10 Common Cosmetology Terms

 

As an aspiring cosmetologist, you’ll probably need to know a lot of terminology to work successfully in the beauty industry. It can sometimes feel like there’s quite a lot of jargon floating around, which can be difficult to untangle. That’s why you should definitely know a few terms before you start your own research.

Even if you haven’t started your beauty industry journey, it can still be important to learn about various important cosmetology terms. Whether you’re trying out a new cosmetic product, learning how to prevent ingrown hairs, or understanding how to read the ingredients list of different over-the-counter products, cosmetology terms can be very helpful. Here are a few of the most common terms that you’ll see.

1. Cosmetic

“Cosmetic” is a broad term that refers to a product, ingredient, substance, or treatment that provides a solution to improve your look. Some common cosmetics include body scrubs, eye creams, micellar water, and other skin care items. These products may have active ingredients that can benefit your appearance; for example, some products may be able to prevent water loss, and amino acids may be in haircare products to strengthen the outer layers of the hair. However, they are not medicinal.

2. Esthetics

Esthetics is the study that estheticians, who are professional skin care experts, go through. Estheticians may learn how to treat different types of skin, what skin care products are best for different needs, and various treatments. For example, as an esthetician, you may learn about chemical exfoliants, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which can get rid of dead skin cells through a chemical peel.

3. Derm

The root word “derm” pops up in all kinds of situations in cosmetology. This term comes from the Greek word “derma,” meaning skin. Words including this root could include “dermal,” “dermis,” “epidermis,” “microdermabrasion,” and “epidermabrasion,” all terms that have to do with applying something to the skin. While less common in beauty products, procedures that can help with concerns like acne-prone skin or issues with collagen production and blood flow may include the root word “derm,” indicating that these procedures have to do with the skin.

4. Callus

A callus is a hardened part of the outermost layer of skin. The soles of the feet often have calluses, but you can also find them on fingers, palms, and elbows. Chemical peels may remove calluses, but physical exfoliants, like pumice stones and  loofa scrubs, are a common form of safe removal of these dead skin cells.

5. Wax

Wax can refer to a variety of thick substances used for removing unwanted hair or styling hair in a specific way. Different types of wax may be better for different skin types; for example, very sensitive skin may benefit from a different method than less sensitive skin. Common ingredients can include beeswax, lanolin, castor, carnauba, sugar, and paraffin.

6. Undercutting

Undercutting is an extremely common cosmetology term for cutting and styling hair. This cutting technique keeps the sections of hair closer to the back of the neck shorter than the hair near the top of the head. In a beauty salon, you’re likely to use undercutting extremely frequently.

7. Bangs

You probably use this term in your day-to-day life. Bangs are the layer of hair closer to the forehead, cut shorter than the rest of the hair. Some people may choose to use synthetic hair or hair extensions to add bangs to their hair so they can switch their style without having to wait for the entire hair growth cycle if they get bored of their bangs.

8. Natural/Organic

Although these terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they aren’t the same. “Natural” is a term that doesn’t have a specific legal definition but often refers to products, including skin and hair products, that don’t include synthetic chemicals. This may include bath oils, haircare products, and more. “Organic” can have a legal definition and usually refers to ingredients that do not use certain pesticides during the growth process.

9. Allergy

An allergy is an immunity issue. The human body sometimes inaccurately detects an ingredient as being harmful to it, even though most humans have no adverse reactions. This allergic reaction can be as mild as itchiness or as severe as anaphylactic shock. Many cosmetologists need to learn to identify allergic reactions on various skin tones to avoid severe health issues for clients.

10. Matte

“Matte” is the opposite of “glossy.” It refers to any product with a non-shiny finish. A lip gloss, for example, is usually glossy, whereas many lipsticks are matte. Determining the right finish is important for achieving a great look in makeup application.

Learn all the terms you’ll need with a cosmetology program

There are many terms that can be important in cosmetology; this is only a small portion of the terms that you’ll probably need to know. From salicylic acid to collagen production to dark spots and benzoyl peroxide, the cosmetology program at Evergreen Beauty College can help encourage you on your path toward a great cosmetology career.

FAQ: Cosmetology terms to know

Will I need to know all of these terms for my cosmetology journey?

It’s not necessary for you to know these terms before you start studying cosmetology. However, you’ll learn them while you train as a cosmetologist. If these terms are important for your specialty, you should learn them.

What other concepts will I learn in cosmetology school?

Cosmetology school will teach you everything you need to know to become a licensed cosmetologist. Depending on your specialty, you may learn haircutting, makeup application, and even how to perform manicures and nail care. Contact an admissions specialist at your ideal school to learn more about what their cosmetology program teaches.

How can I keep up to date with new important cosmetology terms?

Continuing education is extremely important in cosmetology; the field is always growing and changing, so it’s important that you learn more about the latest and greatest innovations. When you become a licensed cosmetologist, there are many opportunities available for continuing education; make sure you access them whenever possible.