Scalp, Hair, and Facial Skin Treatments
Assessment before treatment
Treatment questions start with assessment. Identify skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and scalp condition, and screen for contraindications: contagious disorders, inflammation, open lesions, recent chemical burns, or a client who reports a reaction to a product. When in doubt, refer to a physician rather than treat.
Massage manipulations
Learn the four classic movements and their purposes: effleurage (light, gliding stroking to begin and end), petrissage (kneading and lifting to stimulate deeper tissue), tapotement (light percussion - tapping, hacking, cupping), and friction (small circular movements to increase circulation). On the scalp, work from the hairline toward the crown; on the face, follow the direction of the muscle fibers. A scalp massage is typically five to ten minutes and is performed with the pads of the fingers, never the nails.
Products and equipment
Understand shampoo selection by hair condition, conditioner chemistry, hot towel and steamer use (heat opens the cuticle and softens sebum), high-frequency current, and paraffin for dry hands. Always test product temperature and remove jewelry before massage.
Traps
- Massaging over a contagious condition, an abrasion, or an inflamed scalp.
- Mixing up petrissage and tapotement definitions.
- Using steam or heat on skin that is already irritated or recently chemically treated.
- Treating a scalp disorder instead of referring it.
Rule of thumb
If the condition is contagious, inflamed, or open, the answer is always: do not treat - refer.