Tools, equipment and product knowledge
Tools, 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.
Core rules
- Cutting shears: keep dry, oil pivot, sharpen professionally; never autoclave.
- Clippers: brush out hair, oil blades, check leads; use guard sizes consistently.
- Metal tools that contact blood need cleaning then sterilisation; UV cabinets are storage, not sterilisation.
- Product labels: read dilution, contact time, expiry and hazard symbols; keep original containers.
- pH matters: skin and hair are mildly acidic; strong alkalis swell hair and skin.
- Store chemicals away from heat and light; never decant into unlabelled bottles.
Worked example
A metal cuticle nipper is dropped and has visible residue. The technician cleans it with detergent, dries it, then sterilises it in an autoclave at the correct cycle. Reasoning: residue protects microbes; disinfection alone is not enough for blood-contact metal tools; autoclaving would damage plastic or shears if not suitable.
Traps
Autoclaving shears; using a UV cabinet as the only sterilisation; mixing products from different brands; using expired product; storing disinfectant at the wrong dilution; not checking electrical leads.