Colorado Cosmetology License Exam

In a salon, which level of decontamination is required for multi-use (reusable) implements such as metal shears and combs that have not touched blood or body fluids?

1. AWashing in hot soapy water, then air drying
2. BCleaning, then full immersion in an EPA-registered disinfectantCorrect
3. CAutoclave sterilization before use on every client
4. DWiping with a disinfectant wipe between clients

Why: There are three levels of decontamination: sanitation (lowest, reduces germs), disinfection (kills most pathogens on hard nonporous surfaces), and sterilization (highest, destroys all microbial life). Multi-use implements must first be cleaned to remove visible debris and then fully immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the manufacturer's stated contact time. Cleaning alone does not kill pathogens, and salons generally are not required to autoclave/sterilize implements that have not contacted blood.

On the pH scale, a product with a pH of 9 is:

1. ANeutral, the same as pure water
2. BAcidic
3. CAlkalineCorrect
4. DSo acidic that it will dissolve hair

Why: The pH scale runs from 0 to 14; 7 is neutral (pure water). Values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline (basic). A pH of 9 is alkaline. Alkaline products soften and swell the hair and raise the cuticle, which is why permanent color, lighteners, and alkaline (cold) waves are alkaline — they need the cuticle open to work. Acidic products (like many conditioners and toners) contract and smooth the cuticle. The scale is logarithmic, so each whole number is a tenfold change.