CDACC Hairdressing study materials
CDACC Hairdressing study resources

CDACC Hairdressing practice questions

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Question 1Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A stylist is about to mix a relaxer containing sodium hydroxide. Which personal protective equipment is most important for protecting the hands during mixing and application?

  1. A fabric apron
  2. Protective eyewear alone
  3. Nitrile or latex gloves rated for chemical contact Correct answer.
  4. A cotton face mask

Explanation

Sodium hydroxide is strongly alkaline and causes chemical burns on skin, so chemical-resistant gloves are the primary barrier for the hands. A mask, apron, or eyewear protects other areas but does not protect the hands from direct contact.

Question 2Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Which practice best prevents the spread of fungal infections such as ringworm between clients in the salon?

  1. Disinfecting reusable tools and avoiding sharing of combs and brushes Correct answer.
  2. Using the same towel for several clients
  3. Washing tools with plain water between clients
  4. Wiping scissors on a dry cloth after each cut

Explanation

Dermatophytes spread through contaminated tools, hair, and surfaces, so effective disinfection of reusable items and no sharing of personal tools between clients breaks the transmission route. Water alone and dry wiping do not kill fungal spores.

Question 3Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A worker develops redness, itching, and small blisters on the fingers after several weeks of shampooing clients. What is the most appropriate first action?

  1. Ignore it until the skin cracks and bleeds
  2. Switch to a stronger detergent to clean the hands
  3. Continue working and apply a scented hand cream
  4. Report the skin condition to the supervisor and seek occupational health advice Correct answer.

Explanation

Occupational contact dermatitis is common in hairdressing and worsens with continued exposure, so early reporting and professional assessment are essential. Self-treating with scented products or harsh detergents may aggravate the reaction.

Question 4Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

What is the correct way to store a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the salon?

  1. In a closed, labelled container away from heat and direct sunlight Correct answer.
  2. Next to open flames for quick access
  3. In an unlabelled spray bottle near the styling station
  4. Decanted into a drinking-water bottle

Explanation

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes with heat and light and releases oxygen, so it must be kept in a closed, labelled container away from heat sources. Unlabelled or mislabelled containers create serious poisoning and confusion risks.

Question 5Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Why must a salon be well ventilated when chemical smoothing or relaxing services are performed?

  1. To lower the cost of the service
  2. To reduce inhalation of irritating vapours and fumes Correct answer.
  3. To keep the client warm
  4. To make the products work faster

Explanation

Chemical treatments release vapours and fine particles that irritate the respiratory tract, so good ventilation or local extraction reduces exposure. Ventilation does not change the chemistry of the treatment or its cost.

Question 6Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Which action is required before a stylist begins a service on a new client?

  1. Cutting a test strand to check colour
  2. Asking about allergies and previous reactions to hair products Correct answer.
  3. Taking a photograph for the salon file
  4. Applying the product to check the result

Explanation

A pre-service consultation must include questions about allergies and past reactions, since sensitisation to dyes and other chemicals can cause severe reactions. This history guides patch testing and product selection.

Question 7Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A hairdryer with a frayed power cord is found at a workstation. What should the stylist do?

  1. Withdraw it from use, tag it, and report it for repair or replacement Correct answer.
  2. Tape the frayed section and keep using it
  3. Use it only on the lowest heat setting
  4. Move it to another station for someone else

Explanation

Damaged cords expose live conductors and create electric shock and fire risks, so faulty equipment must be taken out of service, labelled, and reported. Taping or relocating the appliance leaves the hazard active.

Question 8Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A client faints during a colour service. After calling for help and ensuring the area is safe, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Apply cold water to the client's face and leave the room
  2. Lay the client down with legs raised and monitor breathing Correct answer.
  3. Continue the service while the client rests
  4. Sit the client upright and give a hot drink

Explanation

Fainting reduces blood flow to the brain, so lying the casualty down with the legs elevated helps restore circulation. The worker must stay with the client, monitor breathing, and seek medical help if recovery is not prompt.

Question 9Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Which statement correctly describes the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in the salon?

  1. It lists the prices of salon products
  2. It records the salon's daily cleaning schedule
  3. It certifies that the product is approved for professional use
  4. It provides hazard, handling, and emergency information for a chemical product Correct answer.

Explanation

An SDS communicates the hazards, safe handling, first-aid, and spill measures for a specific chemical product. It is a reference document for risk control, not an approval certificate or a cleaning or pricing record.

Question 10Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A bottle of bleach powder spills on the floor. What is the correct sequence of actions?

  1. Evacuate the immediate area, protect yourself, contain and clean up, then ventilate Correct answer.
  2. Sweep the powder into a corner and continue working
  3. Wipe it up with a wet mop immediately without protection
  4. Vacuum the powder with the salon vacuum cleaner

Explanation

Bleach powder is an irritant and dust hazard, so the area should be cleared, the worker protected, and the spill contained and cleaned with appropriate methods. Ventilation removes airborne dust after clean-up.

Question 11Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Why is it important to keep the salon floor free of hair clippings and water during the working day?

  1. To make the salon look more attractive
  2. To reduce slips, trips, and falls for staff and clients Correct answer.
  3. To prevent hair from blocking the drains
  4. To save time at the end of the day

Explanation

Wet floors combined with loose hair create a slippery surface, a leading cause of workplace injuries in salons. Regular sweeping and drying are primary slip-prevention controls.

Question 12Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A stylist must dispose of used razor blades and broken glass. What is the safest method?

  1. Wrap them in tissue and put them in the general bin
  2. Leave them on the trolley for later collection
  3. Drop them into a plastic bag with other rubbish
  4. Place them in a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container Correct answer.

Explanation

Sharps must go into a rigid, puncture-resistant container to prevent cuts and exposure to blood or chemicals. Tissue and plastic bags offer no protection against punctures.

Question 13Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Which combination best reflects correct hand hygiene practice in a busy salon?

  1. Wearing gloves all day without changing them
  2. Washing hands with soap and water before and after each client and after removing gloves Correct answer.
  3. Using hand sanitiser only at the end of the day
  4. Rinsing hands briefly between every third client

Explanation

Hand hygiene must occur before and after every client contact and after glove removal, because gloves can develop unnoticed tears and hands can become contaminated. Once-daily or intermittent cleaning is inadequate.

Question 14Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A pregnant stylist is concerned about exposure to chemical treatments. What is the most appropriate workplace response?

  1. Review the risk assessment with the employer and agree on suitable adjustments Correct answer.
  2. Ask colleagues to handle all paperwork instead
  3. Continue all duties without any change
  4. Refuse all client services without discussion

Explanation

Pregnancy is a condition requiring a specific risk assessment, and employers must consider adjustments to reduce exposure to chemicals, long standing, and other hazards. This is a collaborative, documented process rather than an all-or-nothing refusal.

Question 15Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

What is the main reason for wearing safety glasses when mixing strong colour products?

  1. To improve colour vision under salon lighting
  2. To prevent splashes of caustic or irritant chemicals from entering the eyes Correct answer.
  3. To keep hair out of the eyes
  4. To reduce glare from the mirror

Explanation

Chemical splashes in the eye can cause serious injury, and safety glasses provide a physical barrier during mixing and application. They are not a vision-enhancement or glare-control device.

Question 16Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A salon uses a colour product that has just been recalled for causing allergic reactions. What is the correct action?

  1. Mix it with another product to reduce the reaction
  2. Stop using the product, quarantine remaining stock, and inform clients who received it Correct answer.
  3. Sell the remaining stock to clients for home use
  4. Continue using existing stock until it runs out

Explanation

A recalled product must be withdrawn immediately and remaining stock isolated to prevent further exposure. Clients already treated should be informed so they can watch for reactions and seek advice.

Question 17Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Two workers disagree about whether a particular task requires gloves. Which approach best resolves the question?

  1. Follow whichever worker has more years of experience
  2. Use gloves only if the client requests them
  3. Consult the product Safety Data Sheet and the salon risk assessment Correct answer.
  4. Decide based on how quickly the task can be completed

Explanation

PPE decisions should be based on documented hazard information and the task risk assessment, not on seniority or convenience. The SDS identifies required protection for the chemical, and the assessment applies it to the task.

Question 18Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A salon's extraction system is working poorly and chemical odours linger. Which control measure should be prioritised?

  1. Reduce the number of treatments offered each week
  2. Repair or improve the engineering control before relying on respiratory PPE Correct answer.
  3. Open a window occasionally during the busiest periods
  4. Issue masks to all staff and continue as normal

Explanation

In the hierarchy of controls, engineering measures such as local exhaust ventilation come before personal protective equipment. Fixing the extraction removes the hazard at source, whereas masks only shift the burden to the worker.

Question 19Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

Which scenario best demonstrates a salon meeting its duty to consult workers on health and safety?

  1. Displaying a safety poster in the staff room only
  2. Giving new staff a safety leaflet on their first day only
  3. Holding regular team meetings where staff raise hazards and influence control decisions Correct answer.
  4. Leaving safety decisions entirely to the salon owner

Explanation

Consultation means workers are informed, their views are sought, and they can influence decisions about hazards and controls. A one-way poster or leaflet does not constitute consultation.

Question 20Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon

A stylist notices that a client's scalp is inflamed and broken before a chemical service. What is the safest professional decision?

  1. Proceed with a milder formula on the affected area
  2. Increase processing time to compensate for the condition
  3. Postpone the chemical service and advise the client to seek medical advice Correct answer.
  4. Apply a protective oil and continue as planned

Explanation

Broken or inflamed skin allows chemicals to penetrate and absorb more readily, raising the risk of severe irritation or systemic reaction. The service should be postponed until the condition resolves and medical advice is obtained.

Question 21Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A new client arrives at the salon reception desk for a colour appointment. Which action should the receptionist take first to begin the client care process?

  1. Ask the client to fill in a chemical allergy form before greeting them
  2. Ask the client to pay a deposit before any conversation
  3. Hand the client a price list and point to the waiting area
  4. Greet the client warmly, confirm the appointment details and offer a seat Correct answer.

Explanation

Client care begins with a courteous welcome and confirmation that the booking matches the client's expectations, which builds trust and allows any concerns to surface early. Practical steps such as consultation forms and payment come after the client feels acknowledged and settled.

Question 22Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

What is the main purpose of completing a client record card at the first visit to a hairdressing salon?

  1. To replace the need for a verbal consultation
  2. To build a history of services, products and reactions for safe future treatments Correct answer.
  3. To calculate the stylist's commission for the visit
  4. To advertise the salon's services to the client

Explanation

A record card documents previous services, products used, timings and any reactions so that future treatments can be planned safely and consistently. It supports, but never replaces, the face-to-face consultation.

Question 23Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

During a consultation, a client says she wants a colour that is 'much lighter but still natural'. Which questioning technique best clarifies her expectation?

  1. Telling her which shade you think suits her best
  2. Changing the subject and starting the service to save time
  3. Asking closed questions so she answers only yes or no
  4. Showing a range of shade swatches and asking her to point to the level she prefers Correct answer.

Explanation

Visual aids such as swatches or images allow the client to indicate a specific level and tone, converting a vague description into a shared, measurable target. Open and visual questioning reduces the risk of misunderstanding and complaints.

Question 24Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Why must a patch test be carried out before a first application of a oxidative hair colour?

  1. To identify clients who may have an allergic reaction to the colour product Correct answer.
  2. To check that the client likes the chosen shade
  3. To confirm the client has paid for the service
  4. To measure how long the colour will take to develop

Explanation

A patch test detects potential sensitisation to ingredients such as PPD so that a severe allergic reaction during the full service can be avoided. Manufacturer instructions and salon policy set the timing and recording of the test.

Question 25Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client telephones the salon to cancel an appointment 24 hours before the scheduled time. According to good reception practice, how should the receptionist respond?

  1. Inform the client that she must pay the full service price immediately
  2. End the call quickly without recording the change
  3. Refuse to book the client again in future
  4. Record the cancellation, thank the client and offer to rebook at a convenient time Correct answer.

Explanation

Professional reception practice records the change accurately and keeps the relationship positive by offering an alternative appointment. Cancellation policies are explained calmly where they apply, not enforced through immediate punitive demands.

Question 26Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Which piece of information is essential to confirm when a client books a chemical relaxing service by telephone?

  1. Whether the client has had a reaction to relaxers or has a scalp condition Correct answer.
  2. The client's favourite hairstyle magazine
  3. The client's preferred background music
  4. The name of the client's previous salon

Explanation

Chemical services carry risks, so reception must ask about previous reactions, scalp disorders and relevant history and flag these for the stylist. This protects the client and allows the salon to plan a safe service.

Question 27Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

During a consultation a client becomes upset about previous hair damage caused elsewhere. Which response best demonstrates active listening?

  1. Allow the client to finish, acknowledge her feelings and summarise her concerns back to her Correct answer.
  2. Interrupt to explain what the previous salon did wrong
  3. Change the topic to the salon's latest offers
  4. Tell the client that damage is normal and not to worry

Explanation

Active listening involves giving full attention, reflecting back what has been said and acknowledging emotion without judgement. This builds rapport and gives the stylist accurate information for a realistic treatment plan.

Question 28Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client with a known scalp infection arrives for a colour appointment. What is the most appropriate action for the salon team?

  1. Carry out the service but avoid shampooing afterwards
  2. Postpone the service and advise the client to seek medical advice before returning Correct answer.
  3. Proceed with the colour but use a milder developer
  4. Apply a barrier cream and carry on as normal

Explanation

Chemical services should not be performed on broken or infected skin because the condition may worsen and cross-infection risk increases. The professional response is to defer treatment and refer the client for medical advice, recording the decision.

Question 29Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Which consultation approach best supports a client who is unsure what style suits her face shape?

  1. Choose the trendiest cut in the salon and book her in for it
  2. Carry out a visual analysis, discuss her hair type and lifestyle, and offer two or three realistic options Correct answer.
  3. Recommend the most expensive service on the menu
  4. Tell her to search online and decide at home

Explanation

A structured consultation combines face shape analysis, hair characteristics and the client's daily routine to produce options the client can genuinely maintain. Offering a small number of realistic choices supports informed decision-making.

Question 30Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client asks for a dramatic colour change that the stylist believes will not suit her skin tone and may damage her hair. What is the professional way to handle this?

  1. Perform a milder version without telling the client
  2. Refuse the service without explanation
  3. Perform the service exactly as asked to avoid losing the client
  4. Explain the risks and the likely outcome, then propose a compromise and record the agreed plan Correct answer.

Explanation

Professional judgement must be shared openly so the client can give informed consent to a realistic plan. Explaining the risks, offering an alternative and documenting the agreement protects both client and stylist.

Question 31Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Which detail should be included in the written record after a colour consultation?

  1. The products, developer strength, timings and any patch test result Correct answer.
  2. The stylist's personal opinion of the client's personality
  3. Only the price quoted to the client
  4. The client's home address and bank details

Explanation

Records must capture the technical information needed to repeat or modify the service safely, including products, formulations, timings and test results. Personal or unnecessary data should not be stored.

Question 32Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A regular client arrives 20 minutes late for a 45-minute cut and blow-dry, and the next client is already waiting. What is the most professional response?

  1. Explain the time constraint, offer a shortened service now or a full rebooking, and let the client choose Correct answer.
  2. Perform the service at full length and rush the next client
  3. Start the service late and keep the next client waiting
  4. Cancel the appointment without speaking to the client

Explanation

Managing lateness fairly means protecting the schedule while respecting the client, so the receptionist explains the constraint and offers realistic choices. Letting the client decide maintains goodwill and avoids knock-on delays.

Question 33Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

How should a salon receptionist handle a client's personal information collected during consultation?

  1. Post the details on the salon's social media page
  2. Share it with other clients as a talking point
  3. Store it securely and disclose it only to staff who need it for the service Correct answer.
  4. Leave record cards on the reception desk for anyone to read

Explanation

Client information is confidential and should be stored securely with access limited to those who need it for service delivery. This reflects data protection principles and professional ethics.

Question 34Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client with a sensitive scalp reports stinging during a colour service. What should the stylist do first?

  1. Continue the service but add more product
  2. Apply heat to speed up development
  3. Ignore the complaint as it is normal
  4. Stop the application, remove the product and assess the client's condition Correct answer.

Explanation

Any report of stinging or burning is treated as a potential reaction, so application stops and the product is removed promptly. The client is assessed and, if needed, advised to seek medical help, with the incident recorded.

Question 35Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Which question best uncovers a client's lifestyle factors that will affect the choice of a new hairstyle?

  1. Would you like to pay by card or cash?
  2. How much time do you spend styling your hair each morning? Correct answer.
  3. Do you like the salon's new decor?
  4. Have you ever visited another country?

Explanation

Lifestyle questions about available styling time, activity levels and maintenance willingness help match the recommended style to what the client can realistically manage. This reduces dissatisfaction and repeat visits for corrections.

Question 36Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client with very porous, previously bleached hair requests a high-lift tint in one process. Which professional judgement is most appropriate?

  1. Proceed as requested because the client is paying for the service
  2. Assess porosity and elasticity, explain the risks of further damage, and recommend a gentler alternative Correct answer.
  3. Refuse to serve the client and ask her to leave
  4. Apply the strongest developer available to ensure lift

Explanation

Highly porous hair absorbs and loses colour unevenly and is more vulnerable to chemical damage, so the stylist must assess hair condition and discuss realistic alternatives. Informed, documented advice protects the hair and the client relationship.

Question 37Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

During consultation a client mentions she is 12 weeks pregnant and wants a full-head colour. What is the safest professional approach?

  1. Advise that colour services are usually deferred during the first trimester and discuss options with her Correct answer.
  2. Tell her colour is completely safe and no precautions are needed
  3. Apply bleach to the scalp to ensure even lift
  4. Proceed with the full service without mentioning the pregnancy

Explanation

Many salons follow a policy of avoiding chemical colour in the first trimester as a precaution, so the client should be informed and given choices such as waiting or a gentler option. The decision is made with the client and documented.

Question 38Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A client returns two days after a colour service complaining that the result is 'too dark'. What is the best first step in handling the complaint?

  1. Argue that the shade matches the swatch she chose
  2. Ask her to return in a month if she still dislikes it
  3. Offer a free bleach correction immediately without assessment
  4. Listen fully, apologise for her dissatisfaction, and review the consultation record before offering a solution Correct answer.

Explanation

Complaint handling starts with listening and acknowledging the client's experience, then reviewing what was agreed and what was recorded. Only after assessment should a corrective plan or remedy be proposed.

Question 39Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

A salon wants to reduce no-shows for long colour appointments. Which reception strategy is most effective and ethical?

  1. Overbook every appointment slot to compensate
  2. Refuse to book any new clients for colour
  3. Call clients only after they fail to attend
  4. Take a deposit or card hold at booking with a clearly explained cancellation policy Correct answer.

Explanation

A clearly communicated deposit or card-hold policy gives clients a reason to attend or cancel in good time while remaining fair and transparent. It protects salon revenue without discriminating against new clients.

Question 40Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation

Which action best protects a salon against disputes about what was agreed during a consultation?

  1. Asking the client to sign a record of the agreed service, products and expected outcome Correct answer.
  2. Keeping no records to avoid paperwork
  3. Recording only the final price on the till receipt
  4. Relying on memory because consultations are informal

Explanation

A signed or acknowledged record of the agreed service, products and expected outcome provides clear evidence of informed consent if a dispute arises. It also guides the stylist in delivering the planned result.

Question 41Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

Which pH range best describes a healthy scalp and hair surface that a shampoo should support?

  1. Slightly acidic, around pH 4.5 to 5.5 Correct answer.
  2. Strongly acidic, around pH 1 to 2
  3. Neutral, exactly pH 7.0
  4. Strongly alkaline, around pH 9 to 10

Explanation

The scalp's acid mantle sits in the mildly acidic region, roughly pH 4.5 to 5.5, which helps limit microbial overgrowth and keeps the cuticle layers lying flat. Shampoos formulated near this range are gentler on both scalp and hair than strongly alkaline products.

Question 42Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

During a shampoo service, which action best protects the client's eyes and comfort when working near the hairline?

  1. Ask the client to hold a dry towel over the eyes while you lather the front hairline
  2. Increase water pressure so foam is pushed quickly toward the face
  3. Tilt the client's head back and keep lather away from the forehead by controlling water flow Correct answer.
  4. Apply shampoo directly onto the forehead and spread it upward into the hair

Explanation

Correct head positioning with controlled water direction keeps foam and runoff away from the eyes and ears. A dry towel is not a substitute for proper positioning and flow control.

Question 43Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

What is the primary purpose of the massage movements performed during shampooing?

  1. To stimulate blood circulation and loosen sebum and debris at the scalp Correct answer.
  2. To deposit colour pigment into the cortex
  3. To detangle knots before combing
  4. To straighten the hair shaft permanently

Explanation

Shampoo massage is applied with the fingertips or palms to stimulate circulation and help lift sebum, scale and product residue from the scalp surface. It is not a detangling, straightening or colouring procedure.

Question 44Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

A client with a dry, tight scalp and brittle hair asks for advice on conditioner use. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

  1. Apply conditioner to the roots and leave it unrinsed
  2. Skip conditioner entirely and shampoo twice daily
  3. Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends, leave briefly, then rinse thoroughly Correct answer.
  4. Apply conditioner to the scalp only and rinse immediately

Explanation

Conditioner is designed mainly for the hair shaft, where the cuticle needs smoothing and lubrication; mid-lengths and ends benefit most. Applying it to the scalp can weigh roots down and leave residue, and leaving it unrinsed risks buildup.

Question 45Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

Which term describes the natural oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that shampoo is designed to remove?

  1. Keratin
  2. Elastin
  3. Sebum Correct answer.
  4. Melanin

Explanation

Sebum is the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles, and excess sebum plus environmental soil is what shampoo lifts away. Keratin is the structural protein of hair, melanin provides pigment and elastin is a connective-tissue protein.

Question 46Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

Why should a hairdresser test water temperature on the inner wrist before starting a shampoo?

  1. To verify that shampoo will lather more quickly
  2. To measure the mineral content of the water
  3. To check that the water is hot enough to open the cuticle permanently
  4. To confirm the temperature is comfortable and will not scald the client's scalp Correct answer.

Explanation

Testing on the inner wrist confirms the water is at a comfortable temperature, protecting the client from burns and discomfort. Water temperature does not permanently open the cuticle or measure mineral content.

Question 47Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

A client reports that her scalp becomes itchy and flaky a day after every shampoo. Which observation during consultation is most useful in deciding whether to recommend a medicated shampoo?

  1. The client's hair length and colour history
  2. The number of shampoos the client's family members do weekly
  3. The brand of styling tools the client owns
  4. Whether the flaking is greasy yellow scale or fine white dry scale Correct answer.

Explanation

The character of the scale helps distinguish greasy seborrhoeic-type flaking from simple dryness, which guides whether a medicated or a moisturising shampoo is appropriate. Hair length, tools and family habits do not inform that decision.

Question 48Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

When performing a scalp massage during conditioning, why should the professional use the pads of the fingers rather than the nails?

  1. Fingernails distribute conditioner more evenly
  2. Nails can scratch the scalp and create entry points for infection Correct answer.
  3. Nail contact increases sebum production
  4. Fingertips cannot reach the scalp beneath long hair

Explanation

Fingernail contact can abrade the scalp, causing micro-cuts that may become irritated or infected. Finger pads deliver pressure safely and comfortably while still stimulating circulation.

Question 49Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

Which ingredient type in a shampoo is primarily responsible for lifting oil and dirt so it can be rinsed away?

  1. Preservative
  2. Surfactant Correct answer.
  3. Fragrance
  4. Thickener

Explanation

Surfactants have molecules with water-loving and oil-loving ends, allowing them to surround oil and suspend it in water for rinsing. Preservatives, fragrance and thickeners serve other functions in the formula.

Question 50Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care

A client with very oily hair and a normal scalp wants a shampoo recommendation. Which formulation best matches the need?

  1. A leave-in conditioning treatment only
  2. A moisturising shampoo designed for dry, damaged hair
  3. A clear, lightweight shampoo with mild surfactants Correct answer.
  4. A heavy cream shampoo with added oils

Explanation

Oily hair benefits from a lightweight, clear formulation with effective but mild cleansing agents that remove excess sebum without over-drying the scalp. Heavy or oil-rich products would add to the greasy feel.