BM Coiffure study guide
BM Coiffure · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The BM Coiffure credential is a professional hairdressing qualification intended for candidates who want to demonstrate competence across the full range of salon work, from hygiene and client consultation through cutting, colouring, chemical services and salon management. It suits learners completing formal hairdressing training as well as working stylists who need a recognised benchmark of their skills. The BM Coiffure study guide has 9 sections and about 2,309 words.
01Hygiene, Health and Safety
This domain tests whether you can protect clients and yourself from infection, injury and chemical harm. Know the chain of infection (pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host) and the difference between cleaning (removing visible soil with soap/detergent), disinfection (destroying most pathogens on surfaces with an EPA-registered product used at the labelled contact time) and sterilisation (destroying all microbial life, including spores, usually by autoclave).
312 words, about 2 min02Client Consultation and Diagnosis
Consultation is a structured conversation plus observation. Learn the hair and scalp analysis sequence: scalp condition (dry, oily, flaky, sensitive, lesions), hair density, texture, porosity, elasticity, and the hair's growth pattern (cowlicks, whorls).
287 words, about 1 min03Shampooing and Scalp Care
Know the purpose of shampooing: cleansing scalp and hair, removing product build-up, preparing hair for service, and supporting scalp health. Understand how surfactants work: a hydrophilic head and lipophilic tail lift oils and soil into water so they rinse away.
278 words, about 1 min04Haircutting and Styling
Understand the structures of a haircut : guideline (stationary or travelling), sectioning, elevation/projection, distribution, and cutting angle. Know how these create graduation, layering, and one-length forms.
241 words, about 1 min05Coloration and Lightening
Know the hair colour wheel and law of colour : primary, secondary and tertiary colours; complementary colours neutralise unwanted tones (blue neutralises orange, violet neutralises yellow, green neutralises red). Understand depth/level (1 black to 10 lightest blonde) and tone , and how to read a shade number such as 6.43 (level 6, copper-gold tone).
255 words, about 1 min06Perming and Chemical Straightening
Understand the chemistry of a perm : a reducing agent (often ammonium thioglycolate) breaks disulphide bonds in the cortex; the hair is then shaped on rods ; an oxidising neutraliser (often hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate) rebuilds the bonds in the new shape. Know that the same chemistry underlies chemical straightening , where the hair is smoothed rather than wound.
254 words, about 1 min07Hair and Scalp Treatments
Know the difference between cosmetic and corrective treatments: cosmetic treatments improve appearance and manageability; corrective treatments aim to address a specific condition (e.g., severe dryness, breakage, dandruff) but do not cure medical conditions. Understand moisture vs protein : moisture (humectants, conditioning agents) improves flexibility and softness; protein (hydrolysed keratin, silk) temporarily fills and strengthens, but excess protein can make hair stiff and brittle.
235 words, about 1 min08Salon Management and Professional Conduct
Know the professional standards : punctuality, confidentiality, informed consent, honest advice, and clear pricing. Understand record keeping : client cards, consent forms, patch test records, and product usage logs, and why they matter for safety and continuity.
228 words, about 1 min09Product Knowledge and Cosmetology Science
Know the structure of hair : cuticle (outer protective layer), cortex (main body, contains pigment and disulphide bonds), and medulla (central core, not always present). Understand the hair growth cycle : anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting/shedding).
219 words, about 1 min