Hair Care and Styling
What this domain tests
Hair Care and Styling tests hair and scalp structure, cleansing and conditioning, drying and thermal styling, and safe use of tools and products. Expect questions on hair types, porosity, scalp conditions, shampoo selection and styling hazards.
Core rules and concepts
- Hair has three main layers: cuticle, cortex and medulla. The cuticle is the outer protective layer; the cortex gives strength, elasticity and colour; the medulla is the central core. Damage to the cuticle causes roughness and breakage.
- Shampoo cleans the scalp; conditioner is applied mainly to mid-lengths and ends. Rinse thoroughly.
- Wet hair is weaker: detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, working from ends upward.
- Heat styling needs a heat protectant and a tool temperature suited to hair type. Keep hot metal away from the scalp and skin.
- Scalp conditions such as dandruff, ringworm or open sores need referral; do not treat them as ordinary dryness.
- Colour and chemical services need patch tests and strand tests according to product instructions.
Worked example
A client with dry, brittle, colour-treated hair wants a blow-dry. Reason it out: shampoo gently, condition mid-lengths and ends, detangle with a wide-tooth comb, apply heat protectant, and use a moderate dryer temperature with the nozzle moving continuously. Do not brush wet hair aggressively or hold heat on one spot. Recommend less frequent heat styling and a conditioning routine.
Traps that cost marks
Do not apply conditioner heavily to the scalp unless the product is designed for it. Do not brush wet hair from roots to ends. Do not use a hot iron on wet hair. Do not ignore a painful or infected scalp. Do not promise colour results without a patch and strand test.