Hair and Scalp Care
This section covers Hair and Scalp Care. The exam tests hair structure, growth cycle, scalp types, shampooing and conditioning, and safe home-care advice.
Hair structure and growth
Each hair has a cuticle of overlapping scales, a cortex rich in keratin and pigment, and sometimes a medulla. The growth cycle has anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest and shedding). Normal shedding is part of the cycle; sudden heavy loss needs referral.
Scalp and washing
Scalp types include normal, dry, oily and dandruff-prone. Shampoo is applied to the wet scalp, massaged gently with fingertips and rinsed fully; conditioner goes mainly on mid-lengths and ends. Use lukewarm water. Brush or comb gently before washing to remove tangles. Oil massage can condition the scalp but should not be left on for days in oily scalps. Do not scratch dandruff scales or share combs.
Worked example
A client has an oily scalp and dry, brittle ends. The correct advice is to shampoo the scalp with a mild shampoo, apply conditioner only from mid-length to ends, rinse well, and use a light serum on ends. Reason: the scalp needs cleansing while the ends need conditioning; applying conditioner to the scalp would increase oiliness.
Traps
Very hot water, rough towel rubbing, combing wet hair from the roots, and applying conditioner to an oily scalp are common mistakes. Persistent scalp inflammation, sores or sudden hair loss should be referred.