NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) Exam flashcards

A haircut where all hair strands are cut to the same length, typically at a 90-degree elevation from the scalp.

• Creates consistent layers throughout the head.
• Adds movement and volume.
• Can be used on various hair lengths.

Memory trick: Uniform layers make every strand a twin, same length, all over, where to begin?

Temporary hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of resting (telogen) hairs, often triggered by a significant physiological or psychological stressor 2-3 months prior.

• Diffuse shedding across the scalp.
• Onset typically 2-3 months post-stressor.
• Hair strands are usually intact, not broken.
• Often self-resolving as the body recovers from the stress.

Memory trick: Stress leads to TELO-gen effluvium, from the roots, not the tip!

The ability of the hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. It indicates the hair's strength and internal health.

• Healthy hair stretches about 50% when wet and returns to original length.
• Low elasticity indicates weak or damaged hair.
• High elasticity indicates strong, healthy hair.
• Crucial test before chemical services like perms or relaxers.

Memory trick: Elasticity: Does it STRETCH and SNAP BACK, or just FOLD?

A hair extension method where individual strands of extension hair (I-tips) are attached to small sections of natural hair using a small, specialized metal or silicone-lined bead/cylinder.

• No heat or glue required for application.
• Allows for 360-degree movement of hair.
• Requires regular maintenance for re-tightening or repositioning beads.
• Can be reused if maintained properly.

Memory trick: Micro-links: Tiny beads for a BIG hair transformation.

A conditioning treatment formulated with proteins to penetrate and strengthen the hair shaft, improving elasticity and resilience, especially for damaged hair.

• Repairs damaged hair structures.
• Restores strength and elasticity.
• Ideal for chemically treated or over-processed hair.

Memory trick: Damaged hair needs protein to rebuild its strength.

The essential chemical process in permanent waving where the waving solution breaks the hair's disulfide bonds, allowing the hair to be reformed into a new shape.

• Required for permanent wave
• Achieved by reducing agents (thioglycolate)
• Insufficient breakage leads to poor curl formation

Memory trick: No broken bonds, no new 'do'!

A nail enhancement technique involving applying a base coat, dipping the nail into a colored powder, and then applying an activator and top coat to create a durable, glossy finish.

• Odorless application (no monomer liquid).
• Strong and durable like acrylics.
• Removable by soaking in acetone.

Memory trick: For strength, no smell, and a gentle soak, the Dip is the champ all folks invoke.

A method of attaching hair extensions where individual strands with keratin tips are fused to the client's natural hair using heat.

• Uses a heat connector tool.
• Keratin bonds melt and attach.
• Provides a natural-looking, flexible attachment.

Memory trick: Fusion uses a Furnace.

If hair is not sufficiently relaxed after initial application but before maximum processing time, extend the processing of the existing product with careful monitoring.

• Do not exceed manufacturer's maximum time.
• Continuously check hair's elasticity and condition.
• Avoid re-applying or using stronger product mid-service.

Memory trick: When hair isn't straight enough, give it more time, not more product.

The bone that forms the back and base of the cranium, located above the nape of the neck.

• Houses the foramen magnum, where the spinal cord exits.
• Connects to the first cervical vertebra (atlas).
• Important landmark for scalp and neck massage.

Memory trick: F-POT (Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal)

A surface-active agent that reduces the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid, allowing them to mix or spread more easily.

• Has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (oil-attracting) ends.
• Functions as emulsifiers, detergents, wetting agents, and foaming agents.
• Essential in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions to mix oil and water components.

Memory trick: Surfactants 'SURF'ace oil and water to mix.

A condition characterized by abnormally excessive sweating, not necessarily related to heat or exercise.

• Can affect specific areas like palms, soles, underarms, or face.
• Can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to another medical condition.
• May impact client comfort during services.

Memory trick: Hyper- 'Hi'drosis means 'Hi'gh sweat.

The distinct forms that matter can take, primarily solid, liquid, and gas, characterized by differences in particle arrangement, energy, and intermolecular forces.

• Solid: fixed shape and volume, particles tightly packed
• Liquid: fixed volume, takes shape of container, particles close but mobile
• Gas: no fixed shape or volume, particles widely dispersed and energetic
• Transitions between states are physical changes

Memory trick: Matter's Many Manifestations

The deepest layer of the epidermis, responsible for cell division and melanin production.

• Contains melanocytes (melanin-producing cells).
• New skin cells (keratinocytes) are produced here through mitosis.
• Also known as the basal cell layer.

Memory trick: Epidermis layers are a 'GL' 'SB' – 'Granular', 'Lucid', 'Spiny', 'Basal'!

The active tissue (bed) that generates cells which harden and push outward to form the nail plate.

• Located at the base of the nail plate, beneath the eponychium and lunula.
• Responsible for nail growth and health.
• Damage to the matrix can affect nail growth and appearance.

Memory trick: The 'M'atrix is the 'M'other of the 'N'ail.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead, flattened keratinocytes, providing a protective barrier.

• Primary target for exfoliation treatments.
• Acts as the skin's main barrier against environmental damage and water loss.
• Cells are continuously shed and replaced from below.

Memory trick: Come, Let's Get Sun Burned! (Corneum, Lucidum, Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale)

A fibrous protein that is the main structural component of hair, skin, and nails.

• Provides strength, durability, and waterproofing.
• Found in the epidermis, hair, and nails.
• Different types of keratin exist (hard and soft).

Memory trick: Keratin's 'Key' is 'Strength' and 'Shield'!

A common fungal infection of the nail, leading to discolored, thickened, and brittle nails, often with subungual debris and separation from the nail bed.

• Fungal infection of the nail
• Causes discoloration (yellow, brown, white)
• Nail thickening and brittleness
• Often involves onycholysis (nail lifting) and debris

Memory trick: Mycosis Makes My Nails Mighty Messy

A logarithmic scale (0-14) used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution, with 7 being neutral, values below 7 being acidic, and values above 7 being alkaline (basic).

• Scale from 0 to 14
• 0-6.9 is acidic
• 7.0 is neutral
• 7.1-14 is alkaline (basic)

Memory trick: Acidic is A-low, Alkaline is A-high

An autoimmune disorder causing sudden, patchy hair loss, often in circular or oval shapes, that can affect any hair-bearing area, most commonly the scalp.

• Autoimmune condition
• Sudden onset
• Patchy hair loss (often round/oval)
• Can resolve spontaneously

Memory trick: Always Look Out For Autoimmune Alopecia

Indicates the proportion of concentrate to the total solution. For 1:X, it means 1 part concentrate to X parts total solution (or X-1 parts water).

• 1:X means 1 part concentrate to X parts total solution
• Used to prepare proper strength disinfectants
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions

Memory trick: Total Volume Divided by Ratio equals Concentrate to Contain.

In hair coloring, an oxidizing agent (developer), typically hydrogen peroxide, is a chemical that facilitates the lightening of natural hair pigment and the development of artificial color molecules within the hair shaft.

• Usually hydrogen peroxide
• Lightens natural melanin
• Develops artificial color molecules
• Causes an oxidation reaction

Memory trick: Oxidizing Opens Old color, Offers New color

The hair's ability to absorb moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle layer. It affects how well products penetrate the hair shaft.

• Determined by the cuticle layer
• High porosity absorbs quickly, may feel rough
• Low porosity resists moisture absorption

Memory trick: Porosity Pours, Density Dots, Elasticity Extends, Texture Thickness.

A common viral infection characterized by recurrent outbreaks of fluid-filled blisters, often on the face (cold sores) or genitals, that are contagious.

• Viral infection (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
• Causes fluid-filled blisters (vesicles)
• Appears in clusters
• Contagious and often recurrent

Memory trick: Herpes Has Highly Contagious Clusters

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues and organs back to the heart, typically having thinner walls and larger lumens than arteries.

• Carry deoxygenated blood (mostly)
• Return blood to the heart
• Have thinner, less muscular walls than arteries
• Contain valves to prevent backflow

Memory trick: Veins Vroom back to the heart with Vile (deoxygenated) blood

Tiny, white or yellowish, non-inflamed cysts that occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface, often appearing as small, firm bumps with no visible opening.

• Small, firm, white/yellowish bumps
• Non-inflamed cysts
• Trapped keratin under skin
• No visible opening (unlike comedones)

Memory trick: Milia Makes Miniature, Manifestly Minor, Masks (of keratin)

A thin, protective, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin, composed of sebum, sweat, and amino acids. It acts as a barrier against pathogens and helps maintain skin hydration.

• Slightly acidic pH (4.5-5.5)
• Composed of sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells
• Protects against pathogens
• Maintains skin hydration

Memory trick: Acid Mantle Acts as an Armored Shield, Against Assaults and for Hydration.

An asexual reproductive process primarily used by bacteria, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells after replicating its genetic material.

• Asexual reproduction
• Produces two identical daughter cells
• Primary method for bacteria

Memory trick: Bacteria Break into Two, Binary Fission is the clue.

A contagious skin infestation caused by microscopic mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into the top layer of the skin, causing intense itching, especially at night, and characteristic rash or linear burrows.

• Caused by parasitic mites
• Mites burrow under the skin
• Causes intense itching (pruritus), especially at night
• Characterized by red papules, vesicles, or linear tracks

Memory trick: Scabies Scratches, Spreads, and Shows Sub-Skin Signs.

The largest bone in the foot, forming the heel.

• Also known as the heel bone.
• Part of the tarsal bones.
• Supports the body's weight and provides leverage for walking.

Memory trick: Our 'Feet' have 'Many' 'Tarsals', but the 'Heel' is 'King'!

The thickest middle layer of the hair shaft, composed of fibrous protein (keratin) cells. It contains melanin (pigment) and is primarily responsible for the hair's strength, elasticity, and color.

• Middle and thickest layer
• Contains melanin (pigment)
• Provides strength, elasticity, and resilience
• Composed of fibrous keratin protein

Memory trick: Cuticle Cover, Cortex Core, Medulla Middle.

A chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting the scalp, characterized by well-defined patches of red skin covered with silvery scales.

• Symptoms include thick, silvery scales, redness, and itching.
• It is not contagious.
• Cosmetologists should avoid irritating the affected areas and refer clients to a dermatologist.

Memory trick: Silvery scales? 'P' for Psoriasis, 'P' for Patches, 'P' for Persistent.

A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the nails, often associated with skin psoriasis, characterized by various nail changes.

• Common symptoms: pitting, oil drop spots, onycholysis, thickening, crumbling.
• Not contagious.
• Can be managed by dermatologists; cosmetologists should refer clients.

Memory trick: Pitting for Psora: 'Pits, Spots, and Thick, Oh My! Psoriasis is the Reason Why!'

Strong chemical bonds in the hair that contribute to its strength and elasticity, and are altered during chemical services like perms and relaxers.

• Responsible for hair's natural curl and strength.
• Broken by reducing agents (thioglycolate) in perms.
• Reformed by oxidizing agents (neutralizer) to set new shape.

Memory trick: Disulfide bonds are the 'Durable Designers' of hair shape, broken and rebuilt for perms.

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling (face/throat), rapid pulse, dizziness.
• Immediate action: Call 911/emergency services.
• Cosmetologists should be trained in basic first aid but not administer medication.

Memory trick: Severe symptoms? 'Call 911, Don't Delay, Save a Life Today!'

A small, solid, elevated skin lesion that does not contain fluid, usually less than 0.5 cm in diameter.

• Primary skin lesion.
• Examples include warts or some acne lesions.
• Distinguished from vesicles (fluid-filled) and macules (flat).

Memory trick: Papules are 'P'rotruding 'P'eaks without 'P'ooling fluid.

A rapid, short-term protective response of the body to injury or irritation, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

• Onset is sudden and severe.
• Duration is usually short (hours to days).
• Often a response to infection, trauma, or allergic reactions.

Memory trick: Acute is 'A'll about a quick, sharp reaction.

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

• Protects the inner cortex and medulla.
• Determines hair's porosity (ability to absorb moisture).
• Damage results in dullness, roughness, and frizz.

Memory trick: Hair has a 'CM C'ore – Cuticle, Medulla, Cortex.

A small, circumscribed, superficial elevation of the skin containing purulent exudate (pus), typically seen in conditions like acne or impetigo.

• Elevated skin lesion
• Contains pus
• Circumscribed (well-defined border)
• Often seen in infections or inflammation

Memory trick: Pustules are Pockets of Pus

A chemical agent used to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and viruses on non-porous surfaces, but not bacterial spores.

• Used on inanimate objects and surfaces.
• Different from antiseptics (used on living tissue) and sterilizers (destroy all microbial life).
• Essential for infection control in cosmetology.

Memory trick: Disinfectants 'DIS'arm surfaces of most germs.

The process of mixing a concentrated disinfectant with water according to manufacturer's instructions to achieve the correct germicidal efficacy and safety.

• Ratio 1:X means 1 part concentrate to X parts water.
• Incorrect dilution can render disinfectant ineffective or harmful.
• 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces.

Memory trick: Dilution is 'Divide to Get Liquid' – total volume divided by the ratio number.

The range of services and procedures that a cosmetologist is legally allowed to perform based on their license and training.

• Cosmetologists cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.
• Referral to a medical professional is required for undiagnosed skin/nail/scalp conditions.
• Performing services outside the scope can lead to legal penalties and harm to clients.

Memory trick: Stay within your 'lane' or face the legal 'chain'!

A process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores, on a surface or in a substance.

• Highest level of decontamination.
• Required for invasive tools or those contacting blood/bodily fluids.
• Methods include autoclaving (steam), dry heat, chemical vapor.

Memory trick: Sanitize, Disinfect, Sterilize: 'SDS' for 'Safety, Destruction, Supreme'.

An infestation of the human head by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), characterized by intense itching and the presence of lice and their eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts.

• Head lice infestation
• Causes intense itching
• Visible lice (small, wingless insects)
• Nits (eggs) firmly attached to hair shafts

Memory trick: Pediculosis Puts Pests in your Hair

The process by which bacteria multiply, primarily through asexual division.

• Occurs through binary fission.
• One parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
• Can happen very rapidly under ideal conditions.

Memory trick: Asexuals are 'Simple Splitters' but 'Budding' is 'Bumpy'!

Immunity developed when the body produces its own antibodies and memory cells after natural exposure to a pathogen.

• Results from recovering from an infection.
• Provides long-lasting protection.
• Body actively participates in immune response.

Memory trick: Immunity's 'Active' or 'Passive' – 'Natural' or 'Artificial'!

A chemical reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single, more complex product.

• Also called a combination reaction.
• General form: A + B → AB.
• Essential for creating new compounds.

Memory trick: Reactions are 'Dynamic' – 'Split', 'Combine', or 'Swap'!

Immediate steps to take when chemicals come into contact with skin during cosmetology services.

• Primary action: flush with copious amounts of cool running water.
• Duration: typically 15-20 minutes, or as per SDS.
• Consult SDS for specific chemical hazards and further treatment.

Memory trick: Chemicals 'Splash'? 'Flush' and 'Dash' to the 'Data Sheet'!

Blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues.

• Have thick, muscular walls to handle high pressure.
• Branch into smaller arterioles.
• Essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Memory trick: Arteries 'Away' from the heart, Veins 'to' the heart.

A potent antioxidant and essential nutrient for skin health, known for its role in collagen synthesis, protection against free radical damage, and ability to brighten skin by inhibiting melanin production.

• Inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis.
• Reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens skin tone.
• Boosts collagen production, improving skin firmness.
• Protects against UV damage (though not a sunscreen).

Memory trick: C for Clear, C for Collagen, C for Correcting dark spots.

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate sebum-filled follicles and exfoliate within the pore.

• Exfoliates inside pores
• Reduces sebum production
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin

Memory trick: Oily skin's solution is a BHA, clearing pores all the way!

To naturally enhance blue eyes, especially on fair skin, choose soft, neutral shades with cool undertones or subtle warm contrasts, avoiding overly dark or vibrant colors for a daytime look.

• Neutrals (taupe, brown, gray) work well
• Avoid harsh, dark, or primary colors for natural look
• Soft contrasts enhance eye color
• Consider skin tone (fair skin needs softer shades)

Memory trick: Blue eyes shine with soft taupe lines!

A skin type characterized by insufficient sebum production, leading to a tight, flaky, and sometimes itchy complexion with small, often invisible pores.

• Lacks natural oil (sebum)
• Feels tight and delicate
• Minimal visible pores
• Prone to fine lines and dehydration

Memory trick: Oily, Dry, Combo, Normal: Order them right, feel the skin's plight!

Makeup foundations formulated to address the dual needs of combination skin, which has both oily and dry areas, typically by providing balanced coverage without exacerbating either condition.

• Often water-based or oil-free.
• Aims to provide hydration to dry areas and control oil in the T-zone.
• Light to medium coverage is often preferred.
• Avoid heavy, oil-rich, or overly matte formulas.

Memory trick: Water balances the oil and thirst of combination skin.

The chemical process by which liquid gel enhancements are transformed into a solid, durable state through exposure to UV or LED light.

• Gels contain photoinitiators that react to specific light wavelengths.
• This reaction is a type of polymerization (chain reaction).
• Proper curing ensures strength, durability, and prevents allergic reactions.

Memory trick: Light 'activates' the gel to 'harden' it into a 'power' nail.

An electrical facial treatment that uses a negative pole and an alkaline solution to create a chemical reaction, softening and emulsifying sebum and blackheads for easier extraction.

• Uses negative pole
• Alkaline solution
• Softens sebum/blackheads
• Aids extractions

Memory trick: Galvanic's negative pole makes blackheads roll!

When applying strip wax, the product should be spread thinly and evenly in the direction of hair growth to ensure optimal adhesion and effective hair removal.

• Apply WITH hair growth
• Ensures hair encapsulation
• Minimizes breakage
• Prepares for removal AGAINST growth

Memory trick: Wax 'WITH' the flow, then PULL and go!

The immediate steps a cosmetologist takes when a client experiences an allergic reaction to a product during a service, primarily focused on stopping exposure and relieving symptoms.

• Remove offending product immediately
• Rinse skin thoroughly with cool water
• Apply soothing compress (optional)
• Advise client to seek medical attention if severe/persistent

Memory trick: STOP the product, SOOTHE the skin, SEEK medical help if symptoms persist.

The sequence of steps to prepare the natural nail for a gel polish application, ensuring optimal adhesion and wear.

• Proper preparation is critical for preventing lifting and chipping.
• Dehydration and adhesion promoters (primers/bonders) are key for strong bonds.
• Avoid oils or lotions on the nail plate before base coat application.

Memory trick: Clean, Dry, Prime, Base – then you're ready for the gel show!

When treating sensitive skin, prioritize gentle techniques, hypoallergenic products, and ingredients that soothe and protect the skin barrier, while avoiding harsh friction, strong fragrances, and potential irritants.

• Avoid strong friction/aggressive massage
• Use fragrance-free products
• Patch test new products
• Incorporate soothing ingredients

Memory trick: Sensitive skin? Be gentle, don't offend, or irritation will send!