Hair Care and Haircutting
Hair Care and Haircutting
This domain tests the service sequence from draping through finishing: shampooing and conditioning, haircutting foundations, and styling. Questions often ask you to choose a product or technique for a stated hair condition, or to spot a sanitation or tension error.
Preparation and shampooing
Drape for the service: a shampoo cape for wet services, a cutting cape over a towel for haircuts, and a neck strip to prevent contact. Shampoo is selected by scalp condition and hair texture; water should be comfortably warm, not hot. Massage with fingertips, not nails. Conditioner is applied to mid-shaft and ends for most hair; scalp application can weigh down fine hair.
Haircutting
A haircut is built from sections, subsections, a guideline, and elevation. Low elevation builds weight; high elevation removes weight and layers. A blunt cut uses zero elevation and a stationary guide. Traveling guides follow the previous section. Tension must be consistent wet or dry, because wet hair stretches. Texturizing reduces bulk; slide cutting is for soft ends, not for creating a strong line.
Styling
Blow-drying uses tension and heat to smooth the cuticle. Thermal tools should be tested and used on clean, dry hair with heat protectant. Roller size and placement determine volume and direction.
Worked example
A client with fine, straight hair wants a fuller shape. Choose a volumizing shampoo, a light conditioner on ends only, and a blunt bob with slight elevation at the perimeter. Reason: heavy conditioner and high layering would reduce the appearance of fullness.
Traps
Do not shampoo with nails or scalding water; do not cut with uneven tension; do not use high elevation when the client wants weight. Do not skip the neck strip or reuse a soiled cape.