WA Cosmetology flashcards

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

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting roughly two to seven years; about 90 percent of scalp hairs are normally in this phase at any time.

Catagen phase

The short transitional phase of the hair cycle, lasting about two to three weeks, when growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink and prepare for rest.

Telogen phase

The resting phase of the hair cycle, lasting about three to four months, after which the old hair sheds and a new anagen hair begins to grow.

Cortex

The middle layer of a hair strand, containing melanin and keratin; it provides strength, elasticity, and most of the hair's natural color.

Cuticle layer

The outermost protective layer of the hair, made of overlapping scales; a tight, smooth cuticle reflects light and resists chemical and mechanical damage.

Blunt haircut elevation

A blunt cut is created at zero-degree elevation with a stationary guide, producing a solid weight line at the perimeter.

Hair porosity

The ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture; low-porosity hair has a tight cuticle and resists absorption, while high-porosity hair absorbs quickly and loses moisture easily.

Developer volume percentages

In professional hair color, 10-volume developer is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 20-volume is 6 percent, 30-volume is 9 percent, and 40-volume is 12 percent.

Patch test timing

An aniline-derivative hair color patch test is typically performed 24 to 48 hours before the service to check for an allergic reaction.

Alkaline wave pH

Ammonium thioglycolate alkaline permanent waves generally have a pH of about 9.0 to 9.6 and require a neutralizing solution to rebuild disulfide bonds.

Sodium hydroxide relaxer

A sodium hydroxide relaxer is a strong alkaline product with a pH around 12 to 14; it permanently straightens hair by breaking disulfide bonds and requires thorough neutralization.

Relaxer retouch application

In a relaxer retouch, product is applied only to the new growth for most of the processing time, with the previously relaxed hair protected to avoid overprocessing.

Color wheel neutralization

On the color wheel, opposite colors neutralize each other: blue cancels orange, green cancels red, and violet cancels yellow in hair color formulation.

Strand test purpose

A strand test checks how a client's hair responds to a color or lightener formula, helping predict processing time, lift, and possible damage before the full service.

Acid mantle pH

The skin's acid mantle has a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5, helping inhibit bacteria and maintain barrier function.

Epidermis

The outermost skin layer; it contains no blood vessels and is composed mainly of keratinocytes, with the stratum corneum as its protective outer surface.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-category scale, types I through VI, that classifies skin by response to ultraviolet light, based on burning and tanning tendencies.

ABCDE melanoma signs

ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving changes in a skin lesion.

Waxing contraindication

Waxing should be avoided on skin that is sunburned, inflamed, broken, or recently treated with retinoids or acids because these increase the risk of tearing.

Chemical exfoliant types

Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid, work on the skin surface; beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, is oil soluble and penetrates pores.

Nail plate

The hard, protective keratin structure covering the nail bed; it has no nerves or blood supply in the visible plate and grows from the matrix.

Nail matrix

The actively growing area at the base of the nail under the proximal nail fold; it produces the nail plate and determines its thickness and shape.

Lunula

The whitish, half-moon area at the base of the nail plate; it is the visible portion of the matrix and is not a sign of disease by itself.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail, often causing thickening, discoloration, and separation; it is not treated by a manicurist and requires referral.

Paronychia

An inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, often after cuticle damage; it appears red, swollen, and painful and may require medical care.

Nail growth rate

Fingernails grow about 3.5 millimeters per month, while toenails grow more slowly at roughly 1.5 millimeters per month; growth varies with age and health.

Sanitation

Sanitation is the process of removing visible debris and reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface or tool, but it does not kill all pathogens.

Disinfection

Disinfection uses an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to kill most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces, but it does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, and is required for items that penetrate the skin or contact blood.

Blood spill procedure

For a blood spill, stop the service, put on gloves, remove visible blood with absorbent material, clean the area, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant according to label directions.

Safety Data Sheet

A Safety Data Sheet provides hazard, handling, storage, and emergency information for a chemical product; it must be accessible to workers who use the product.

Porous versus nonporous

Nonporous implements, such as metal or glass, can be cleaned and disinfected; porous items, such as wooden sticks or cotton, cannot be effectively disinfected and must be discarded.