A.B. Moler: Established America’s first barber school in Chicago, Illinois in 1893.
Abductors: Muscles that move a body part away from the midline of the body or extremity.
Acid-balanced Waves: Permanent waves with a pH of 7.0; do not require heat.
Acids: Solutions with a pH below 7.0.
Acne: Skin disorder characterized by inflammation of sebaceous glands.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Disease caused by HIV that breaks down the immune system.
Acquired Immunity: Immunity developed after overcoming a disease or through vaccination.
Activator: Oxidizer added to hair colors or lighteners to increase chemical action.
Adductors: Muscles that move a body part toward the midline of the body or extremity.
Adipose Tissue: Fat tissue providing smoothness and contour to the body.
Albinism: Congenital absence of melanin pigment in the body.
Alkaline or Cold Waves: Perms that process at room temperature with a pH range of 9.0 to 9.6.
Alkalis: Solutions with a pH above 7.0.
Allergy: Reaction due to extreme sensitivity to certain substances.
Alopecia: Abnormal hair loss.
Alopecia Areata: Sudden hair loss in patches or spots.
Alopecia Prematura: Hair loss occurring before middle age.
Alopecia Senilis: Hair loss occurring in old age.
Alopecia Syphilitica: Hair loss as a result of syphilis.
Alopecia Totalis: Total loss of scalp hair.
Alopecia Universalis: Complete loss of body hair.
Alternating Current (AC): Current that reverses direction periodically.
Amino Acids: Building blocks of protein.
Ammonium Thioglycolate (ATG): Main active ingredient in alkaline waves.
Amp (A) (or Ampere): Unit for measuring electric current strength.
Anagen Phase: Growth phase in the hair cycle.
Anaphoresis: Forcing substances into tissues using galvanic current.
Anatomy: The science of the structure of organisms and their parts.
Androgenic Alopecia: Hair loss due to genetics, age, and hormonal changes; also known as male pattern baldness.
Angle: The space between two lines or surfaces that intersect at a given point; in haircutting, the hair is held away from the head to create an angle of elevation.
Angular Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the sides of the nose.
Anhidrosis: A deficiency in perspiration or the inability to sweat, often a result of damage to autonomic nerves.
Aniline Derivative: Uncolored dye precursors that combine with hydrogen peroxide to form larger, permanent color molecules in the cortex; the ingredient that requires a patch test.
Anode: Positive electrode.
Anterior Auricular Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the front part of the ear.
Antiseptics: Chemical germicides formulated for use on skin; registered and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Aorta: Largest artery in the body.
Arching: Method used to cut around the ears and down the sides of the neck.
Arrector Pili: Involuntary muscle fiber attached to the base of the hair follicle.
Arteries: Thick-walled, muscular, flexible tubes that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the arterioles.
Arterioles: Small arteries that deliver blood to capillaries.
Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America (AMBBA): Professional organization for barbers and beauticians.
Asteatosis: A condition of dry, scaly skin, characterized by the absolute or partial deficiency of sebum.
Bacilli: Short rod-shaped bacteria; they are the most common bacteria and produce diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw), typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and diphtheria.
Backhand: Razor position and stroke used in 4 of the 14 basic shaving areas: nos. 2, 6, 7, and 9; optional position for area 12.
Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms that have both plant and animal characteristics; some bacteria are harmful; some are harmless.
Bacterial Spores: Bacteria capable of producing a protective coating that allows them to withstand very harsh environments and to shed the coating when conditions become more favorable to them.
Bactericidal: Capable of destroying bacteria.
Balance: The equal or appropriate proportions that create symmetry and harmony in a design.
Balancing Shampoos: Designed for oily hair and scalps. These shampoos wash away excess oiliness while keeping the hair from drying out.
Barba: Latin for beard.
Barber Pole: Symbol of Barbering that evolved from the technical procedures of bloodletting performed by barber-surgeons.
Barber-Surgeons: Early practitioners who cut hair, shaved, and performed bloodletting and dentistry.
Barbershop Operation: The ongoing, recurring processes or activities involved in the running of a barbershop for the purpose of producing income and value.
Barbershop Policies: The rules or regulations adopted by a barbershop to ensure that all clients and associates are being treated fairly and consistently.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Most common and least severe type of skin cancer.
Base: The stationary foundation of the curl on which the barrel (or roller) is placed.
Base Color: The predominant tone of an existing color.
Base Control: The position of the perm rod in relation to its base section.
Base Direction: Angle at which the perm rod is positioned on the head; also, the directional pattern in which the hair is wrapped.
Base Relaxers: Relaxers that require the use of a base or protective cream.
Base Sections: Subsections of panels into which the hair is divided for perm wrapping; one rod is normally placed on each base section.
Bases: See alkalis.
Bed Epithelium: Thin layer of tissue between the nail plate and the nail bed.
Belly: Middle part of a muscle.
Bicep: Muscle that produces the contour of the front and inner side of the upper arm; lifts the forearm and flexes the elbow.
Binary Fission: The division of bacterial cells into two new cells called daughter cells.
Biofilms: Colonies of microorganisms that adhere to environmental surfaces, as well as the human body.
Blackhead: An open comedone; consists of an accumulation of excess oil (sebum) that has been oxidized to a dark color.
Blades: The cutting parts of the clippers, usually manufactured from high-quality carbon steel and available in a variety of styles and sizes.
Blood: Nutritive fluid circulating through the circulatory system that supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues and removes carbon dioxide and waste from them.
Blood Vessels: Tubelike structures that include the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins; function is to transport blood to and from the heart and then to various tissues of the body.
Bloodborne Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms carried in the body by blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV.
Blowdry Styling: Technique of drying and styling damp hair in one process.
Blunt Cut: Haircut in which all the hair comes to one point at 0 elevation to form a weight line.
Body Systems: Groups of body organs acting together to perform one or more functions.
Bookend Wrap: Perm wrap in which an end paper is folded in half over the hair ends.
Booth Rental: Also known as chair rental; a form of self-employment, business ownership, and tax designation, distinguished by renting a booth or station in a barbershop.
Brain: Largest and most complex nerve tissue; part of the central nervous system contained within the cranium.
Bromhidrosis: Foul-smelling perspiration.
Brush Machine: An electrical appliance with interchangeable brushes that is used to mechanically cleanse, stimulate, and exfoliate the skin surface.
Buccal Nerve: Nerve that affects the muscles of the mouth.
Buccinator Muscle: Thin, flat muscle of the cheek between the upper and lower jaws.
Bulla: Large blister containing a watery fluid.
Business Plan: A written description of your business as you see it today and as you foresee it in the next 5 years (detailed by year).
Business Regulations and Laws: Any and all local, state, and federal regulations and laws that you must comply with when you decide to open your barbershop or rent a booth.
Canities: Technical term for gray hair.
Canvas Strop: Usually one side of a combination strop made of linen or silk, woven into a fine or coarse texture that removes metal burrs or imbrications left after honing.
Cap Technique: Coloring or lightening technique that involves pulling strands of hair through a perforated cap with a plastic or metal hook.
Capillaries: Tiny, thin-walled blood vessels that connect the smaller arteries to venules and bring nutrients to the cells and carry away waste materials.
Capital: Money needed to invest in a business.
Carbuncle: The result of an acute, deep-seated bacterial infection in the subcutaneous tissue.
Carpus: The bones of the wrist.
Cast Shears: Shears that have been made by heating steel to a liquid form for pouring into a mold.
Catagen Phase: Transition phase of the hair growth cycle that signals the end of the growth phase.
Cataphoresis: Process of forcing acidic substances into tissues using galvanic current from the positive toward the negative pole.
Cathode: Negative electrode.
Cell Membrane: Part of the cell that encloses the protoplasm; permits soluble substances to enter and leave the cell.
Cells: Basic units of all living things.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Division of nervous system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves, and cranial nerves.
Centrioles: Two small structures near the nucleus that move to each side during the mitosis process to help divide the cell.
Cervical Cutaneous Nerve: Nerve located at the side of the neck; affects the front and sides of the neck to the breastbone.
Cervical Vertebrae: Seven bones that form the top part of the spinal column in the neck region.
Changeable-Blade Straight Razor: A type of straight razor that uses changeable, disposable blades.
Chemical Blowout: Partially straightens the hair with the intent that it will be picked out and cut.
Chemical Change: Change in the chemical composition of a substance by which new substances are formed.
Chemical Compounds: Combinations of two or more atoms of different elements united chemically with fixed chemical composition, definite proportions, and distinct properties.
Chemical Hair Relaxing: The process of rearranging the basic structure of extremely curly hair into a straightened form.
Chemical Properties: Characteristics that can only be determined with a chemical reaction.
Chemical Texture Services: Hair services that cause a chemical change that permanently alters the natural wave pattern of the hair.
Chemistry: The science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of matter.
Chloasma: Non-elevated spots due to increased pigmentation in the skin.
Cicatrix: Slightly raised or depressed mark on the skin formed after an injury or a lesion of the skin has healed.
Cilia: Hairlike extensions that protrude from cells and help sweep away fluids and particles.
Circle: Also known as the curl; part of a curl that forms a complete circle.
Circuit Breaker: Switch that automatically interrupts or shuts off an electric circuit at the first sign of overload.
Circulatory System: System that controls the steady circulation of blood through the body by means of the heart and blood vessels.
Clarifying Shampoos: Shampoo with an active chelating agent that binds to and helps remove metals from the hair; also provides thorough cleansing and cuts through product buildup.
Cleaning: A mechanical process (scrubbing) using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs; cleaning also removes invisible debris that interferes with disinfection; cleaning is what barbers are required to do before disinfecting.
Client Base: Customers who are loyal to a particular barber.
Clipper-Over-Comb: Cutting over a comb with the clippers.
Clippers: Electric haircutting tools with a single adjustable-blade or detachable-blade system.
Close Shaving: The procedure of shaving facial hair against the grain during the second-time-over shave.
Closed Comedo: Also known as a whitehead; a small bump just under the skin surface with white or cream-colored sebum.
Cocci: Round-shaped bacteria that appear singly (alone) or in groups; the three types of cocci are staphylococci, streptococci, and diplococci.
Collagen: Fibrous protein that gives the skin form and strength.
Color Fillers: Equalize porosity and deposit color in one application to provide a uniform contributing pigment on pre-lightened hair.
Color-Enhancing Shampoos: Created by combining surfactant bases with basic dyes.
Comedone Extractor: An implement used to extract blackheads.
Comedones: A mass of hardened sebum and skin cells in a hair follicle that may be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead).
Commission: A percentage of the revenue that the barbershop takes in from services performed by an employee, usually offered to that employee once the individual has built up a loyal clientele.
Common Carotid Arteries: Arteries that supply blood to the head, face, and neck.
Communicable: Able to be communicated; transferable by contact from one person to another, as in a communicable disease.
Complementary Colors: A primary and secondary color positioned opposite each other on the color wheel.
Complete Electric Circuit: The path of an electric current from the generating source through the conductor and back to its original source.
Compound Molecules: Two or more atoms of different elements united chemically with fixed chemical composition, definite proportions, and distinct properties.
Conditioners: Chemical agents used to deposit protein or moisturizers in the hair.
Conditioning Shampoos: Also known as moisturizing shampoos; mild cream shampoos that contain moisturizing agents (humectants) designed either to “lock in” the moisturizing properties of the product or to draw moisture into the hair.
Conductor: Any substance, medium, or material that conducts electricity.
Connective Tissue: Fibrous tissue that binds together, protects, and supports the various parts of the body; examples include bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood, lymph, and adipose tissue.
Consumption Supplies: Supplies used in the daily business operation.
Contagious Disease: Also known as spore-forming stage; the ability of some bacteria to form a protective coating around themselves to protect from harsh environments during the inactive stage.
Contamination: The presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item’s surface or visible debris or residues such as dust, hair, and skin.
Contraindication: Any product, procedure, or treatment that should be avoided because it may cause undesirable side effects or be harmful to the individual.
Contributing Pigment: Pigment that lies under the natural hair color that is exposed when the natural color is lightened.
Conventional Straight Razor: A razor made of a hardened steel blade that requires honing and stropping to produce a cutting edge.
Coagulation: Process in which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.
Code of Ethics: A set of guidelines and principles governing professional conduct and behaviors.
Color Theory: Study of how colors work together and the effects they have on people.
Combination Cut: A cutting technique that incorporates multiple cutting techniques to achieve a specific look.
Combustion: A rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and fuel, which results in heat and light.
Combination Haircut: A cutting technique that involves blending various cutting techniques to achieve the desired style.
Commercial Chemical Products: Products used in professional beauty treatments that are formulated for specific results.
Common Hair Conditions: Various conditions that affect the health and appearance of the hair, such as dandruff, split ends, and dryness.
Contagious Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another.
Copper: A metallic element that is a good conductor of electricity; it is often used in electrical wiring.
Curl: The shape or movement of the hair that forms a circular pattern; can also refer to the result of curling the hair.
Curl Control: Techniques or products used to manage and define curls in the hair.
Deductive Reasoning: The process of reaching logical conclusions by employing logical reasoning.
Deltoid: A large, triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint that allows the arm to extend outward and to the side of the body.
Demipermanent Haircolors: Deposit-only haircolor product similar to semipermanent but longer lasting.
Demographics: Information about a specific population including data on race, age, income, and educational attainment.
Dendrites: Treelike branchings of nerve fibers extending from the nerve cell that carry impulses toward the cell and receive impulses from other neurons.
Depressor Labii Inferioris Muscle: Muscle surrounding the lower lip.
Derma: Technical name for skin; also another name for the dermis.
Dermal Papilla: Small, cone-shaped elevation located at the base of the hair follicle that fits into the hair bulb.
Dermatitis: An inflammatory condition of the skin.
Dermatitis Venenata: Also known as irritant contact dermatitis; an eruptive skin condition due to contact with irritating substances such as tints or chemicals.
Dermatology: A branch of medical science that deals with the study of the skin.
Dermis: Second or inner layer of the skin; also known as the derma, corium, cutis, or true skin.
Design Line: Usually the perimeter line of a haircut.
Desincrustation: The process of deep pore cleansing using an electrode and acid-based solution to create a chemical reaction that helps to emulsify or liquefy sebum and waste from the skin.
Developer: Also known as oxidizing agents or catalysts; when mixed with an oxidation haircolor, supplies the necessary oxygen gas to develop color molecules and create a change in hair color.
Diagnosis: Determination of the nature of a disease from its symptoms and/or diagnostic tests; federal regulations prohibit salon professionals from performing a diagnosis.
Diagonal Lines: Lines positioned between horizontal and vertical lines.
Digestive: The mouth, stomach, intestines, and salivary and gastric glands that change food into nutrients and wastes.
Diplococci: Spherical bacteria that grow in pairs and cause diseases such as pneumonia.
Direct Current (DC): Constant current that travels in one direction only and produces a chemical reaction.
Direct Surface Application: High-frequency current performed with the mushroom- or rake-shaped electrodes for its calming and germicidal effect on the skin.
Direct Transmission: Transmission of blood or body fluids through touching (including shaking hands), kissing, coughing, sneezing, and talking.
Discolored: A condition in which the nails turn a variety of colors such as yellow, blue, blue-gray, green, red, or purple; can be caused by poor blood circulation, a heart condition, topical or oral medications, or a systemic disorder.
Disease: An abnormal condition of all or part of the body, or its systems or organs, that makes the body incapable of carrying on normal function.
Disinfectants: Chemical products approved by the EPA designed to destroy most bacteria (excluding spores), fungi, and viruses on surfaces.
Disinfection: A chemical process that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms (except bacterial spores) on environmental surfaces.
Disulfide Bond: Also known as a sulfur bond; a type of chemical cross bond found in the hair cortex.
Double-Process Haircoloring: A two-step combination of lightening and haircoloring.
Draping: The term used to describe the covering of the client’s clothing with a cape for their protection.
Dry or Powder Shampoos: Shampoos that cleanse the hair without water.
Dye Removers: Products used to strip built-up color from the hair.
Dyschromias: Abnormal skin colorations.
Eczema: Inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful itching; dry or moist lesion forms.
Effective Communication: The act of successfully sharing information between two people (or groups of people) so that the information is understood.
Efficacy: The ability of a product to produce the intended effect; on a disinfectant label, it indicates specific pathogens destroyed or disabled when used properly.
Effleurage: Light, continuous stroking movement applied with the fingers (digital) or the palms (palmar) in a slow, rhythmic manner.
Elastin: Protein base similar to collagen that forms elastic tissue.
Electric Current: The flow of electricity along a conductor.
Electric Massager: Massaging unit that attaches to the barber’s hand to impart vibrating massage movements to the skin surface.
Electricity: A form of energy that produces physical, magnetic, chemical, or thermal effects when in motion.
Electrode: An applicator used to direct electric current from a machine to the skin.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Electrotherapy: Electronic scalp and facial treatments.
Element: The simplest form of chemical matter and contains only one type of atom.
Elemental Molecules: Molecules consisting of two or more atoms of the same element in fixed proportions, for example, oxygen.
Elevation: Angle or degree at which a subsection of hair is held, or elevated, from the head when cutting; also referred to as projection.
Eleventh Cranial Nerve: Spinal nerve branch that affects the muscles of the neck and back.
Employee: Employment classification in which the employer withholds certain taxes and has a high level of control.
Employment Portfolio: A collection, usually bound, of photos and documents that reflect your skills, accomplishments, and abilities in your chosen career field.
Emulsion: Mixtures of two or more immiscible substances united with the aid of a binder or emulsifier.
End Bonds: Also known as peptide bonds; chemical bonds that join amino acids end to end.
End Wraps: End paper; absorbent papers used to protect and control the ends of the hair during perming services.
Endocrine Glands: Also known as ductless glands; release hormonal secretions directly into the bloodstream, for example, thyroid and pituitary glands.
Endocrine System: Group of specialized glands that affect growth, development, sexual function, and general health.
Endothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that requires the absorption of energy or heat from an external source for the reaction to actually occur.
Endothermic Waves: Perm activated by an outside heat source, usually a hood-type dryer.
Envisioning: The ability to picture or see something in your mind.
Epicranial Aponeurosis: A tendon that connects the occipitalis and frontalis muscles.
Epicranius: Also known as occipitofrontalis (ahk-SIP-ih-toh-frun-TAY-lus); broad muscle that covers the top of the skull and consists of the occipitalis and frontalis.
Epidermis: Outermost layer of the skin; also called the cuticle or scarf skin.
Epithelial Tissue: A protective covering on body surfaces, such as skin, mucous membranes, the tissue inside the mouth, the lining of the heart, digestive and respiratory organs, and the glands.
Eponychium: Living skin at the base of the nail plate and covering the matrix area.
Ergonomics: The science of designing the workplace as well as its equipment and tools to make specific body movements more comfortable, efficient, and safe.
Ethics: The moral principles by which we live and work.
Ethmoid Bone: A light, spongy bone between the eye sockets forming part of the nasal cavities.
Eumelanin: Melanin that gives brown and black color to hair.
Excoriation: Skin sore or abrasion caused by scratching or scraping.
Excretory: Group of organs including the kidneys, liver, skin, large intestine, and lungs that purify the body by the elimination of waste matter.
Exocrine Glands: Also known as duct glands; produce a substance that travels through small, tubelike ducts; for example, sweat and oil glands of the skin.
Exothermic Reaction: The release of energy in the form of heat through certain chemical reactions.
Exothermic Waves: Perms that create an exothermic chemical reaction that heats the solution and speeds up processing.
Exposure Incident: Contact with non-intact (broken) skin, blood, body fluid, or other potentially infectious materials, which is the result of the performance of an employee’s duties.
Extensors: Muscles that straighten the wrist, hand, and fingers to form a straight line.
External Carotid Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the anterior parts of the scalp, face, neck, and side of the head.
External Jugular Vein: Vein located at the side of the neck that carries blood returning to the heart from the head, face, and neck.
Facial Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the lower region of the face, mouth, and nose.
Facial Shape: Oval, round, inverted triangular, square, oblong, diamond, and pear-shaped are the seven facial shapes.
Facial Skeleton: Two nasal bones; two lacrimal bones; two zygomatic bones; two maxillae; the mandible; two turbinal bones; two palatine bones; and the vomer.
Facial Steamer: An electrical appliance that produces and projects moist, uniform steam for softening and cleansing purposes.
Fifth Cranial Nerve: Chief sensory nerve of the face; controls chewing.
Fillers: Preparations designed to equalize porosity and/or deposit a base color in one application.
Finasteride: An oral medication prescribed for men only to stimulate hair growth.
Fingers-and-Razor Cutting: Cutting technique performed by holding the hair section between the fingers and cutting either from the top to the bottom of the section or from one side to the other; also known as freehand slicing with a razor.
Fingers-and-Shear: Technique used to cut hair by holding the hair into a position to be cut.
First-Time-Over Shave: First part of the standard shave consisting of shaving the 14 areas of the face; followed by the second-time-over shave to remove residual missed or rough spots.
Fissure: A crack in the skin that penetrates to the dermis.
Flagella: Slender, hairlike extensions used by bacilli and spirilla for locomotion (moving about); may also be referred to as cilia.
Flap Surgery: A surgical technique that involves the removal of a bald scalp area and the attachment of a flap of hair-bearing skin.
Flexor: Extensor muscle of the wrist involved in flexing the wrist.
Foil Technique: Coloring or highlighting technique using foil to apply product to specific hair sections.
Follicle: Tubelike depression in the skin that contains the hair root.
Folliculitis Barbae: Also known as barber’s itch; a bacterial infection of the hair follicles with inflamed pustules in the bearded areas of the face and neck; may have hairs growing through the pustule.
Forged Shears: Shears that have been made by working heated metal into a finished shape through the processes of hammering or compression.
Form: The outline or shape of a design.
Fragilitas Crinium: Technical term for brittle hair.
Free Edge: Part of the nail plate that extends over the tip of the finger.
Free-Form Technique: Also known as balyage or baliage; the painting of a lightener on clean, styled hair.
Freehand: Razor position and stroke used in 6 of the 14 shaving areas: nos. 1, 3, 4, 8, 11, and 12.
Freehand Clipper Cutting: Generally interpreted to mean that guards are not used in the cutting process.
Freehand Shear Cutting: Cutting with shears without the use of fingers or a comb to control the hair.
Freehand Slicing: Method of removing bulk from a hair section with the shears.
Fresheners: Skin tonics with the lowest alcohol content of 0 to 4 percent; usually designed for dry, mature, and sensitive skin types.
Friction: Deep rubbing movement requiring pressure on the skin with the fingers or palm while moving the hand over an underlying structure.
Frontal Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the forehead and upper eyelids.
Frontal Bone: Bone that forms the forehead.
Frontalis: Anterior or front portion of the epicranius; muscle of the scalp.
Full Head Bonding: The process of attaching a hair replacement system to all areas of the head with an adhesive bonding agent.
Fungi: Single-celled organisms that grow in irregular masses and include molds, mildews, and yeasts; they can produce contagious diseases such as ringworm.
Fungicidal: Capable of destroying molds and fungi.
Furuncle: An acute bacterial infection of a hair follicle, producing constant pain; also known as a boil.
Fuse: Device that prevents excessive current from passing through a circuit.
Galvanic Current: Constant and a DC, having a positive and negative pole, that produces chemical changes in tissues and body fluids.
Game Plan: The conscious act of planning your life, instead of just letting things happen.
General Circulation: See systemic circulation.
Glands: Specialized organs varying in size and function that have the ability to remove certain elements from the blood and to convert them into new compounds.
Glyceryl Monothioglycolate (GMTG): Main active ingredient in true acid and acid-balanced waving lotions.
Goal Setting: The identification of long-term and short-term goals that helps you decide what you want out of your life.
Goals: A set of benchmarks that, once achieved, help you to realize your mission and your vision.
Graduated Cut: Graduated, wedge, or stacked shape at the perimeter of a haircut, usually cut at 45 degrees.
Greater Auricular Nerve: Nerve at the sides of the neck affecting the face, ears, and neck.
Greater Occipital Nerve: Nerve located at the back of the head, affecting the scalp.
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI): A device that senses imbalances in an electric current.
Guards: Plastic or hard rubber comb attachments that fit over clipper blades to minimize the amount of hair being cut with the clippers; or a metal shield applied over a haircutting razor for protection.
Guide: Section of hair, located at either the perimeter or the interior of the cut, that determines the length the hair will be cut to; also referred to as a guideline; usually the first section that is cut to create a shape.
Hackling: Process used to comb through the hair strands to separate them.
Hair Bulb: Club-shaped structure that forms the lower part of the hair root.
Hair Conditioners: Products designed to moisturize the hair or restore some of the hair’s oils or proteins.
Hair Density: The amount of hair per square inch of scalp.
Hair Elasticity: The ability of the hair to stretch and return to its original length.
Hair Lightening: The chemical process of diffusing natural or artificial pigment from the hair.
Hair Locking: The process that occurs when coiled hair is allowed to develop in its natural state without the use of combs, heat, or chemicals.
Hair Molding: Styling method that uses the head as a tool to set the hair in a straight position.
Hair Porosity: The ability of the hair to absorb moisture.
Hair Pressing: Temporarily straightening hair by using heated pressing combs.
Hair Replacement System: Formerly called a hairpiece; also known as a hair solution.
Hair Root: The part of the hair that is encased in the hair follicle.
Hair Shaft: The part of the hair that extends beyond the skin.
Hair Solution: Any small wig used to cover the top or crown of the head and integrated with the natural hair.
Hair Stream: Hair that flows in the same direction.
Hair Texture: Measures the diameter of a hair strand: coarse, medium, fine.
Hair Tonics: Grooming aids designed to stimulate the surface circulation of the scalp, remove loose dandruff, or to impart manageability, shine, and control to the hair.
Hair Transplantation: Any form of hair restoration that involves the surgical removal and relocation of hair, including scalp reduction and flap surgery.
Hair Wrapping: Method where the hair is wrapped around the head for drying and styling purposes.
Haircoloring: Industry-coined term referring to artificial haircolor products and services; the addition of color on or into the hair shaft.
Hairstyling: The art of arranging the hair in a particular style that is appropriately suited to the cut.
Half Off-Base: Position of a curl one-half off its base; provides medium volume and movement.
Hangnails: Condition in which the cuticle splits around the nail.
Heart: Muscular, cone-shaped organ that keeps blood moving through the circulatory system.
Helix: The spiral shape of a coiled protein created when polypeptide chains intertwine.
Hepatitis: A bloodborne virus that causes disease and can damage the liver.
Herpes Simplex I: Fever blister or cold sore; a recurring viral infection.
High-Frequency Machine: A machine that produces a high rate of oscillation or Tesla current for the purpose of stimulating scalp, facial, and body tissues.
Highlighting: Coloring or lightening some strands of hair lighter than the natural color.
Histology: The study of the minute structure of the various tissues and organs that make up the entire body of an organism.
Hone: A sharpening block manufactured from rock or synthetic materials and used to create a cutting edge on conventional straight razors.
Horizontal Lines: Lines parallel to the horizon.
Hormones: Secretions that stimulate functional activity or other secretions in the body, for example, insulin, adrenaline, and estrogen.
Hospital Disinfectants: Disinfectants that are effective for cleaning blood and body fluids on nonporous surfaces.
Hue: The basic name of a color.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Virus that causes HIV disease and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Human Relations: The interactions and relationships between two or more people.
Humerus: Uppermost and largest bone in the arm.
Hydrogen Bond: Weak, physical, cross-link side bond that is easily broken by water or heat.
Hydroxide Relaxers: Very strong alkalis with a pH over 13; the hydroxide ion is the active ingredient in all hydroxide relaxers.
Hyoid Bone: U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue at the front part of the throat.
Hyperhidrosis: Excessive perspiration or sweating.
Hyperpigmentation: Darker than normal pigmentation, appearing as dark splotches.
Hypertrichosis: A condition of abnormal hair growth.
Hypertrophy: Abnormal skin growth.
Hyponychium: Slightly thickened layer of skin between the fingertip and free edge of the nail plate.
Hypopigmentation: The absence of pigment, resulting in light or white splotches.
Immunity: The ability of the body to destroy and resist infection; immunity against disease can be either natural or acquired and is a sign of good health.
Inactive Stage: Also known as spore-forming stage; the ability of some bacteria to form a protective coating around themselves to protect them from harsh environments during the inactive stage.
Independent Contractor: A form of self-employment and tax designation with specific responsibilities for bookkeeping, taxes, insurances, and so on.
Indirect Application: High-frequency current administered with the client holding the wire glass electrode between both hands.
Indirect Transmission: Transmission of blood or body fluids through contact with an intermediate contaminated object such as a razor, extractor, nipper, or an environmental surface.
Infection: The invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogens.
Infection Control: The methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms.
Infectious: Caused by or capable of being transmitted by infection.
Infectious Disease: Disease caused by pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms that enter the body; an infectious disease may or may not be spread from one person to another person.
Inferior Labial Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the lower lip.
Inflammation: A condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection, characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.
Infraorbital Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the eye muscles.
Infraorbital Nerve: Nerve that affects the skin of the lower eyelid, side of the nose, upper lip, and mouth.
Infrared Light: Invisible rays with long wavelengths and deep penetration; produce the most heat of any therapeutic light.
Infratrochlear Nerve: Nerve that affects the membrane and skin of the nose.
Inorganic Chemistry: The study of substances that do not contain carbon but may contain hydrogen.
Insertion: The part of the muscle that moves and is furthest from the skeleton.
Instant Conditioners: Conditioners that typically remain on the hair from 1 to 5 minutes and are rinsed out; also known as rinse-out conditioners.
Insulator: Substance that does not easily transfer electricity.
Insurance: Guarantees protection against financial loss from malpractice, property liability, fire, burglary and theft, and business interruption.
Integumentary System: The skin and its appendages—glands, sensory receptors, nails and hair.
Internal Carotid Artery: Artery that supplies blood to the brain, eyes, eyelids, forehead, nose, and ear.
Internal Jugular Vein: Vein located at the side of the neck; collects blood from the brain and parts of the face and neck.
Interstitial Fluid: Blood plasma found in the spaces between tissue cells.
Ion: An atom or molecule that carries an electrical charge.
Ionization: The separating of a substance into ions.
Iontophoresis: The process of using galvanic current to enable ion-containing water-soluble solutions to penetrate the skin.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Abbreviated ICD; also known as dermatitis venenata; occurs when irritating substances temporarily damage the epidermis.
Ivy Dermatitis: A skin inflammation caused by exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
Job Description: Document that outlines all the duties and responsibilities of a particular position in a barbershop.
Joint: The connection between two or more bones of the skeleton.
Journeymen Barber Groups: Organizations formed to represent barber employees prior to the establishment of barber licensing laws.
Keloid: Thick scar resulting from excessive tissue growth.
Keratin: The protein of which hair is made.
Keratination: Process by which protein cells mature within the follicle to form hair.
Keratoma: Technical name for a callus, caused by pressure or friction.
Lace-front: Popular hair solution style used for off-the-face styles.
Lacrimal bones: Small bones located in the wall of the eye sockets.
Lanthionization: Process by which hydroxide relaxers permanently straighten hair; lanthionization breaks the hair’s disulfide bonds during processing and converts them to lanthionine bonds when the relaxer is rinsed from the hair.
Lanugo: Vellus hair.
Lasers: Acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
Latissimus dorsi: A large, flat, triangular muscle covering the lower back; helps extend the arm away from the body and rotate the shoulder.
Laws of color: A system for understanding color relationships.
Layers: Graduated effect achieved by cutting the hair with elevation or overdirection; the hair is cut at higher elevations, usually 90 degrees or above, which removes weight.
Leave-in conditioners: Conditioners and thermal protectors that can be left in the hair without rinsing.
Lentigines: Technical name for freckles.
Lesion: A structural change in the tissues caused by injury or disease.
Leukoderma: Skin disorder characterized by abnormal white patches.
Levator anguli oris muscle: Muscle that raises the angle of the mouth and draws it inward.
Levator labii superioris muscle: Muscle surrounding the upper lip.
Levator palpebrae superioris muscle: A thin muscle that controls the eyelid.
Level: Unit of measurement to identify the lightness or darkness of a color.
Level system: System used to analyze the lightness or darkness of a hair color or color product.
Light therapy: Also known as phototherapy, is the application of specific wavelengths of the light spectrum to the skin for the treatment of specific disorders or conditions.
Light-emitting diode (LED): A medical device used to reduce acne, increase skin circulation, and improve collagen content in the skin.
Lighteners: Chemical compounds that lighten hair by dispersing and diffusing natural pigment.
Line of demarcation: A visible line separating colored hair from new growth.
Liquid-dry shampoos: Liquid shampoos that evaporate quickly and do not require rinsing.
Local infection: An infection, such as a pimple or abscess, that is confined to a particular part of the body and appears as a lesion containing pus.
Long-layered cut: Hair is cut at a 180-degree elevation to create short layers at the top and increasingly longer layers at the perimeter.
Lotion wrap: Permanent waving wrapping technique in which the waving solution is applied to the section before rodding.
Lowlighting: Coloring some strands of hair darker than the natural hair color.
Lunula: Half-moon shape at the base of the nail.
Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system; carries waste and impurities from cells.
Lymph capillaries: Blind-end tubes occurring individually or in clusters that are the origin of lymphatic vessels.
Lymph nodes: Gland-like structures found inside lymphatic vessels that filter lymph.
Lymphatic/immune system: Consists of lymph, lymph nodes, the thymus gland, the spleen, and lymph vessels that act as an aid to the blood system.
Macule: Spot or discoloration of the skin, such as a freckle.
Malassezia: Fungus that causes dandruff.
Malignant melanoma: Most severe form of skin cancer.
Mandible: Lower jawbone.
Mandibular nerve: Branch of the fifth cranial nerve that affects the muscles of the chin, lower lip, and external ear.
Marginal mandibular nerve: Affects the muscles of the chin and lower lip.
Masseter: One of the jaw muscles used in chewing.
Master barber groups: Employer organizations formed prior to the establishment of barber licensing laws.
Matrix: Area where the nail is formed; produces cells that create the nail plate.
Matter: Defined as anything that occupies space (volume) and has mass (weight).
Maxillae: Bones of the upper jaw.
Maxillary nerve: Supplies impulses to the upper part of the face.
Medicated conditioners: Conditioners formulated to control minor dandruff and scalp conditions.
Medicated shampoos: Shampoos containing medicinal agents for controlling dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Medulla: Innermost or center layer of the hair shaft.
Melanin: Coloring matter or pigment of the skin; found in the stratum germinativum of the epidermis and in the papillary layers of the dermis.
Melanin: Tiny grains of pigment in the cortex that give natural color to the hair.
Mental nerve: Nerve that affects the skin of the lower lip and chin.
Mentalis muscle: Muscle that elevates the lower lip and raises and wrinkles the skin of the chin.
Meryma’at: Egyptian barber commemorated with a statue.
Metacarpals: The bones of the palm, consisting of five slender bones between the carpus and the phalanges.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A type of infectious bacteria that is highly resistant to conventional treatments such as antibiotics.
Microcurrent: A type of galvanic treatment that uses a very low level of electrical current for different applications in skin care.
Microdermabrasion: A form of mechanical exfoliation that involves spraying aluminum oxide or other microcrystals across the skin’s surface to exfoliate dead cells.
Microorganism: Any organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size.
Middle temporal artery: Artery that supplies blood to the temples.
Mildew: A type of fungus that affects plants or grows on inanimate objects but does not cause human infections in the barbershop.
Milia: Technical name for milk spots; small, benign, whitish bumps that occur when dead skin is trapped in the surface of the skin; commonly seen in infants.
Miliaria rubra: Also known as prickly heat, is an acute inflammatory disorder of the sweat glands, characterized by the eruption of small red vesicles accompanied by burning, itching skin.
Mind mapping: A graphic representation of an idea or problem that helps organize one’s thoughts.
Minoxidil: Topical medication used to promote hair growth or reduce hair loss.
Mission statement: A statement that establishes the purpose and values for which an individual or institution lives and works by. It provides a sense of direction by defining guiding principles and clarifying goals, as well as how an organization operates.
Mitosis: Cells dividing into two new cells (daughter cells).
Mnemonic: Any memorization device that helps a person recall information.
Modalities: Currents used in electric facial and scalp treatments.
Mole: Small brownish spot on the skin.
Molecule: Two or more atoms joined chemically.
Monilethrix: Technical term for beaded hair.
Motility: Self-movement.
Motor nerve fibers: Nerve fibers distributed to the arrector pili muscles, which are attached to the hair follicles.
Motor nerves: Nerves that carry impulses from the brain to the muscles.
Motor point: A point on the skin, over a muscle, where pressure or stimulation will cause contraction of that muscle.
Multiuse: Also known as reusable; items that can be cleaned, disinfected, and used on more than one person, even if the item is accidentally exposed to blood or body fluid.
Muscle tissue: Contracts and moves various parts of the body.
Muscular system: Body system that covers, shapes, and supports the skeletal tissue.
Myology: Study of the structure, function, and diseases of the muscles.
Nail: An appendage of the skin; a horny protective plate at the end of the finger or toe.
Nail bed: Portion of the skin on which the nail plate rests.
Nail folds: Folds of normal skin around the nail plate.
Nail grooves: Slits or furrows on the sides of the nail.
Nail plate: Horny plate resting on and attached to the nail bed.
Nasal bones: Bones that form the bridge of the nose.
Nasal nerve: Nerve that affects the point and lower sides of the nose.
National Association of Barber Boards of America (NABBA): An organization representing the interests of barber boards across America.
Natural immunity: Immunity that is partly inherited and partly developed through healthy living.
Neck shave: Shaving the areas behind the ears down the sides of the neck, and at the back neckline.
Nerve tissue: Type of tissue that carries messages to and from the brain and controls and coordinates all bodily functions.
Nerves: Whitish cords made up of bundles of nerve fibers held together by connective tissue, through which impulses are transmitted.
Neuron: Also known as nerve cell; the primary structural unit of the nervous system, consisting of the cell body, nucleus, dendrites, and the axon.
Neutralization: Process of stopping the action of a permanent wave solution and hardening the hair in its new form by the application of a chemical solution called the neutralizer.
Neutralizing shampoo: Helps to rebalance and restore the pH level of the hair by neutralizing any alkali or unwanted residues that remain in the hair after chemically relaxing the hair.
Nevus: Technical name for a birthmark.
No-base relaxers: Relaxers that do not require application of a protective base.
Nodule: A solid bump larger than 0.4 inches (1 cm) that can be easily felt.
Nonpathogenic: Harmless microorganisms that may perform useful functions and are safe to come in contact with since they do not cause disease or harm.
Nonporous: An item that is made or constructed of a material that has no pores or openings and cannot absorb liquids.
Nucleus: Dense, active protoplasm found in the center of a cell; important to reproduction and metabolism.
Occipital artery: Artery that supplies the scalp and back of the head up to the crown.
Occipital bone: Hindmost bone of the skull; located below the parietal bones.
Occipitalis: Back of the epicranius; muscle that draws the scalp backward.
Occupational Disease: Illness resulting from conditions associated with employment, such as prolonged and repeated overexposure to certain products or ingredients.
Off-base: Position of a curl off its base; provides maximum mobility and minimum volume.
Off-the-scalp lighteners: Lighteners that cannot be used directly on the scalp.
Ohm (O): The unit of electrical resistance to an electric current.
On-base: Position of a curl directly on its base; provides maximum volume.
On-the-scalp lighteners: Lighteners that can be used directly on the scalp.
Once-over shave: Single-lather shave in which the shaving strokes are made across the grain of the hair.
Onyx: Technical term for nail.
Open comedo: Also known as a blackhead; a hair follicle filled with keratin and sebum.
Ophthalmic nerve: Supplies impulses to the skin of the forehead, upper eyelids, and interior portion of the scalp, orbit, eyeball, and nasal passage.
Orbicularis oculi muscle: Ring muscle of the eye socket.
Orbicularis oris muscle: Flat band around the upper and lower lips.
Organic chemistry: The study of substances that contain carbon.
Organization: A method used to store new information for short-term and long-term memory.
Organs: Structures composed of specialized tissues performing specific functions.
Origin: More fixed part of a muscle that does not move.
Os: Means “bone”; it is used as a prefix in many medical terms.
Osteology: The study of the anatomy, structure, and function of the bones.
Outlining: Finish work of a haircut with shears, trimmers, or razor.
Overdirection: Combing a section away from its natural falling position, rather than straight out from the head, toward a guideline; used to create increasing lengths in the interior or perimeter.
Oxidation: Either the addition of oxygen or the loss of hydrogen; a chemical reaction that combines an element or compound with oxygen to produce an oxide.
Oxides: Compounds of any element combined with oxygen.
Palming the comb: The technique used to hold the comb in the hand opposite of the hand that is cutting with the shears.
Palming the shears: The technique used to hold shears in a safe manner while combing through or otherwise working with hair.
Papillary layer: Outer layer of the dermis, directly beneath the epidermis.
Papule: A small elevation on the skin that contains no fluid, but may develop pus.
Parasites: Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or inside another organism (referred to as the host), while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism. Parasites must have a host to survive.
Parasitic Disease: Disease caused by parasites, such as lice and mites.
Parietal artery: Artery that supplies blood to the side and crown of the head.
Parietal bones: Bones that form the sides and top of the cranium.
Parietal ridge: Widest area of the head, also known as the crest, hatband, horseshoe, or temporal region.
Part: A line, created naturally or with a comb, that divides the hair at the scalp, separating one section of the hair from another.
Parting: A line dividing the hair of the scalp that separates one section of the hair from another or creates subsections from a larger section of hair.
Partnership: Business structure in which two or more people share ownership, although not necessarily equally.
Patch test: Test for identifying a possible allergy to aniline derivative products; required by the FDA 24 to 48 hours before the application of the product.
Pathogenic: Harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body.
Pathogenic Disease: Disease produced by organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Pectoralis major: Muscles of the chest that assist the swinging movements of the arm.
Pectoralis minor: Muscles of the chest that assist the swinging movements of the arm.
Pediculosis capitis: Infestation of the hair and scalp with head lice.
Peptide bonds: End bonds; chemical bonds that join amino acids end to end.
Percussion: Another name for tapotement.
Perfectionism: An unhealthy compulsion to do things perfectly.
Perionychium: The living skin bordering the root and sides of a nail.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Made up of sensory and motor nerve fibers that extend from the brain and spinal cord to all parts of the body. Their function is to carry impulses or messages to and from the CNS.
Permanent haircolors: Lighten and deposit color at the same time and in a single process because they are more alkaline than no-lift, deposit-only colors and are usually mixed with a higher-volume developer.
Permanent, or chemical, waving: A process used to chemically restructure natural hair into a different wave pattern.
Personal grooming: The process of caring for parts of the body and maintaining an overall polished look.
Personal hygiene: The daily maintenance of cleanliness by practicing good healthful habits.
Personnel: Your staff or employees.
pH: Relative degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
pH scale: A measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in acidic and alkaline solutions.
pH-balanced shampoos: Shampoos that are balanced to the pH of hair and skin (4.5 to 5.5); also known as acid-balanced shampoos.
Phalanges: Bones of the fingers or toes.
Phenolic disinfectants: Tuberculocidal disinfectants that are a form of formaldehyde, have a very high pH, and can damage the skin and eyes.
Pheomelanin: Melanin that gives red to blond colors to hair.
Physical change: Change in the form of a substance without the formation of a new substance.
Physical mixture: Combination of two or more substances united physically.
Physical presentation: Your posture, as well as the way you walk and move.
Physical properties: Characteristics of matter that can be determined without a chemical reaction.
Physiology: Study of the functions or activities performed by the body’s structures.
Pityriasis: Technical term for dandruff.
Pityriasis capitis simplex: Dry dandruff.
Pityriasis steatoides: Waxy or greasy dandruff.
Platysma: Broad muscle extending from the chest and shoulder muscles to the side of the chin that is responsible for depressing the lower jaw and lip.
Polarity: Negative or positive pole of an electric current.
Polypeptide chain: Long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
Porous: Made or constructed of a material that has pores or openings; porous items are absorbent.
Posterior auricular artery: Artery that supplies blood to the scalp, behind and above the ear.
Posterior auricular nerve: Nerve that affects the muscles behind the ear at the base of the skull.
Potential hydrogen: Relative degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
Practical exams: Hands-on testing on a live model or mannequin.
Pre-lightening: The first step of a double-process haircoloring; used to lighten natural pigment.
Pre-softening: Process of treating resistant hair for better color penetration.
Pre-wrap solution: Usually a type of leave-in conditioner that may be applied to the hair prior to permanent waving to equalize porosity.
Primary colors: Red, blue, and yellow; colors that cannot be achieved from a mixture of other colors.
Primary skin lesions: Lesions that are a different color than the color of the skin or lesions that are raised above the surface of the skin.
Prioritize: To make a list of tasks that need to be done in the order of most-to-least important.
Procerus: Muscle that covers the bridge of the nose, depresses the eyebrows, and wrinkles the nose.
Procrastination: Putting off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Professional image: The impression you project through both your outward appearance and your conduct in the workplace.
Progressive colors: Haircolor products that contain compound or metallic dyes, which build up on the hair; not used professionally.
Projection: Angle or elevation that hair is held at from the head for cutting.
Pronator: Muscle that turns the hand inward so that the palm faces downward.
Proportion: A design principle that measures or shows the comparative relationship between two or more design elements of a form.
Proteins: Made of chemical units called amino acids.
Protoplasm: A colorless jellylike substance found inside cells in which food elements such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral salts, and water are present.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae: A chronic inflammatory form of folliculitis known as razor bumps resembling folliculitis papules and pustules; generally accepted to be caused by ingrown hair.
Psoriasis: Skin disease characterized by red patches and silvery-white scales.
Pulmonary circulation: Takes deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation and waste removal and then returns that blood to the heart so oxygen-rich blood can be delivered to the body.
Pure substance: Matter that has a fixed chemical composition, definite proportions, and distinct properties.
Pus: A fluid created by infection.
Pustule: Raised, inflamed papule with a white or yellow center containing pus in the top of the lesion.
Pétrissage: Kneading movement performed by lifting, squeezing, and pressing the tissue with a light, firm pressure.
Quaternary ammonium compounds: Commonly known as quats, these are products made of quaternary ammonium cations and are designed for disinfection of nonporous surfaces. They are appropriate for use in noncritical (noninvasive) environments and are effective against most pathogens of concern in the barbershop environment.
Radius: The smaller bone in the forearm on the same side as the thumb.
Razor rotation: A texturizing technique similar to razor-over-comb, performed with small circular motions.
Razor-over-comb: A texturizing technique where the comb and the razor are used on the surface of the hair.
Record keeping: The practice of maintaining accurate and complete records of all financial activities in a business.
Rectifier: An apparatus that changes AC to DC.
Redox: A term used for an oxidation-reduction reaction.
Reduction: The subtraction of oxygen from, or the addition of hydrogen to, a substance.
Reference points: Points on the head that mark where the surface of the head or the behavior of the hair changes, such as ears, jawline, occipital bone, and apex; used to establish proportionate design lines.
Reflex: An automatic nerve reaction to a stimulus.
Repetition: The process of repeatedly saying, writing, or reviewing new information until it is learned.
Reproductive system: The body system responsible for processes by which plants and animals produce offspring.
Respiratory: The system consisting of the lungs and air passages, enabling breathing.
Resume: A written summary of a person’s education and work experience.
Retail supplies: Supplies sold to clients.
Retailing: The act of recommending and selling products to clients for at-home use.
Reticular layer: The deeper layer of the dermis.
Retouch application: The application of product to new growth only.
Reverse backhand: Razor position and stroke used by right-handed barbers for shaving the left side of the neck behind the ear, and by left-handed barbers behind the right ear.
Reverse freehand: Razor position and stroke used in 4 of the 14 basic shaving areas: nos. 5, 10, 13, and 14.
Rheostat: An adjustable resistor used for controlling current in a circuit.
Ridges: Depressions running vertically down the length of the nail.
Risorius muscle: Muscle of the mouth that draws the corner of the mouth out and back, as in grinning.
Rolling cream: A cleansing and exfoliating product used in facials to lift dead skin cells and dirt from the skin surface.
Rolling the comb out: A method used to position the hair for cutting by combing it with the teeth of the comb in an upward direction.
Root-turning: Refers to sorting the hair strands so that the cuticle points toward the hair ends in its natural direction of growth.
Rosacea: A chronic congestion of the skin characterized by redness, blood vessel dilation, papules, and pustules.
Russian strop: A type of cowhide strop considered one of the best and requiring breaking in.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Required by law for all products sold. SDSs include safety information about products compiled by the manufacturer, including hazardous ingredients, safe use and handling procedures, proper disposal guidelines, and precautions to reduce the risk of accidental harm or overexposure.
Salt bond: A physical side bond within the hair cortex.
Salts: Compounds formed by the reaction of acids and bases.
Sanitation: Also known as sanitizing; a chemical process for reducing the number of disease-causing germs on cleaned surfaces to a safe level.
Scabies: A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows under the skin.
Scale: An accumulation of dry or greasy flakes on the skin.
Scalp conditioners: Cream-based products and ointments used to soften and improve the health of the scalp.
Scalp reduction: The surgical removal of a bald area, followed by the pulling together of the scalp ends.
Scalp steam: The process of using steam towels or a steaming unit to soften and open scalp pores.
Scar: A slightly raised or depressed mark on the skin formed after an injury or lesion of the skin has healed.
Scutula: Dry, sulfur-yellow, cuplike crusts on the scalp seen in tinea favosa.
Sebaceous cyst: A large, protruding pocket-like lesion filled with sebum, frequently seen on the scalp and back.
Sebaceous glands: Oil glands of the skin connected to hair follicles.
Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, characterized by redness, dry or oily scaling, crusting, and/or itchiness.
Sebum: An oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Second-time-over shave: Follows a regular shave to remove any rough or uneven spots using water instead of lather; may be considered a form of close shaving.
Secondary colors: Colors obtained by mixing equal parts of two primary colors.
Secondary skin lesions: Lesions characterized by an accumulation of material on the skin surface, such as a crust or scab, or by depressions in the skin surface.
Secretory nerve fibers: Nerves that regulate the excretion of perspiration from the sweat glands and the flow of sebum from the oil glands.
Self-actualization: Fulfilling one’s full potential.
Semipermanent haircolor: A deposit-only haircolor product formulated to last through several shampoos.
Sensory nerve fibers: Nerves that react to heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain, sending messages to the brain.
Sensory nerves: Nerves that carry impulses or messages from the sense organs to the brain.
Serratus anterior: Muscle of the chest that assists in breathing and raising the arm.
Set of the shears: The manner in which the blades and shanks of the shears align with each other and are joined at the tension screw or rivet.
Seventh cranial nerve: Chief motor nerve of the face.
Shampoo: Removes dirt, oil, perspiration, and skin debris from the hair and scalp.
Shampoos: Hair and scalp cleansing products.
Shear-over-comb: Haircutting technique in which the hair is held in place with the comb while the shears are used to remove length.
Shear-point tapering: Haircutting technique used to thin out difficult areas in the haircut, such as dips and hollows.
Shell strop: A type of horsehide strop made from the muscular rump area of the horse, considered to be the best strop for use by barbers.
Side bonds: Also known as cross bonds; hydrogen, salt, and sulfur bonds in the hair cortex.
Single-process haircoloring: Process that lightens and colors the hair in a single application.
Skeletal system: The physical foundation of the body, composed of bones and movable and immovable joints.
Skin tag: A small brown-colored or flesh-colored outgrowth of the skin occurring most frequently on the neck and chest.
Skin tonics: Toners, fresheners, and astringents; products used to help rebalance skin pH, remove product residue, and create a temporary tightening effect on the skin.
Smaller (lesser) occipital nerve: Nerve that affects the scalp and muscles behind the ear.
Soap cap: Equal parts of tint and shampoo.
Social media: A platform used to engage and communicate with groups of people through online communities, networks, websites, or blogs, for personal or professional means.
Sodium hypochlorite: Common household bleach; an effective disinfectant for the barbershop.
Sole proprietor: An individual owner and, most often, the manager of a business.
Solute: Any substance that is dissolved into a solvent to form a solution.
Solution: A stable, uniform mixture of two or more mixable substances made by dissolving a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance in another substance.
Solvent: Any substance, usually a liquid, that dissolves the solute to form a solution.
Specialized ligaments: Bands of fibrous tissue that attach the nail bed and matrix to the underlying bone, located at the base of the matrix and around the edges of the nail bed.
Sphenoid bone: Bone that connects all the bones of the cranium.
Spinal cord: Portion of the central nervous system that originates in the brain and runs downward through the spinal column.
Spirilla: Spiral or corkscrew-shaped bacteria that cause diseases such as syphilis and Lyme.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Type of skin cancer more serious than basal cell carcinoma, but not as serious as malignant melanoma.
Stain: Abnormal brown- or wine-colored skin discoloration.
Standard Precautions: Guidelines published by the CDC that require the employer and employee to assume that any human blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.
Staphylococci: Pus-forming bacteria that grow in clusters like a bunch of grapes. They cause abscesses, pustules, and boils.
Stationary guide: Guideline that does not move, but all other hair is brought to it for cutting.
Steatoma: Sebaceous cyst or fatty tumor.
Stem: The basic question or problem.
Stem: The section of a curl between the base and the first arc of the circle; gives the curl direction and movement.
Sterilization: The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores.
Sternocleidomastoideus: Muscle of the neck that depresses and rotates the head.
Strand test: The application of a coloring or lightening product to determine how the hair will react to the formula and the amount of time it will take to process.
Stratum corneum: The outermost layer of the epidermis; the horny layer.
Stratum germinativum: The innermost layer of the epidermis, also known as the basal or Malpighian layer.
Stratum granulosum: Granular layer of the epidermis beneath the stratum lucidum; the grainy layer.
Stratum lucidum: Clear layer of the epidermis, directly beneath the stratum corneum.
Stratum spinosum: Spiny layer of the epidermis, often considered part of the stratum germinativum.
Streptococci: Pus-forming bacteria arranged in curved lines resembling a string of beads. They cause infections such as strep throat and blood poisoning.
Strop: An elongated piece of leather or other materials used to finish the edge of conventional straight razors to a smooth, whetted cutting edge.
Styptic powder: Alum powder or liquid used to stop bleeding of nicks and cuts.
Subcutaneous tissue: Fatty tissue layer that lies beneath the dermis; also called adipose tissue.
Submental artery: Artery that supplies blood to the chin and lower lip.
Sudoriferous glands: Sweat glands of the skin.
Sulfate-free shampoo: Formulated with little to no sulfates so it does not strip natural oils from the hair.
Superficial temporal artery: Artery that supplies blood to the muscles of the front, sides, and top of the head.
Superior labial artery: Artery that supplies blood to the upper lip and lower region of the nose.
Supinator: Muscle of the forearm that rotates the radius outward and the palm upward.
Supraorbital artery: Artery that supplies blood to the upper eyelid and forehead.
Supraorbital nerve: Nerve that affects the skin of the forehead, scalp, eyebrows, and upper eyelids.
Supratrochlear nerve: Nerve that affects the skin between the eyes and the upper side of the nose.
Surfactant: A substance that acts as a bridge to allow oil and water to mix or emulsify by reducing surface tension.
Suspensions: Formulations in which solid particles are distributed throughout a liquid medium.
Sycosis vulgaris: Chronic bacterial infection of the bearded areas of the face.
Systemic circulation: Carries the oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the body and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Tan: Darkening of the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Taper: Haircuts in which there is an even blend from very short at the hairline to longer lengths as you move up the head; to taper is to narrow progressively at one end.
Taper comb: Used for cutting or trimming hair when a gradual blending from short to longer is required within the haircut.
Tapotement: Most stimulating massage movement, consisting of short, quick tapping, slapping, and hacking movements.
Telangiectasis: Distended or dilated surface blood vessels.
Telogen phase: Resting phase of the hair growth cycle.
Temporal bones: Bones that form the sides of the head in the ear region.
Temporal nerve: Nerve that affects the muscles of the temple, side of the forehead, eyelid, eyebrow, and upper cheek.
Temporalis: Muscle that aids in opening and closing the mouth and chewing.
Temporary colors: Color products that last only from shampoo to shampoo.
Tension: Amount of pressure applied when combing and holding a section, created by stretching or pulling the section.
Terminal hair: Long hair found on the scalp, beard, chest, back, and legs.
Tesla high-frequency current: Thermal or heat-producing current with a high oscillation rate; also known as the violet ray.
Test-wise: Understanding the strategies for successful test taking.
Texturize: A process used to semi-straighten extremely curly hair into a more manageable texture and wave pattern.
Texturizing: Removing excess bulk without shortening the length; changing the appearance or behavior of hair through specific haircutting techniques using shears, thinning shears, clippers, or a razor.
Texturizing shears: Shears with 14 to 28 medium width teeth that produce visible differences in hair lengths to add texture and volume.
Therapeutic medicated shampoos: Contain special chemicals or drugs that are very effective in reducing excessive dandruff.
Thermal styling: Methods of curling or straightening dry hair using thermal irons and/or pressing combs.
Thermal styling tools: Refers to tools that produce heat for hairstyling purposes.
Thinning: Removing bulk from the hair.
Thinning shears: Also known as blending shears; shears with 30 to 50 thin, narrowly spaced teeth that eliminate visible lines in the hair, used for blending hair ends and removing bulk or weight.
Thio relaxers: Relaxers that usually have a pH above 10 and a higher concentration of ATG than is used in permanent waving.
Thorax: The chest.
Ticinius Mena: Sicilian credited with bringing barbering and shaving to Rome in 296 BC.
Ticket upgrading: Also known as upselling services; the practice of recommending and selling additional services to your clients.
Tinea: Technical name for ringworm.
Tinea barbae: Also known as barber’s itch, a superficial fungal infection that commonly affects the skin; it is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp.
Tinea capitis: A fungal infection of the scalp characterized by red papules, or spots, at the opening of the hair follicles.
Tinea favosa: Ringworm characterized by dry, sulfur-yellow crusts on the scalp.
Tinea sycosis: Ringworm of the bearded areas on the face.
Tissue: Collections of similar cells that perform a particular function.
Tone: Term used to describe the warmth or coolness of a color.
Toners: Semipermanent, demipermanent, or permanent haircolor products used primarily on pre-lightened hair to achieve pale and delicate colors.
Toners: Skin tonics with an alcohol content of 4 to 15 percent; most are designed for use on normal and combination skin types.
Tonsorial: Related to the cutting, clipping, or trimming of hair with shears or a razor.
Tonsure: A shaved patch on the head.
Toupee: Outdated term used to describe a small hair replacement that covers the top or crown of the head.
Toxins: Various poisonous substances produced by some microorganisms (bacteria and viruses).
Transferable skills: Skills mastered at other jobs that can be put to use in a new position.
Transverse facial artery: Artery that supplies blood to the skin and the masseter.
Trapezius: Muscle that covers the back of the neck and upper and middle region of the back.
Traveling guide: Guideline that moves as the haircutting progresses; used when creating layers or graduation; also referred to as moving or movable guidelines.
Treatment or repair conditioners: Deep, penetrating formulations that help restore moisture and protein in the hair.
Triangularis muscle: Muscle that extends alongside the chin and pulls down the corner of the mouth.
Tricep: Large muscle that covers the entire back of the upper arm and extends the forearm.
Trichology: The science dealing with the hair, its diseases, and its care.
Trichoptilosis: The technical term for split ends; hair conditioning and oils will smooth split ends, but the only way to remove them is to cut them.
Trichorrhexis nodosa: Technical term for knotted hair.
Trigger point: A tender area in a muscle caused by a localized knot or spasm in the muscle fiber that can radiate pain to other locations in the body.
Trimmers: Small clippers, also known as outliners and edgers, used for detail, precision design, and fine finish work after a haircut or beard trim.
True acid waves: Perms that have a pH between 4.5 and 7.0 and require heat to speed processing; process more slowly than alkaline waves, and do not usually produce as firm a curl as alkaline waves.
Tubercle: Abnormal solid lump above, within, or below the skin.
Tuberculocidal disinfectants: Often referred to as phenolics, are proven to kill the bacterium that cause tuberculosis, in addition to other pathogens destroyed through the use of hospital disinfectants.
Tuberculosis: A disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing or sneezing.
Tumor: Abnormal cell mass resulting from excessive multiplication of cells.
Ulcer: Open skin lesion accompanied by pus and loss of skin depth; a deep erosion; a depression in the skin, normally due to infection or cancer.
Ulna: Inner and larger bone of the forearm.
Ultraviolet light: Invisible rays, with short wavelengths and minimal skin penetration, that produce chemical effects and kill germs; also called actinic or cold rays.
Uniform-layered cut: Haircut in which all the hair is cut at the same length using a 90-degree elevation.
Veins: Thin-walled blood vessels that are less elastic than arteries; veins contain cuplike valves that keep blood flowing in one direction to the heart and prevent blood from flowing backward. Veins carry blood containing waste products back to the heart and lungs for cleaning and to pick up oxygen.
Vellus hair: Soft, downy hair that appears on the body.
Venules: Small vessels that connect the capillaries to the veins; they collect blood from the capillaries and drain it into the veins.
Verruca: Technical name for a wart.
Vertical lines: Lines that are straight up and down.
Vesicle: Small blister or sac containing clear fluid.
Vibration: In massage, the rapid shaking of the body part while the fingertips are pressed firmly on the point of application.
Virgin application: The first time the hair is tinted or lightened.
Virucidal: Capable of destroying viruses.
Virus: A parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms. A virus is capable of replication only through taking over the host cell’s reproductive function.
Visible spectrum: Electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye.
Vision statement: A long-term picture of what the business is to become and what it will look like when it gets there.
Vitiligo: An acquired leukoderma characterized by milky-white spots.
Volt (V): A unit of electrical pressure that pushes the flow of electrons forward through a conductor.
Volume: The measure of the potential oxidation of varying strengths of hydrogen peroxide.
Wart: Also known as verruca; an infectious hypertrophy of the papillae and epidermis caused by a virus.
Watt (W): The unit of power (amperes multiplied by volts), indicating how much electric energy is being used in 1 second.
Wave pattern: Amount of movement in the hair strand; straight, wavy, curly, and coiled.
Wavelength: Distance between two successive peaks of electromagnetic waves.
Weight line: A visual line in the haircut, where the ends of the hair hang together; the line of maximum length within the weight area: heaviest perimeter area of a 0-degree (one-length) or 45-degree (graduated) cut.
Wheal: Itchy, swollen lesion caused by insect bites or plant irritations, such as nettle.
Whitehead: A closed comedone; consists of accumulated sebum that remains a whitish color because it does not have a follicular opening for exposure to oxygen.
Whorl: Hair that grows in a circular pattern.
Wig block: Also known as styling; a head-shaped form made of plastic, foam, or other materials used as a stand for a wig or hair replacement system.
Work ethic: Taking pride in your work and committing yourself to consistently doing a good job for your clients, employer, and barbershop team.
Written agreements: Documents that govern the opening of a barbershop, including leases, vendor contracts, and employee contracts; all of these detail, usually for legal purposes, who does what and what is given in return.
Zygomatic bones: Bones that form the prominence of the cheeks.
Zygomatic nerve: Affects the muscle of the upper part of the cheek.
Zygomaticus major muscles: Muscle extending from the zygomatic bone to the angle of the mouth; pulls the mouth upward and backward as in laughing.
Zygomaticus minor muscles: Muscles on both sides of the face that extend from the zygomatic bone to the upper lips; pulls the upper lip backward, upward, and outward, as when you are smiling.