Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care
Domain focus
Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care tests safe, comfortable basin work and the ability to match products to scalp and hair condition. Expect questions on pH, product selection, massage movements, rinsing and referral of scalp disorders.
Core rules
- Healthy hair sits around pH 4.5–5.5; alkaline shampoos raise the cuticle, acidic conditioners close it.
- Choose by need: clarifying for build-up, moisturising for dry hair, sulphate-free for colour-treated or sensitive scalps, medicated for diagnosed dandruff, mild baby shampoo for children.
- Use lukewarm water; hot water strips colour, irritates the scalp and dehydrates hair.
- Drape correctly with a towel and cape so water does not reach the neck; support the client's neck at the basin.
- Massage with fingertip pads, never nails: effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement, with pressure adjusted to the client.
- Conditioner goes mid-length to ends for fine hair; a treatment mask may go closer to the scalp for very dry hair. Keep product off the scalp unless it is a scalp product.
- Rinse until the water runs clear; blot with a towel rather than rubbing; comb gently from ends upward.
- Refer suspected ringworm, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or lice; do not treat medically.
Worked example
A client has an oily scalp and dry, bleached ends. Reasoning: shampoo the scalp only with a gentle clarifying shampoo, let the lather rinse through the ends, then apply conditioner from mid-length to ends and keep it off the scalp. This avoids over-cleaning the ends while controlling oil at the root.
Traps
Very hot water; conditioner applied to the scalp on fine hair; vigorous nail massage on an inflamed scalp; leaving product residue.