Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Haircutting
This domain tests hair analysis, correct shampoo and conditioner selection, scalp massage manipulations, and the sectioning, distribution, and elevation decisions that make a haircut balanced.
Analysis before service
Assess texture (fine, medium, coarse), density (thin, medium, thick), porosity (how readily hair absorbs moisture), elasticity (wet strand stretches and returns), growth pattern (cowlick, whorl), and scalp oiliness. Texture and density are different questions on the exam: texture is the diameter of one strand, density is how many strands per square inch.
Shampooing
Shampoo removes sebum, product, and debris and stimulates circulation. Match the product: clarifying for buildup (not daily on color-treated hair), moisturizing for dry or chemically treated hair, medicated antidandruff shampoos (pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole) used per label directions. Water near 38 °C/100 °F; cooler for damaged or color-treated hair. Massage manipulations are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration - slow, even pressure, avoiding the temples.
Haircutting
Four decisions control the result: sectioning, distribution (natural fall, perpendicular, shifted), elevation, and cutting line. Zero elevation with a horizontal line gives a one-length blunt cut; 45 degrees gives graduation; 90 degrees gives uniform layers. Cross-check the cut for balance using reference points such as the parietal ridge, occipital bone, apex, and nape.
Worked example
A graduated bob: take horizontal sections at the nape, hold hair at 45 degrees elevation, cut a diagonal line, then carry the guide forward. Weight builds at the perimeter and the shape shortens toward the nape.
Traps
Confusing texture with density; razoring fine hair; forgetting shrinkage on curly hair; ignoring a cowlick and cutting it too short.