NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) Exam flashcards

Using a color corrector (typically peach or orange) to neutralize the bluish or purplish discoloration of dark circles under the eyes before applying foundation or concealer.

• Based on color theory (complementary colors)
• Peach/orange cancels blue/purple
• Applied sparingly before concealer

Memory trick: Peachy keen to make those 'dark' circles unseen!

For dry and mature skin, cream-based cleansers are recommended due to their gentle, hydrating, and non-stripping properties that help preserve the skin's natural moisture barrier.

• Rich, emollient texture
• Cleanses without stripping oils
• Provides hydration
• Maintains skin barrier integrity

Memory trick: Dry skin needs a cream, a hydrating dream!

The procedure for safely and effectively removing lifted artificial nail product during a fill service to prevent damage and ensure proper reapplication.

• Lifted product creates pockets where moisture and bacteria can collect.
• Always remove all lifted product before applying new material.
• Use appropriate grit files (e.g., 180-grit) for safe removal.

Memory trick: Lifted product is like a bad seal; you must remove it to reseal properly.

A critical step in strip lash application where lash adhesive is applied to the lash band and allowed to partially dry, becoming sticky or 'tacky,' before placing the lash on the eyelid, ensuring optimal adhesion.

• Apply thin line of adhesive to band
• Wait 30-60 seconds for tackiness
• Ensures secure and lasting hold
• Prevents sliding or poor adhesion

Memory trick: Measure, Trim, Glue-to-Tacky, Place, Adjust, Blend, DONE!

The standard, ordered steps for performing a basic pedicure service, ensuring efficiency and proper care.

• Soaking softens the nails and skin for easier trimming and exfoliation.
• Nail work (trimming, filing, cuticle care) typically precedes skin work.
• Massage and polish are usually the final steps.

Memory trick: Soak, Shape, Smooth, Soothe, Shine!

Nail plates that are noticeably thin, white, and flexible, and are often softer than normal. They tend to curve over the free edge.

• Caused by improper diet, hereditary factors, internal disease, or medication.
• Requires careful filing and gentle pressure during services.
• Often associated with a 'trumpet' or 'tile' shape due to inward curvature.

Memory trick: Eggshells are thin, white, and flexible, just like these nails.

A massage manipulation involving deep, circular, or cross-fiber rubbing movements that stimulate the circulation and glandular activity, often used to firm and tone the skin.

• Deep rubbing movements
• Stimulates circulation and glandular activity
• Used to firm and tone skin
• Can be performed with fingertips or palms

Memory trick: Every Time Fiona Vibrates, she feels the pressure.

A type of facial mask with a translucent or clear gel consistency, typically formulated to provide hydration, soothing, and cooling benefits to the skin.

• Often contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
• Ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, or mature skin.
• Provides a cooling and refreshing sensation.
• Does not typically absorb oil or deep cleanse like clay masks.

Memory trick: Gel is like a cool drink for thirsty skin.

Choosing the appropriate nail enhancement based on the client's natural nail condition (e.g., short, bitten) and desired outcome (e.g., natural look, added length, strength).

• Tips provide instant length for short nails.
• Wraps (fiberglass, silk) offer thin, flexible, yet strong enhancements.
• Avoid overly bulky systems for a natural look on short nails.

Memory trick: Short nails need a 'tip' to start, then a 'wrap' for a natural, strong finish.

A massage technique characterized by a light, continuous, stroking movement performed with the fingers and palms in a slow, rhythmic manner, primarily used for relaxation and to begin/end a massage.

• Light, continuous stroking
• Fingers and palms used
• Slow, rhythmic
• Primarily for relaxation

Memory trick: Effleurage is effortless, a soothing massage!

The primary first aid for an allergic reaction to makeup is to immediately and gently remove the causative product from the skin to prevent further irritation and exposure to the allergen.

• Remove allergen immediately
• Use gentle cleanser
• Avoid further irritation
• Monitor symptoms

Memory trick: If makeup makes you itch and swell, remove it quick, and all will be well!

Also known as spider veins, these are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin, often red or purple, and commonly found on the face (cheeks, nose).

• Visible, dilated capillaries
• Appear as red/purple lines
• Common on cheeks and nose
• Associated with rosacea, sun damage, thin skin

Memory trick: Tela-ngiectasias are like tiny, visible telephone wires under the skin.

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative frequently used in skincare to stimulate collagen and elastin production, accelerate cell turnover, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

• Vitamin A derivative
• Stimulates collagen/elastin
• Increases cell turnover
• Reduces fine lines/wrinkles

Memory trick: Retinol's the key, for skin's elasticity!

A general term for inflammation of the skin, characterized by red, itchy, dry skin, and sometimes blistering, oozing, crusting, or scaling. It can be triggered by irritants, allergens, or internal factors.

• Common types include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Intense itching is a hallmark symptom.
• Can be acute (sudden, severe) or chronic (long-lasting, recurring).
• Management often involves identifying and avoiding triggers, moisturizing, and topical treatments.

Memory trick: Eczema makes skin itch and ooze from irritants.

Fiberglass or silk wraps are thin, flexible fabric enhancements that are bonded to the nail with resin, known for their natural look and easy repairability.

• Lightweight and natural-looking.
• Flexible, making them less prone to breaking off entirely.
• Can be repaired with a small patch of fabric and resin.

Memory trick: Wraps are 'flexible' and 'patchable' like soft fabric.

Techniques used to define and fill eyebrows subtly, especially for clients with lighter features, to achieve a natural yet enhanced look.

• Focus on matching hair color or going one shade lighter.
• Powders and pomades offer a softer finish compared to pencils.
• Use small, hair-like strokes for a natural appearance.
• Brushing through with a spoolie helps blend and soften.

Memory trick: Powder whispers color, pencils shout.

A precise method of removing blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones) by applying gentle, even pressure around the lesion, typically after proper skin preparation.

• Only extract mature, visible comedones
• Use gloved, cotton-wrapped fingers or an extractor tool
• Apply gentle, even pressure around the base

Memory trick: Gentle 'Wrap-Around' pressure prevents 'Scar'y outcomes.

Key practices and habits to adopt or avoid to prevent the development or recurrence of ingrown toenails.

• Proper nail trimming technique (straight across) is essential.
• Wearing well-fitting footwear is critical.
• Avoid tearing or picking at the sides of the nail.

Memory trick: Proper shoes and straight cuts keep the ingrowns out!

A skin type characterized by excessive sebum production, resulting in a shiny appearance, enlarged pores, and a tendency for breakouts.

• Overactive sebaceous glands
• Common in T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Prone to acne and comedones

Memory trick: Oily skin is like an 'Oil Slick' - shiny, messy, and prone to 'breakouts' like a car out of control.

Certain skin conditions or product uses that make waxing unsafe due to increased risk of skin damage, such as lifting, tearing, or severe irritation.

• Topical retinoids (e.g., Tretinoin, Retin-A) thin the skin.
• Thinned skin is highly vulnerable to trauma from waxing.
• Discontinuation for 2-4 weeks (or longer, depending on product/strength) is required.
• Other contraindications include Accutane, chemical peels, recent exfoliation, certain medications.

Memory trick: Retinoids make skin a no-wax zone for weeks.

A standardized series of steps performed during a facial to achieve optimal results and address specific skin concerns.

• Order ensures maximum efficacy
• Prepares skin for subsequent steps
• Prevents irritation
• Ensures client comfort and safety

Memory trick: Cleanse, Analyze, Exfoliate, then you can elevate!

Choosing an eyebrow tint color that complements the client's natural hair color and skin tone, aiming for a shade that is typically one to two shades darker than the natural eyebrow hair.

• Match hair color and skin tone
• Typically 1-2 shades darker than natural brow hair
• Avoid overly dark shades for fair clients
• Aim for natural enhancement

Memory trick: Tinting brows should blend, not shout, natural beauty all about!

A massage manipulation consisting of deep kneading, squeezing, and rolling movements that lift, squeeze, and press the tissue.

• Stimulates circulation, improves muscle tone.
• Helps to release toxins and bring nutrients to the skin.
• Often used on areas with more muscle and fat.
• Can be beneficial for mature or sluggish skin.

Memory trick: Petrissage is like kneading dough for your face.

Conditions or medications that make chemical exfoliation unsafe or potentially harmful for a client, requiring postponement or avoidance of the service.

• Active infections (herpes simplex, bacterial)
• Open wounds or lesions
• Recent cosmetic surgery or resurfacing
• Use of certain medications (e.g., isotretinoin, strong retinoids)

Memory trick: Contraindications are like red flags, STOP before you peel!

The correct method for manual extractions involves using the pads of the index fingers, often wrapped in cotton or tissue, to apply gentle, even pressure around a comedone to expel its contents.

• Use pads of index fingers
• Wrap fingers in cotton/tissue
• Apply gentle, even pressure
• Avoid using fingernails

Memory trick: Pads are perfect, nails are naught, gentle pressure safely sought.

The standard order of applying base makeup products to achieve a long-lasting, smooth, and even complexion.

• Prepping the skin (cleanser, moisturizer, primer) is the first step.
• Foundation evens skin tone.
• Concealer targets specific imperfections.
• Setting powder locks in liquid/cream products and controls shine.

Memory trick: Foundation and Concealer are friends, then Powder seals their bond.

A skin undertone characterized by yellow, peach, or golden hues, often indicated by green veins on the wrist and skin that tans easily.

• Veins appear green on the wrist
• Skin tans easily, rarely burns
• Looks best in gold jewelry

Memory trick: Warm skin needs a 'Warm Hug' of golden foundation.

A chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes papules and pustules. Often triggered by heat, stress, and certain foods.

• Commonly affects the central face.
• Symptoms include flushing, persistent redness, telangiectasias (broken capillaries).
• Can be exacerbated by sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures.
• Different subtypes exist, including erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular.

Memory trick: Rosie's face flushes red from heat and spice.

The technique of applying soft wax to the skin in the same direction as the hair growth to ensure optimal adherence of the wax to the hair shaft, preparing it for removal.

• Apply in direction of hair growth
• Allows wax to coat hair properly
• Ensures effective removal against growth
• Prevents hair breakage

Memory trick: Soft wax goes WITH the flow, then PULL against the grow!

A type of thermal facial mask that hardens to a plaster-like consistency, generating its own heat to facilitate deeper penetration of beneficial ingredients and promote hydration and rejuvenation.

• Also known as thermal masks.
• Contains gypsum (plaster of Paris) and other ingredients.
• Creates a warming effect that helps products penetrate.
• Beneficial for mature, dry, or dull skin.

Memory trick: Modelage Molds Magic for Mature skin.

Clients using isotretinoin (Accutane) are contraindicated for waxing services due to extreme skin thinning and fragility, which can lead to severe skin damage.

• Isotretinoin thins skin significantly
• High risk of skin lifting/tearing
• Contraindicated for waxing
• Alternative methods (e.g., sugaring, threading) may also be risky

Memory trick: When skin's thin from Accutane, waxing brings only pain!

The process of preparing the skin to facilitate the safe and effective removal of comedones and other impactions, primarily by opening pores and softening follicular contents.

• Crucial for minimizing trauma and discomfort during extractions.
• Common methods include facial steaming, warm compresses, or desincrustation solution.
• Helps to loosen sebum and dead skin cells.
• Performed after cleansing and exfoliation, before extractions.

Memory trick: Steam makes skin soft like a cloud for easy clearing.

Facial masks formulated with clay (e.g., bentonite, kaolin) that absorb excess oil, draw out impurities, and detoxify the skin, making them suitable for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin.

• Absorbs excess sebum
• Draws out impurities
• Tightens pores
• Detoxifies and purifies

Memory trick: Clay for oil, Gel for dew, Cream for rich, Model for new.

The ordered steps for applying and removing hair using soft wax (strip wax), which requires a fabric strip for removal.

• Cleanse and prep skin first.
• Apply wax thinly in direction of hair growth.
• Apply fabric strip firmly in direction of hair growth.
• Remove strip quickly against hair growth, keeping it close to skin.

Memory trick: Wax first, then strip, then pull for smooth skin.

Small, dark lesions on the skin caused by clogged hair follicles, where the pore is open to the air, leading to oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells.

• Also known as open comedones.
• Appear dark due to oxidized sebum and melanin.
• Common in oily areas like the T-zone.
• Not indicative of dirt, but rather oxidized material.

Memory trick: Open doors let in the dark; closed doors keep it white.

Makeup techniques using light-reflecting or strategically placed lighter shades to create the illusion of larger, brighter, and more open eyes.

• Use light, shimmery shades
• Apply to inner corner and brow bone
• Avoid heavy dark colors all over lid
• Can use lighter shades on center of lid

Memory trick: Light expands, dark contracts; make eyes look big, no turning back!

A common scalp condition characterized by an accumulation of dry, white, non-adherent scales that are easily shed from the scalp.

• Often referred to as classic dandruff.
• Scales are dry and fall freely.
• Typically presents without inflammation or redness.

Memory trick: Dry flakes simply fall like snow.