Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Treatments
Domain 3: Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Treatments
This domain tests hair analysis, scalp assessment, shampoo selection, conditioning, and treatment planning. The exam expects you to distinguish normal variation from contagious or medical conditions and to choose services within scope.
Core concepts
- Hair analysis: texture, density, porosity, elasticity, oiliness, and growth pattern.
- Scalp conditions: dry scalp, oily scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea (ringworm), lice, and folliculitis. A barber may cleanse and style; a barber does not diagnose or treat disease.
- Contraindications: open lesions, inflammation, contagious conditions, and recent chemical burns - do not proceed; refer.
- Shampoo: water temperature should be comfortable, not hot; dilute shampoo as needed; massage with fingertips, not nails; rinse thoroughly.
- Conditioner smooths the cuticle and reduces friction; protein treatments add temporary strength; moisture treatments improve flexibility. Balance is key.
- Treatments: follow manufacturer directions; patch test when required; avoid over-processing.
Worked example
A client has flaking at the hairline, tightness after shampooing, and no redness or pus. Reasoning: this suggests dry scalp, not necessarily dandruff. Recommend a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo, less frequent hot-water washing, and a moisturizing scalp treatment. If there is redness, swelling, pus, or spreading patches, refer to a physician; do not diagnose.
Traps
- Diagnosing tinea or prescribing medication.
- Using very hot water or fingernails on the scalp.
- Treating all flaking as dandruff.
- Applying protein treatments too often, causing stiffness.