Hairdressing and Hair Care
What this domain tests
This section covers shampooing, conditioning, styling, cutting and chemical services. The exam checks hair structure, pH, product selection, sectioning, elevation and safe chemical processing.
Core rules
- Hair has a cuticle, cortex and medulla. The cuticle protects the cortex; alkaline products swell it and acid products tighten it.
- Healthy hair and scalp sit around pH 4.5–5.5. Shampoo should clean without stripping; match the formula to scalp type and hair condition.
- Conditioners may be surface or penetrating. Protein treatments strengthen; moisture treatments improve flexibility. Excess protein makes hair brittle.
- Cutting depends on sectioning, distribution, elevation and tension. A blunt cut uses zero elevation; layered cuts use higher elevation.
- Chemical services need a patch test about 48 hours before, a strand test, recorded formula and correct neutralisation. Never relax a scalp with cuts, burns or active infection.
Worked example
A client with dry, relaxed hair wants more volume. Reasoning: use a moisturising shampoo, check elasticity before choosing a protein or moisture treatment, avoid high heat and trim split ends. A strong clarifying shampoo would further dry the hair, so it is not the first choice.
Traps
Do not over-condition fine hair; do not relax an irritated scalp; do not skip neutralisation; do not cut wet hair with uneven tension; do not confuse a texturiser with a relaxer.