Hair and Scalp Care; Shampooing and Conditioning
Core concepts
Know hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla) and how water and surfactants affect it. Shampoo surfactants lift sebum and debris; the cuticle swells with water, so wet hair is weaker and more fragile. Understand scalp types (normal, oily, dry) and conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea). Barbering scope is limited: barbers cleanse, condition, and may treat mild dandruff with medicated shampoo, but do not diagnose or treat disease-refer medical conditions.
Traps to watch
Questions distinguish a condition barbers may address (dry scalp, mild flaking) from one requiring referral (ringworm/tinea, open lesions, severe inflammation). Do not confuse a conditioner's purpose (restore moisture, smooth cuticle, reduce static) with a shampoo's (cleanse). Over-shampooing strips oils and can worsen dryness; over-conditioning can weigh hair down. Water temperature should be comfortably warm, not hot, and the client's face and ears protected.
Worked rule of thumb
Match product to scalp: oily scalp-clarifying or daily shampoo, light conditioner on ends; dry scalp-moisturizing, sulfate-mild shampoo and richer conditioner; flaking with redness or circular patches-stop service and refer.
Technique and safety
Drape properly, test water temperature on your inner wrist, massage the scalp with fingertips (not nails), rinse thoroughly, and blot rather than rub. Note any redness, lesions, or unusual shedding and document it.