Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Treatments
Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Treatments
This domain tests scalp assessment, shampoo selection, massage, conditioning, and when to refuse or refer. The exam expects you to distinguish cosmetic flaking from contagious or inflamed conditions and to keep service safe.
Core rules
- The hair shaft has a cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Alkaline products swell and open the cuticle; acidic rinses help close it and improve shine.
- Shampoo surfactants lift sebum and debris. Use lukewarm water, dilute products as labeled, and massage with fingertips-not nails-over a healthy scalp.
- Match shampoo to scalp, not just hair: clarifying for buildup, moisturizing for dryness, medicated only for the condition it is labeled for.
- Common findings: seborrheic dermatitis (oily, yellowish flakes), pityriasis capitis (dandruff), tinea capitis (contagious fungal infection), pediculosis (lice), psoriasis, and folliculitis. Contagious or inflamed conditions are contraindications.
- No service over open lesions, fresh chemical burns, sunburn, or untreated infection. Refer suspicious conditions to a physician.
- Drape and patch-test according to product labels; keep water off the face and ears.
Worked example
A client has an itchy scalp with greasy yellow flakes and redness along the hairline. You do not diagnose. Because the scalp is inflamed, you postpone chemical service and aggressive massage, recommend a physician evaluation, and, if the shop permits, use a gentle labeled medicated shampoo only after the client confirms it is appropriate. You document the refusal and referral.
Traps
Diagnosing tinea or psoriasis; scratching the scalp; using very hot water; applying heavy conditioner to an oily scalp; massaging over an infected area; treating lice as dandruff.