Cosmetology Terminology Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering hair characteristics, cutting techniques, colour concepts, chemical services, safety regulations, and memory tricks.

Porosity

The hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and chemicals.

Elasticity

The hair's ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.

Density

The number of hairs growing in a given area of the scalp.

Texture

The diameter/thickness of an individual hair strand—fine, medium, or coarse.

Growth Pattern

The direction in which hair naturally grows.

Wave Pattern

The hair's natural shape or configuration—straight, wavy, curly, or coily.

Cuticle

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping protective scales.

Cortex

The middle layer of the hair; it provides most of the hair's strength, elasticity, and natural colour.

Medulla

The innermost layer of the hair shaft; it may be absent in fine hair.

Elevation

The angle at which hair is lifted away from the head before cutting; more elevation generally equals less weight.

Overdirection

Moving/combing hair away from its natural falling position before cutting to create length or weight.

Tension

The amount of pressure used to hold and control the hair while cutting.

Distribution

The direction the hair is combed or positioned before cutting.

Guideline

A section of hair that establishes the length or shape for the haircut.

Graduation

A cutting technique that creates a gradual increase in length, producing a buildup of weight.

Layering

Cutting the hair so the interior lengths are shorter than the perimeter, creating movement and reducing weight.

Weight Line

The area where hair appears heavier or has a concentration of weight.

Perimeter

The outer edge or outline of a haircut.

Level

The degree of lightness or darkness of hair.

Tone

The warmth or coolness of a colour.

Undertone

The underlying pigment exposed when hair is lightened.

Neutralization

Using a complementary colour to reduce or cancel an unwanted tone.

Complementary Colour

A colour located opposite another colour on the colour wheel that can neutralize that colour (key pairs: Yellow ↔ Violet, Orange ↔ Blue, Red ↔ Green).

Lift

Lightening the hair by removing/reducing pigment.

Deposit

Adding colour or pigment to the hair.

Developer

An oxidizing product, usually containing hydrogen peroxide, that activates certain colour/lightening products.

Formulation

The specific products, colours, amounts, and developer selected to achieve the desired result.

Filler

A product used to replace missing underlying pigment before applying the desired colour.

Strand Test

Testing the product on a small section of hair to determine the expected colour result and/or hair response.

Reduction

A chemical process that breaks disulfide bonds in the hair.

Oxidation

A chemical process involving the addition of oxygen or loss of electrons; in chemical services, it helps develop colour and reform bonds.

Disulfide Bond

A strong chemical bond in the hair's keratin structure that contributes to hair strength and shape.

Neutralizer

It stops the chemical action and reforms/stabilizes disulfide bonds after a permanent wave.

Permanent Wave

A chemical service that restructures the hair into a new curl or wave pattern.

Relaxer

A chemical product used to reduce or remove the natural curl/wave pattern of the hair.

Chemical Retouch

Applying a chemical product to new growth only, avoiding previously processed hair when required.

Cleaning

The physical removal of dirt, debris, product, and some microorganisms from a surface.

Sanitation

Reducing microorganisms to a safe or acceptable level.

Disinfection

Using a chemical or physical process to destroy many disease-causing microorganisms on non-living surfaces.

Sterilization

A process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of harmful microorganisms from one person, object, or surface to another.

Pathogen

A microorganism capable of causing disease.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment—equipment worn to protect yourself from hazards (e.g., gloves, protective clothing, eye protection).

SDS

Safety Data Sheet—provides important information about a hazardous product, including hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System—Canada's system for communicating information about hazardous workplace products.

P-E-D-T

Quick memory trick for hair characteristics: Porosity, Elasticity, Density, Texture.

C-C-M

Quick memory trick for hair layers: Cuticle → Cortex → Medulla (outside → middle → inside).