Texas Cosmetology Operator Written Exam flashcards

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping scales, which swells and opens in alkaline conditions and flattens and closes in acidic conditions.

• Alkaline pH opens cuticle
• Acidic pH closes cuticle
• Healthy hair pH is slightly acidic (4.5-5.5)

Memory trick: Alkaline Lifts, Acids Lock.

The specific duration required for gel polish layers to fully harden under a UV or LED light source.

• Varies by lamp type (UV vs. LED)
• Typically 30-60 seconds for LED, 2 minutes for UV
• Ensures durability and prevents stickiness

Memory trick: Thirty to sixty, makes gel polish nifty.

A very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of human skin and hair, acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses, and other potential contaminants.

• Natural pH 4.5-5.5
• Protects skin and hair
• Disrupted by alkaline products

Memory trick: Four-Five is Fine, Five-Five for Skin and Shine.

The safe and effective temperature range for paraffin wax used in cosmetology treatments.

• Typically 125-130°F (52-54°C)
• Ensures therapeutic benefits
• Prevents burns

Memory trick: One-two-five to one-three-zero, for paraffin's warm glow.

A liquid applied to the natural nail plate to enhance the adhesion of artificial nail enhancements.

• Creates a strong bond
• Essential for preventing lifting
• Specific formulations for different enhancement types

Memory trick: Primer's the glue, strong and true, for nails that stick like new.

The typical speed at which healthy fingernails grow in adults.

• Approximately 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per month
• Fingernails grow faster than toenails
• Affected by age, nutrition, health, and season

Memory trick: One-eighth a month, for nail growth's stunt.

Onychorrhexis is a condition characterized by brittle nails with lengthwise ridges or splits. Care focuses on hydration, gentle handling, and strengthening.

• Brittle, splitting nails.
• Often due to dehydration, trauma, or nutritional factors.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and aggressive filing.
• Focus on moisturizing and strengthening treatments.

Memory trick: OnychoRRHexis: Replenish, Repair, Rehydrate, Respect!

Tiny blood clots that run vertically under the nails, appearing as small, dark, splinter-like lines. Can be caused by trauma or underlying systemic diseases.

• Appear as thin, red/brown lines.
• Result from damaged capillaries under the nail.
• Can indicate trauma or systemic issues (e.g., endocarditis).
• Requires medical referral if no trauma is present.

Memory trick: Nail Clues: Streaks = Systemic Signals, See a Doc!

A chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species, where one species is oxidized (loses electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons).

• Oxidation = loss of electrons
• Reduction = gain of electrons
• Crucial for hair coloring and perming

Memory trick: LEO says GER: Loss of Electrons is Oxidation, Gain of Electrons is Reduction.

Strong chemical side bonds in hair keratin, formed between two sulfur atoms, responsible for hair's strength and elasticity, and are broken and reformed during permanent waving and chemical relaxing.

• Strongest side bond
• Broken by reduction (perm solution)
• Reformed by oxidation (neutralizer)
• Contributes to hair's permanent shape

Memory trick: Disulfide's Strength Defines Hair's Length.

A sticky, uncured layer of gel product that remains on the surface after exposure to UV/LED light, caused by oxygen inhibiting the cure. It acts as an adhesive for subsequent layers.

• Unique to gel-based systems.
• Forms after curing.
• Essential for inter-layer adhesion.
• Wiped off only after the final top coat.

Memory trick: Inhibition: Gels' Sticky Situation!

Temporary, adhesive guides placed under the natural nail to support and shape sculptured artificial nail extensions.

• Used for sculptured extensions (acrylic, hard gel)
• Provides a guide for length and shape
• Removed after product hardens

Memory trick: Forms are the frame, for extensions' fame.

The detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed, usually starting at the free edge.

• Nail plate separates from nail bed
• Often starts at the free edge
• Can be caused by trauma, allergic reactions, or systemic diseases

Memory trick: Onycho-lysis, the lift that's a crisis.

Infections or diseases that can be spread from one person to another. Cosmetologists must refuse service to prevent transmission.

• Includes fungal, bacterial, viral infections
• Requires referral to a medical professional
• Protects client, technician, and salon environment

Memory trick: No service for 'icky' conditions, refer to a doc quick!

The hard, translucent, keratinized plate that protects the fingertip and is the most visible part of the nail.

• Composed of keratin
• Grows from the matrix
• Sits on the nail bed

Memory trick: Many parts make a healthy nail, plate is the main display.

The lunula is the half-moon shaped, whitish area at the base of the nail plate, representing the visible portion of the nail matrix, where all new nail growth originates.

• Visible part of the matrix.
• Produces new nail cells.
• Whiter because cells are still opaque.
• Can vary in size or be absent on some nails.

Memory trick: Lunula: Lunar Growth, New Nail's Birth!

Molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby preventing or slowing down cellular damage caused by free radicals.

• Neutralize free radicals
• Protect against environmental damage
• Common examples: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea extract

Memory trick: Antioxidants Act Against Aging.

The distinct forms that matter takes on, characterized by how particles are arranged and interact, primarily solid, liquid, and gas.

• Solid: definite shape, definite volume
• Liquid: indefinite shape, definite volume
• Gas: indefinite shape, indefinite volume

Memory trick: Solids Shape Up, Liquids Flow, Gases Go Anywhere.

The process of securely attaching an artificial nail tip to the natural nail plate to add length and provide a foundation for further enhancement products.

• Proper sizing is crucial.
• Adhesive applied to the tip well.
• Slid on at a 45-degree angle.
• Avoids air bubbles for strength.

Memory trick: Tip Time: Size, Glue Well, Angle, Slide, Hold!

The sticky, uncured layer that remains on a gel product after it has been cured under a UV or LED light. This 'inhibition layer' is essential for the adhesion of subsequent gel layers.

• Forms after curing gel polish.
• Crucial for inter-layer adhesion.
• Should not be wiped until the very end (top coat).
• Allows color gel to bond effectively.

Memory trick: Gel Layers: Base, Cure, Tacky, Color, Cure, Top, Cure, Wipe!

In a dry manicure, cuticles are softened using specialized products rather than water immersion, often to prevent water absorption that can affect nail polish adhesion.

• Uses cuticle remover.
• Avoids water soaking.
• Can improve polish longevity.
• Often paired with heated mitts or oils.

Memory trick: Dry Manicure: No Drip, Just Dip (in Remover).

The process of adding new acrylic product to the growth area of existing artificial nails.

• Prepares existing nail for new product
• Focuses on the regrowth area
• Blends new and old product seamlessly

Memory trick: Prep, blend, fill, then shine, for a perfect acrylic line.

Transverse depressions on the nail plate, indicating a temporary halt or slowing of nail growth.

• Visible horizontal lines/grooves
• Caused by illness, injury, or stress
• Grow out with the nail

Memory trick: Beau's lines across, tell of a past growth loss.

A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

• 0-6.9 = Acidic
• 7 = Neutral
• 7.1-14 = Alkaline (Basic)

Memory trick: Acids are Low, Bases are High, Neutral's Seven, Don't ask why!

A substance that stabilizes an emulsion, preventing the separation of immiscible liquids (like oil and water) into their distinct phases.

• Has both hydrophilic and lipophilic parts
• Creates stable mixtures (emulsions)
• Common in lotions, creams, conditioners

Memory trick: Emulsifiers make 'Em' Mix Evenly.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for metabolic processes and contributes significantly to the strength and health of hair and nails.

• Deficiency can cause brittle nails.
• Supports keratin production.
• Found in foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains.

Memory trick: Brittle Nails? Biotin's Your Buddy!

A common nail condition where the edge of the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin of the nail groove, causing pain, inflammation, and potential infection.

• Commonly affects toenails.
• Caused by improper trimming, tight shoes, or heredity.
• Requires careful management; severe cases need medical attention.
• Cosmetologists should not treat, only recognize and refer.

Memory trick: Crypto-Toe: Hidden Nail, Painful Grow!

A substance that lowers the surface tension of a liquid, allowing for easier spreading and wetting, often used as detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.

• Reduces surface tension
• Commonly found in cleansers and shampoos
• Can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric

Memory trick: Surfactants Surface for Suds and Spread.

A non-oxidative hair color that stains the cuticle layer of the hair, depositing color without lightening. It does not contain ammonia or require a developer.

• Lasts 4-6 shampoos (can vary)
• Adds shine and tone, but does not lighten natural hair color
• Ideal for vibrant fashion colors when applied to pre-lightened hair
• Larger molecules than temporary color, allowing deeper penetration into the cuticle

Memory trick: Semi-Permanent is like a 'semi-truck' full of vibrant color, delivering it without changing the road.