Hair and Scalp Treatments
Core concepts
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.
Know scalp treatments: massage, exfoliation, and medicated products for flaking scalps, used per instructions. Understand the role of pH and cuticle condition in product absorption. Know how to assess before treating: porosity, elasticity, breakage pattern, scalp condition.
Know application technique: sectioning, even distribution, heat or steam use per manufacturer, and processing time. Know safety: patch test for new products, avoid the scalp with strong treatments unless designed for it, and refer medical conditions.
Traps
Questions often claim a protein treatment cures breakage or that more product is always better. Another trap is treating a scalp infection with a cosmetic product.
Rule of thumb
Assess first, then match the treatment: moisture for flexibility, protein for temporary strength, and refer anything medical.