Scalp Care, Massage, and Treatment Services
This domain tests scalp care, massage, and treatment services: safe treatment setup, massage manipulations, and contraindications.
Treatment basics
- Cleanse and analyze the scalp first; note redness, lesions, flakes, or tenderness.
- Drape properly; support the neck; keep products out of eyes and ears.
- Exfoliating treatments lift scale and product; steam softens; hot-oil treatments should be warm, not hot.
Massage
- Effleurage is gliding strokes.
- Petrissage is kneading.
- Tapotement is light tapping.
- Friction is small circular movement.
- Use light pressure on the scalp; avoid vigorous massage over inflammation.
Contraindications
- Open lesions, fungal or bacterial infections, lice, recent scalp surgery, sunburn, or unexplained pain: no service; refer.
- Caution with fragile or thinning hair; avoid pulling.
Worked example
A client with an oily scalp, visible buildup, and no lesions requests a scalp treatment. Exfoliate with a gentle scalp cleanser, massage with effleurage and light petrissage, rinse thoroughly, and avoid heavy oils that add buildup. If you find tender pustules, stop and refer instead.
Traps
- Massaging over an infected scalp.
- Using overheated oil or steam.
- Skipping the scalp analysis.