MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty study guide
MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The MATSEC Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) in Hairdressing and Beauty is a vocational subject within Malta's national secondary certification system, examined by the MATSEC Examinations Board at the University of Malta. It suits candidates at the end of compulsory schooling - mainly Year 11 students in Maltese secondary and vocational schools, but also private, repeat and mature candidates - who want a recognised record of foundation skills across both hairdressing and beauty rather than a single-service specialism. The MATSEC SEC Hairdressing and Beauty study guide has 10 sections and about 2,643 words.
01Health, safety and hygiene in the salon
This domain tests how you apply salon law and safety controls to real client situations: risk assessment, cleaning and disinfection, waste, electrical safety, PPE and accident reporting. The exam expects you to distinguish cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation, and to name the correct control for a hazard rather than a vague 'be careful'.
300 words, about 2 min02Client consultation, communication and aftercare advice
This domain tests whether you can gather accurate information, obtain consent, recognise contraindications and give aftercare that the client can actually follow. It also tests professional communication: open questions, active listening, confidentiality and record keeping.
278 words, about 1 min03Anatomy and physiology of hair, skin and nails
This domain tests structure and function at a level needed to explain service effects: why hair feels porous after lightening, why the nail matrix matters, why skin barrier damage limits treatments. Expect labelled structures, growth cycles and the relationship between blood supply, glands and service suitability.
293 words, about 1 min04Shampooing, conditioning and scalp care
This domain tests product selection, massage and water control, and recognition of scalp conditions that limit service. The exam wants you to match shampoo and conditioner to scalp and hair needs, not to a brand story.
262 words, about 1 min05Hair cutting and styling techniques
This domain tests sectioning, elevation, distribution, guide lines and finishing. The exam asks you to predict the shape from the technical choices, and to spot unsafe or unstable results.
267 words, about 1 min06Colouring and chemical texture services
This domain tests colour theory, developer choice, test procedures and chemical safety for colour, perming and relaxing. The exam expects you to calculate risk and predict outcome, not just name products.
266 words, about 1 min07Skin care and facial treatments
This domain tests skin analysis, product selection, massage and hygiene in facials. The exam asks you to adapt a treatment to skin type and condition, and to recognise when not to treat.
244 words, about 1 min08Manicure, pedicure and nail care
This domain tests nail analysis, safe filing, cuticle care, massage and polish application. The exam expects you to recognise nail and foot conditions that need referral and to maintain hygiene between clients.
252 words, about 1 min09Hair removal and basic makeup application
This domain tests waxing, threading, depilatory use and basic makeup. The exam asks you to check contraindications, control temperature and hygiene, and match makeup to skin tone and face shape.
247 words, about 1 min10Tools, equipment and product knowledge
This domain tests identification, safe use, maintenance and storage of salon tools and products. The exam wants correct matching of tool to task and correct cleaning method, not just names.
234 words, about 1 min