Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Treatments
This domain tests scalp and hair analysis, shampoo selection and technique, massage, and treatment choices. You must distinguish a serviceable scalp from one that needs medical referral, then match products and water temperature to the analysis.
Analyze first
- Check density, texture, porosity, and elasticity, plus scalp type and condition; wear gloves when lesions are present.
- High porosity has a rough cuticle and absorbs or loses moisture quickly; low porosity has a tight cuticle and resists moisture.
- Elasticity is tested on a wet strand: it should stretch and return; poor elasticity warns against strong chemicals.
- Contraindications include open lesions, sunburn, ringworm, lice, weeping dermatitis, and recent chemical burns; do not massage and refer.
Shampoo and condition
- Hair and scalp pH is about 4.5 to 5.5; alkaline shampoo swells the cuticle, while a low-pH conditioner smooths it.
- Wet thoroughly, use warm not hot water, dilute shampoo as directed, apply to the scalp, massage with finger pads, and rinse until clear.
- Match the shampoo: clarifying for buildup, moisturizing for dry hair, balanced for normal hair; use medicated shampoo only as directed.
- Apply conditioner from midshaft to ends, avoid an oily scalp, and choose protein for damage or humectants for moisture; do not overcondition fine hair.
Worked example
A client has dry, brittle, high-porosity ends and an oily scalp. Choose a gentle balanced shampoo, concentrate it on the scalp, condition from midshaft to ends, and use a low-pH leave-in. A heavy protein treatment on low-porosity hair would sit on the surface and feel stiff rather than repair.
Traps that cost marks
Diagnosing disease, massaging an inflamed scalp, using hot water, rinsing insufficiently, applying conditioner to an oily scalp, and using clarifying shampoo on freshly tinted hair.