Hair and Scalp Analysis, Disorders, and Diseases
This domain tests hair and scalp analysis, common disorders and diseases, and when to refer. The exam expects you to separate cosmetic conditions from contagious or medical conditions.
Analysis
- Assess texture, density, porosity, elasticity, curl pattern, scalp condition, and client history.
- High porosity absorbs and loses moisture quickly; low porosity resists moisture.
- Elasticity: a healthy wet strand stretches and returns; poor elasticity snaps.
Disorders and diseases
- Pityriasis and seborrheic dermatitis cause flaking and itching; persistent cases need referral.
- Tinea capitis is fungal and contagious, with patchy scaling and broken hairs; do not service; refer.
- Pediculosis is lice infestation; contagious; follow Board and health-department guidance; do not service.
- Folliculitis is inflamed follicles; avoid service over lesions.
- Alopecia areata causes smooth patches; refer.
- Traction alopecia is preventable trauma from tight styling; early recognition matters.
- Trichorrhexis nodosa shows split-like nodes from chemical or mechanical damage.
Worked example
A client has round scaly patches with broken hairs and asks for a tight style. The pattern suggests tinea capitis, which is contagious. Do not braid or apply product; explain that a physician should evaluate it, document the referral, and reschedule only after clearance.
Traps
- Diagnosing a disease or promising a cure.
- Treating all flakes as dry scalp.
- Ignoring early traction alopecia.