Free Cosmetology Exam Flashcards

Hair consists of three layers: cuticle (outer protective layer of overlapping scales), cortex (middle layer containing melanin and keratin, determines strength and elasticity), and medulla (innermost core, may be absent in fine hair).

Three phases: Anagen (active growth, 2-7 years), Catagen (transition phase, 2-3 weeks), Telogen (resting/shedding phase, 3-4 months). At any time, 85-90% of hair is in anagen phase.

Hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Determined by cuticle condition. Low porosity: closed cuticle, resists moisture. High porosity: open/damaged cuticle, absorbs quickly but loses moisture. Affects chemical service results.

Hair's ability to stretch and return to original length without breaking. Healthy hair stretches up to 50% when wet. Indicates strength of cortex. Affected by chemical services and damage.

Standardized system from 1-10 measuring hair darkness/lightness. Level 1 is black, Level 10 is lightest blonde. Understanding levels is essential for color formulation and predicting results.

Oxidizing agent used in hair coloring and lightening. Common volumes: 10 (deposit only), 20 (1-2 levels lift), 30 (2-3 levels), 40 (3-4 levels, high-lift). Higher volume = more lift and potential damage.

Product that permanently straightens curly hair by breaking disulfide bonds in the cortex. Types include sodium hydroxide (lye) and ammonium thioglycolate (no-lye). Requires neutralization to stop process.

Epidermis: outermost layer with five sublayers, provides protection. Dermis: contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands. Subcutaneous (hypodermis): fat layer providing insulation and cushioning.

Classification system for skin's response to UV exposure. Type I: always burns, never tans. Type II: burns easily, tans minimally. Type III-IV: moderate tanning. Type V-VI: rarely burns, darkest pigmentation.

Skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells. Types: comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), papules, pustules, cysts. Caused by excess sebum, bacteria, and inflammation.

Using acids to remove dead skin cells. AHAs (glycolic, lactic) are water-soluble, best for dry/sun-damaged skin. BHAs (salicylic) are oil-soluble, best for oily/acne-prone skin. Professional peels use higher concentrations.

Measures protection against UVB rays. SPF 15 blocks 93%, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%. Reapply every 2 hours. Broad-spectrum protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Conditions requiring caution or avoidance: open wounds, contagious skin conditions, recent chemical peels or Botox, sunburn, rosacea flare-ups, certain medications (Accutane, blood thinners). Always perform client consultation.

Key parts: nail plate (visible nail), nail bed (skin under plate), matrix (root where growth occurs), cuticle (skin at base), lunula (white half-moon), free edge (extends past fingertip), hyponychium (seal under free edge).

Fingernails grow approximately 1/8 inch per month, taking 4-6 months for full replacement. Toenails grow slower, about 1/16 inch per month, taking 12-18 months for full replacement.

General term for any nail disease or abnormality. Includes conditions like onychomycosis (fungal infection), onycholysis (separation from bed), and onychorrhexis (brittle, split nails). Refer severe cases to physician.

Types include: acrylic (liquid monomer + powder polymer), UV/LED gel (cured under light), dip powder, and nail wraps. Each has different application, removal, and maintenance requirements.

Components of acrylic nail enhancement. Monomer is liquid (ethyl methacrylate), polymer is powder. When combined, polymerization occurs creating a hard, durable nail extension. Mix ratio affects strength and cure time.

Applied to natural nail before enhancement to improve adhesion. Acid primer etches nail surface. Non-acid primer creates sticky layer. Essential for preventing lifting and ensuring long-lasting results.

Sanitation: reduces germs to safe levels (cleaning). Disinfection: destroys most pathogens on surfaces (required for tools). Sterilization: eliminates all microorganisms (autoclave, for implements that penetrate skin).

Disinfectant approved by Environmental Protection Agency for salon use. Must be hospital-grade/tuberculocidal. Follow manufacturer's contact time (usually 10 minutes). Replace solution daily or when visibly contaminated.

Disease-causing microorganisms transmitted through blood and body fluids. Include HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Prevent exposure through proper sanitation, using gloves, and safe disposal of sharps.

Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Wear gloves when exposure is possible, clean spills immediately with approved disinfectant, dispose of contaminated items properly, and wash hands frequently.

Sterilization device using high-pressure steam (250-270°F) to kill all microorganisms including bacterial spores. Required for implements that may puncture skin. Weekly spore testing verifies effectiveness.

Document providing information about chemical products: hazards, safe handling, storage, disposal, and first aid. Required in salons for all professional products. Must be accessible to all employees.

Measures acidity or alkalinity from 0-14. Below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, above 7 is alkaline. Hair and skin are slightly acidic (4.5-5.5). Chemical services often alter pH temporarily.

Chemical process involving oxygen that creates a change. In hair color, hydrogen peroxide oxidizes to release oxygen, which develops color and lifts natural pigment. Also causes color fading over time.

Chemical process that adds hydrogen or removes oxygen. Used in permanent waving (thioglycolate breaks disulfide bonds) and relaxers. Opposite of oxidation. Both processes used in many cosmetology services.

Surface-active agent that allows oil and water to mix. Found in shampoos, cleansers, and many products. Head attracts water (hydrophilic), tail attracts oil (lipophilic). Enables cleansing action.

Mixture of two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) combined with an emulsifier. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions rinse easily, water-in-oil (W/O) are more moisturizing. Most lotions and creams are emulsions.

Fibrous protein that forms hair, skin, and nails. Contains amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Disulfide bonds in keratin give hair its shape. Understanding keratin is essential for chemical services.

Organ system consisting of skin, hair, nails, and glands. Functions include protection, temperature regulation, sensation, excretion, and vitamin D synthesis. Primary focus of cosmetology services.

Oil glands attached to hair follicles that produce sebum. Sebum lubricates skin and hair, maintains moisture barrier. Overactive glands contribute to oily skin and acne. Found everywhere except palms and soles.

Pigment produced by melanocytes that determines skin, hair, and eye color. Two types: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow). Provides UV protection. Production affected by genetics and sun exposure.

Key muscles for massage and understanding expressions: frontalis (forehead), orbicularis oculi (around eyes), orbicularis oris (around mouth), masseter (jaw), and platysma (neck). Knowledge needed for facial services.

Fourteen bones forming the face: frontal (forehead), nasal (2), zygomatic (2 - cheekbones), maxillae (2 - upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), lacrimal (2), and others. Important for facial massage and makeup application.

Blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to skin, hair, and nails while removing waste. Massage increases circulation. Understanding blood vessels important for safety during services near major arteries and veins.

Direct current (DC) used in facial treatments. Cathodic (negative pole) - desincrustation, softens sebum. Anodic (positive pole) - iontophoresis, drives products into skin. Contraindicated with pacemakers.

Rapidly oscillating current used in facial treatments. Direct (on skin) kills bacteria, indirect (through therapist) increases circulation. Tesla current. Used to treat acne and stimulate scalp.

Ultraviolet light used for: sanitizing equipment (UV-C), curing gel nails (UV-A), and skin treatments. Different wavelengths have different uses. Proper eye and skin protection required.

Invisible light producing heat for therapeutic benefits. Used in heat lamps and steamers. Increases circulation, softens skin, opens pores. Keep safe distance to prevent burns. Not for sensitive or vascular skin.

Key practices: inspect cords for damage, never use near water, don't overload outlets, use grounded equipment, unplug during cleaning. Understand circuit breakers. Report malfunctions immediately.

Essential first step of every service. Includes: discussing desired outcome, analyzing hair/skin/nails, reviewing history, identifying contraindications, and managing expectations. Document findings on client card.

Recommending products clients need for home maintenance. Benefits: additional income, better client results, client retention. Use professional knowledge to recommend appropriate products. Ethical selling builds trust.

Booth rental: independent contractor, rent space, keep all earnings, responsible for own taxes/insurance. Commission: employee, salon takes percentage (usually 40-60%), salon handles taxes, may receive benefits.

Legal requirement to practice cosmetology. Requires completing approved hours, passing written and practical exams. Must be renewed periodically with continuing education. Practicing without license is illegal.

Standards of conduct including: maintaining client confidentiality, honest communication, respecting boundaries, not disparaging other professionals, staying within scope of practice. Builds trust and reputation.

Strategies to keep clients returning: consistent quality service, professional attitude, pre-booking next appointment, remembering preferences, follow-up communication, loyalty programs, and retail recommendations.

Allergy test performed 24-48 hours before color or chemical service. Apply small amount behind ear or inner elbow. Check for redness, swelling, or irritation. Required for most chemical services to prevent severe reactions.

Legal boundaries defining what services cosmetologists can perform. Varies by state. Cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions, must refer to physicians when appropriate. Exceeding scope risks license and legal action.