Hair Care and Basic Hair Styling Services
What this domain covers
This domain covers shampooing, conditioning, scalp care, drying, and basic styling. The exam tests hair analysis, product choice, safe heat use, and styling that respects hair condition.
Core rules and concepts
- Analyse the hair and scalp before washing: dry, oily, damaged, chemically treated, flaky, or sensitive.
- Wet hair gently, apply shampoo diluted if needed, massage the scalp with fingertips, and rinse thoroughly. Do not scrub with nails.
- Apply conditioner mainly to mid-lengths and ends; rinse well. Oily scalps usually need less conditioner near the roots.
- Towel-dry by pressing, not rubbing roughly. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb from ends to roots.
- Use a heat protectant before blow-drying or using hot tools. Keep the dryer moving and at a safe distance to avoid scalp burns.
- Basic styling includes blow-dry, simple curls, straightening, and setting. Choose a style the hair can hold without excessive tension.
- In hard-water areas, mineral build-up can make hair dull; use a suitable clarifying routine only when needed.
Worked example
A client with dry, frizzy hair wants a smooth blow-dry. What should the stylist do?
Reasoning: The stylist should use a moisturising shampoo and a conditioner on the ends, then apply a heat protectant and a light smoothing product. Hair should be detangled gently and dried on a moderate heat setting with the nozzle pointing down the hair shaft. Very high heat or rough brushing of wet hair can increase breakage. The reasoning is that smoothness comes from moisture, gentle handling, and controlled heat, not from pulling the hair straight.
Traps that cost marks
- Applying conditioner heavily to an oily scalp.
- Brushing wet hair roughly from roots to ends.
- Using high heat without a protectant.
- Ignoring scalp redness, flakes, or sores.