Hair and Scalp Care and Treatment
What this domain tests
Hair and scalp care covers hair analysis, shampoo and conditioner selection, scalp massage, and recognizing disorders that must be referred rather than treated in the salon.
Core concepts
- Analyze texture, density, porosity, elasticity, and scalp condition before service.
- Shampoo pH matters: acid-balanced products (about pH 4.5–5.5) suit color-treated or dry hair; clarifying shampoo removes buildup; medicated shampoo is used only as directed.
- Conditioners may be surface or penetrating; keep heavy conditioner off an oily scalp and focus on midshaft to ends.
- Scalp massage relaxes and increases circulation; avoid inflamed, broken, or contagious skin.
- Refer suspected tinea (ringworm), pediculosis, impetigo, and severe dermatitis. Do not diagnose or treat.
- Contraindications include open lesions and recent chemical burns.
Worked example
A client has dry, brittle, color-treated hair and a tight scalp. Choose an acid-balanced moisturizing shampoo, apply conditioner from midshaft to ends, use light massage, and avoid high heat. The reasoning is that the hair shaft is already porous and the scalp is not oily, so harsh cleansing and heavy scalp product would worsen both conditions.
Traps
Diagnosing instead of referring; using medicated shampoo without direction; overmassaging an irritated scalp; assuming all shampoos are interchangeable; ignoring elasticity before a chemical service.
Exam focus
Match the product to the observed hair and scalp condition, and separate cosmetic care from conditions requiring medical referral.