hairs, and bald patches. Barbers do not treat it and should refer the client to a physician.

The Virginia state agency that houses the licensing boards, including the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, and supports enforcement of their rules.

The Virginia board that writes barbering regulations, approves schools, issues licenses, and can discipline licensees. Its requirements appear in the Virginia Administrative Code.

The individual credential issued by Virginia that allows a person to practice barbering. Working without one, or letting it lapse, is a violation of state law.

The credential a barbershop itself must hold in order to operate in Virginia. It is separate from the personal licenses held by the barbers who work there.

A board-approved training arrangement in which a learner works under a licensed barber for a required number of hours instead of, or alongside, attending a school program.

The chapter of the Virginia Administrative Code containing the barbering and cosmetology regulations, including sanitation standards, licensing rules, and shop requirements.

Displaying a current license where the public and inspectors can see it, such as at the barber's station and in the shop. Failing to post a valid license is a violation.