TDLR Esthetician State Board Review – Key Vocabulary

35 vocabulary flashcards covering sanitation rules, contraindications, skin conditions, equipment, and TDLR regulations likely to appear on the Texas esthetician state board exam.

Varicose-Vein Contraindication

Clients with varicose veins should not receive leg waxing because the heat and pulling can aggravate the condition.

Ultraviolet Electrical Sanitizer

A cabinet that serves only as a DRY-STORAGE container for already-clean implements; it is NOT a sterilizer.

Styptic (Powder Form)

A powdered clotting agent approved by TDLR to stop minor bleeding during services.

Antiseptic

A chemical used directly on skin or wounds to reduce microorganisms; applied to brows before tweezing and to cuts during blood-exposure incidents.

Out-of-Salon Service Rule

TDLR allows services outside the salon only when the appointment is booked through a licensed facility.

Post-Cosmetic-Surgery Waxing

Waxing should be avoided on clients who have recently undergone cosmetic surgery until cleared by a physician.

Chemical-Exfoliation Waxing Contraindication

Facial waxing must be avoided on skin that has recently received chemical peels or other strong chemical exfoliation.

Cosmetology Shop License Requirement

Payment of the prescribed licensing fee is mandatory to obtain a TDLR shop license.

Beard Massage Direction

When massaging a male client with a beard, use gentle, DOWNWARD strokes to avoid hair pull.

Client Consultation

A discussion that identifies contraindications and determines appropriate treatments before a service begins.

Strong Vacuum Suction Risk

Excess suction can cause bruising and capillary damage to the skin.

Melasma

A form of hyperpigmentation presenting as dark patches on the skin, often triggered by hormones or sun exposure.

Trash-Container Rule

All trash bins must be lined or washed and emptied DAILY, per TDLR regulations.

Circulatory Condition Alert

Clients with circulatory disorders should obtain physician approval before any hair-removal procedure.

Correct Tweezing Direction

Grasp hair at the base and pull IN THE DIRECTION of natural growth to reduce breakage and irritation.

EPA-Registered Hospital Disinfectant

A high-level liquid solution used to clean tools contaminated with blood per TDLR blood-exposure protocol.

Hair Papilla

The structure at the base of the follicle that supplies blood and nerve nutrients necessary for hair growth.

Green-Tinted Concealer

Color-correcting makeup that neutralizes facial redness such as blemishes or rosacea.

Humectant

Moisturizer ingredient that forms a barrier and attracts water, helping lock moisture into the skin.

Astringent After Extractions

Applied to treated areas post-extraction to close pores and prevent the spread of infection.

Galvanic Machine

Electrical device that uses positive and negative poles to drive solutions into the skin (iontophoresis) or emulsify sebum (desincrustation).

Wound Cleaning (Blood Exposure)

First-aid step using an antiseptic to cleanse the injury before bandaging.

Wood’s Lamp – Oily Areas

Under ultraviolet light, excess oil on the face fluoresces ORANGE or yellow.

Sterilization

The process that destroys ALL microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Patch Test Purpose

Performed 24–48 hrs before product use to detect potential inflammatory or allergic reactions.

Excessive Steam Hazard

Prolonged facial steaming can dilate and damage fragile capillaries.

Eyelash Band Trimming

Trim false-lash bands to fit the client’s eye BEFORE applying adhesive.

Acne Vulgaris

Chronic inflammation of sebaceous glands caused by retained secretions and bacteria.

Massage Pressure Direction

Movements should flow from the INSERTION of the muscle toward its ORIGIN to follow circulation and avoid injury.

Minor-Cut Treatment

Apply an antiseptic to disinfect and promote healing of small cuts.

Applicator Bottle Usage

Permitted method of dispensing products that prevents double-dipping and cross-contamination.

Continuing-Education Record

Licensees must keep proof of completed CE hours for 2 years, as required by TDLR.

Muscle Damage Risk

Massaging against natural muscle direction can overstretch or injure the tissue.

Styptic Pencil

An alum-based solid stick used to quickly seal minor shaving or waxing nicks.

Serious Patch-Test Reaction Protocol

If a severe reaction occurs, notify the PRODUCT MANUFACTURER and advise the client to seek medical attention.