Comprehensive Cosmetology Exit Exam Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering human anatomy, hair and scalp pathology, principles of hair design, precision haircutting, esthetics, nail technology, salon disinfection, and basic cosmetology chemistry based on the exit examination review.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the human body.

Physiology

The study of the functions and activities performed by the structures of the human body.

Organ

A structure composed of specialized tissues designed to perform a specific function.

Body System

A group of body organs acting together to perform one or more functions.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae of the upper spinal column that provide support and structure to the neck.

Clavicle

The bone of the skeletal system, also known as the collarbone, that joins the sternum and the scapula.

Frontalis

The anterior portion of the epicranius muscle of the scalp that raises the eyebrows and causes horizontal wrinkles across the forehead.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle actions as well as consciousness and mental activities.

Veins

Thin-walled blood vessels in the circulatory system that transport oxygen-poor blood and waste products back toward the heart.

Lymphatic System

The body system that functions to drain and remove waste materials from the body cells into the blood.

Lymph Nodes

Glandlike structures within the immune system that filter bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells from lymph fluid.

Integumentary System

The body system consisting of the skin and its accessory organs (hair, nails, and cutaneous glands) that functions to regulate body temperature and provide protection.

Integument

A term meaning a natural outer protective covering.

Belly (Muscle)

The middle part of a skeletal muscle.

Pronators

Muscles of the forearm that turn the hand inward so that the palm faces downward.

Common Carotid Arteries

The main arteries located on both sides of the neck that supply blood to the head, neck, and face.

Hair Follicle

A tube-like depression or pocket in the skin or scalp that surrounds the hair root and anchors the hair in the skin.

Hair Cuticle

The outermost layer of the hair shaft consisting of overlapping, scale-like cells.

COHNS Elements

The five major chemical elements that compose human hair: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Polypeptide Chain

A long chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds that forms the protein structure of hair (which is approximately $90\%$ protein).

Side Bonds

Cross-linking bonds (hydrogen, salt, and disulfide bonds) that link polypeptide chains together in the hair cortex.

Catagen Phase

The brief transition period of the hair growth cycle during which the follicle canal shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla.

Anagen Phase

The active growth phase of the hair growth cycle; a shorter anagen phase prevents hair from growing beyond a certain length.

Hair Porosity

The ability of the hair to absorb moisture, evaluated by sliding fingers from the hair ends toward the scalp.

Hirsuties

A condition characterized by the abnormal growth of terminal hair on areas of a woman's body where terminal hair typically does not grow.

Monilethrix

The technical term for beaded hair, characterized by alternating nodes and narrow constricted areas along the hair shaft.

Trichoptilosis

The technical term for split ends, which cannot be repaired by conditioning and must be cut.

Trichorrhexis Nodosa

A condition characterized by brittleness and the formation of nodular swellings along the hair shaft.

Fragilitas Crinium

The technical term for brittle hair that is prone to splitting or snapping.

Pityriasis

The medical term used to describe dandruff, characterized by excessive production and shedding of skin cells.

Tinea Capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp characterized by brittle hair and circular-shaped lesions with red spots at the openings of the hair follicles.

Tinea Favosa

A fungal scalp disorder characterized by dry, sulfur-yellow, cup-like crusts called scutula.

Furuncle

An acute, localized bacterial infection of a hair follicle (boil) that produces constant pain.

Scabies

A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) characterized by severe itching and a bumpy rash with blisters.

Pediculosis Capitis

The infestation of the hair and scalp with head lice, transmitted primarily through direct head-to-head contact.

Alopecia Universalis

The complete loss of all terminal hair on the entire body.

Postpartum Alopecia

Temporary hair loss experienced by women at the conclusion of a pregnancy.

Sebaceous Glands

Oil glands connected to hair follicles that secrete sebum to lubricate and soften the skin.

Space (Hair Design)

The area that a hairstyle occupies, defining the three-dimensional volume and silhouette.

Proportion (Hair Design)

The design principle describing the comparative relationship of one thing to another in size, scale, and volume.

Emphasis (Hair Design)

The focal point or primary element in a hairstyle design that first attracts the eye.

Rhythm (Hair Design)

The regular pulsation or recurrent pattern of movement in a design.

Occipital Bone

The bone forming the lower back part of the skull; identified by placing a comb flat against the nape where it leaves the head.

Parietal Ridge

The widest area of the head, located by placing a comb flat against the side of the head.

Bang Area (Fringe)

The triangular section of the head that begins at the apex and ends at the front corners.

Vertical Lines

Straight design lines running up and down that create the visual illusion of length and height in a hairstyle.

Diagonal Lines

Lines positioned between horizontal and vertical lines, often used in styling to emphasize or minimize facial features.

Oval Face Shape

The ideal facial type with contours that are approximately $1.5$ times longer than the width across the brow.

Profile

The outline of the face, head, or figure as seen in a side view.

Traveling Guideline

A movable haircutting guideline that moves along as the haircut progresses, commonly used to create layered or graduated styles.

Horseshoe Section

A haircutting section that separates the upper crown from the lower head by parting from the parietal ridge around to below the crown.

Chunking Shears

Texturizing shears designed to remove large amounts of hair bulk quickly, particularly in straight, coarse hair.

Palming the Shears

A technique of holding the haircutting shears closed in the palm while combing hair, allowing the stylist to hold both tools safely and save time.

Trimmers

Small clippers (edgers) best suited for detailing clean outlines around the ears, neck, and perimeter.

Graduated Haircut

A classic haircut with a visual buildup of weight where ends appear stacked, created using $45^\circ$ elevation in the back and $90^\circ$ for layers.

Long-Layered Haircut

A basic haircut cut at a $90^\circ$ elevation and then overdirected to preserve overall length and weight at the perimeter.

Slide Cutting

A method of cutting or layering hair in which the shears and fingers glide along the edge of the hair section to remove length and blend.

Elevation

Also known as projection or lifting; the angle or degree at which a subsection of hair is held away from the head during cutting.

Texturizing

The technique of removing excess bulk from hair without shortening its overall perimeter length.

Point Cutting

A texturizing technique performed by turning the tips of the shears into the hair ends to create a softer, textured edge.

Effilating

Also known as slithering; the process of thinning the hair to graduated lengths using the sliding blades of partially opened shears.

Free-Hand Slicing

A razor texturizing technique used along the ends of the hair to produce a softer perimeter.

Clipper-Over-Comb

A barbering and clipper cutting technique where hair is held in a comb and trimmed with clippers, ideal for creating square shapes and flat tops.

Basic Clipper Cut

A haircut that is cropped close along the perimeter and sides and becomes progressively longer as you travel up the head.

Excretion

A skin function illustrated by the loss of water and waste products via perspiration through sweat glands.

Bruised Nail Bed

A nail condition presenting as dark, purplish spots caused by small blood clots forming beneath the nail plate due to minor trauma.

Melanonychia

Significant darkening of the fingernails or toenails caused by increased deposition of melanin pigment cells in the nail bed.

Splinter Hemorrhage

A nail disorder resulting from physical damage to the bed capillaries, producing tiny black or dark red lines in the direction of nail growth.

Tinea Pedis

The medical term for athlete's foot, a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet.

Effleurage

A continuous, slow, gliding scalp or body massage movement applied with smooth stroking motions without breaking skin contact.

Petrissage

A kneading massage movement performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing tissues with light, firm pressure.

Hard Water

Mineral-rich water that hinders shampoo from lathering properly and can cause unsatisfactory results during haircoloring services.

Conditioners

Specialized chemical agents applied to hair to deposit protein or moisturizers, restoring tensile strength, infusing hydration, and preventing breakage.

Teasing Comb

A comb featuring alternating short and long teeth engineered to add lift, backcomb volume, and enhance fullness in hair designs.

Sprouting Stage (Locs)

The developmental phase in growing locs where a distinct bulb or knot can be felt at the end of each individual lock.

Doobie Wrap

A technique that uses plastic cling wrap as a tight sealant while hooded dryer heat relaxes and smooths curly textures.

Ribboning

Forcing hair between the thumb and the back of a comb to create uniform tension before wrapping pin curls or waves.

Hackle

A metal board containing upright, fine teeth or nails used by braiders to detangle, comb, and blend colors of extension hair.

Single Braids (Plaits)

Free-hanging braids created using a three-strand underhand braiding technique, with or without synthetic extensions.

Square Paddle Brush

A wide, flat-cushioned brush ideal for releasing knots, tangles, and snarls in textured hair or long, straight strands.

Lowlighting

A haircoloring technique of coloring selected strands of hair darker than their natural base color to add depth and dimension.

Patch Test (Predisposition Test)

A mandatory skin allergy test performed prior to applying an aniline derivative haircolor product to identify potential allergic sensitivity.

Alkalizing Agent

An essential ingredient in permanent haircolor and lighteners (such as ammonia) that swells the cuticle, allowing developer and pigment penetration.

Ozone Facial Steamer

An aesthetic device utilized during facials to warm the skin, soften pores, and oxygenate the cutaneous tissue.

Service Record Form

A client document used by beauty professionals to record consultation findings, skin analysis observations, and detailed treatment history.

Papule

A small, solid, raised inflammatory skin lesion (pimple) that contains no fluid or pus head.

Preservative Facial

A skin care service designed to cleanse, maintain, and sustain overall skin health rather than remediate an acute existing condition.

Autoclave

A high-pressure steam sterilizer utilized to destroy all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on salon and spa tools.

Metal Pusher

A reusable metal manicure implement designed to scrape cuticle tissue; must be held at a $20^\circ$ to $30^\circ$ angle to avoid gouging the nail plate.

Nail Nippers

A stainless-steel multiuse implement engineered specifically to trim away dead cuticle skin and hangnails.

Vibration (Massage)

A continuous trembling or shaking movement delivered through the fingers or hands without breaking contact with the client's skin.

Curette

A pedicure implement featuring a small, scoop-shaped working end designed for precise removal of debris from nail folds, eponychium, and hyponychium.

Foot File (Pedicure Paddle)

A coarse-to-medium abrasive tool designed to smooth, buff down, and reduce thick calluses on the foot.

Hospital Disinfectant

An EPA-registered chemical agent demonstrated to be bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal, used to decontaminate non-porous salon surfaces.

Exposure Incident

An unexpected occurrence of contact with broken skin, blood, bodily fluids, or potentially infectious materials during worker duties.

Direct Transmission

The transmission of infectious pathogens through direct bodily contact between an infected person and a susceptible host (e.g., shaking hands).

Efficacy

The effectiveness with which a disinfecting solution kills specific microorganisms under prescribed label conditions.

Disinfectants

Chemical formulations registered by the EPA that destroy most harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi on nonporous environmental surfaces, but do not destroy spores.

Chemical Elements

The basic building blocks of all matter; exactly $118$ unique elements are recognized and documented by science today.

Solute

A substance that is dissolved into a liquid solvent to create a homogenous solution.