Scalp Care Lesson: How Shampooing and Conditioning Work

Lesson Overview

• What Makes a Healthy Scalp?
• Common Scalp Problems
• Hair & Scalp Types
• Shampoo Science
• Shampooing Setup and Safety
• Scalp Massage
• Shampoo Ingredients
• pH and Shampoo Selection
• Types of Shampoos
• Conditioning Products
• Water Types and Treatments
• Post-Shampoo Detangling
• Specialized Scalp Treatments
• Purpose of General Scalp Treatment
• Final Service Steps
• Safety & Precautions
• Key Takeaway
• Summary Formula: "SCALP"

Imagine waking up with an itchy scalp and dull, greasy hair. It affects how you feel and even your confidence. That's because your scalp is the foundation of hair health. This lesson unpacks the science behind scalp care-why it matters, how shampooing and conditioning work, and what products suit different scalp types. We'll also explore the quiz topics in depth to help you prepare for every question confidently.

What Makes a Healthy Scalp?

A healthy scalp needs two things: Cleanliness and Stimulation.

Requirement	Function
Cleanliness	Removes dirt, oil, product buildup
Stimulation	Boosts blood circulation, nutrient delivery to hair roots

Sebum's Role

Sebum is the natural oil from sebaceous glands. It moisturizes and protects the scalp and hair.

• Too little sebum → dry scalp, flaking
  
• Too much sebum → oily scalp, clogged follicles
  

Sebum is not a cause of dry scalp-it prevents it.

What Causes Scalp Oiliness?

Overactive sebaceous glands are responsible. Sweat glands produce moisture, not oil.

Common Scalp Problems

A. Dry Scalp

Caused by:

• Harsh soaps
  
• Cold weather
  
• Chemical exposure
  

Use emollient-rich products to restore moisture.

B. Oily Scalp

Triggered by:

• Hormonal imbalance
  
• Genetics
  
• Stress
  

Apply scalp astringent lotion post-shampoo to remove oil.

C. Dandruff

Often due to fungal overgrowth (Malassezia). Treated using antifungal shampoos.

D. Scalp Abrasions

Avoid shampooing if abrasions or redness are present. Always refer to a physician.

Hair & Scalp Types

Understanding your hair type helps in choosing the right care:

Hair Type	Characteristics	Shampoo Frequency
Normal	Balanced sebum	Every 2–3 days
Oily	Greasy appearance, heavy sebum	Daily or alternate days
Dry	Itchy, flaky, frizzy	1–2 times a week
Chemically Treated	Colored, permed, or relaxed	Use gentle, pH-balanced shampoos

Hair that's colored or permed is chemically treated.

Shampoo Science

A. When Should You Shampoo?

Shampoo as often as needed to remove oils, dirt, and buildup-not based on fixed schedules.

Quiz Link: Oily hair requires more frequent washing than normal hair.

B. Where to Begin?

Start at the hairline, then move to the crown and nape. Focus on massaging the scalp.

Shampooing Setup and Safety

Pre-Service Hygiene:

• Wear gloves before service.
  
• Disinfect tools 20 minutes before use.
  

First pre-service step is putting on fresh gloves.

Shampoo Draping:

• Cape should be placed outside the shampoo chair.
  
• Use towels to protect clothing.
  

Proper draping prevents water contact with clothes.

Scalp Massage

When and Why?

• Performed during the conditioning service.
  
• Improves blood flow, relaxes the scalp.
  

Massage Tips

Maintain contact with head

Use fingertips, not nails

Gentle circular motion

Massage is done during conditioning, not shampoo.

Shampoo Ingredients

Ingredient	Role
Water	Universal solvent, dissolves ingredients
Base Detergent	Removes oil, dirt (surfactants)
Humectants	Retain moisture (e.g., glycerin)
Proteins	Strengthen hair shaft
Perfumes	Add fragrance

Water is not an additive-it's the main ingredient.

Take This Quiz:

Surfactant Molecule

• Lipophilic tail: Attracts oil
  
• Hydrophilic head: Attracts water
  

Lipophilic = oil-attracting tail; Hydrophilic = water-attracting head.

pH and Shampoo Selection

Hair's ideal pH: 4.5–5.5
Shampoo should be close to this (around pH 6) to avoid damage.

pH Value	Effect on Hair
<5.5	Maintains cuticle, gentle
>7	Opens cuticle, potentially drying

The more alkaline the shampoo, the harsher it is.

Types of Shampoos

Type	Function
Conditioning	Adds shine and manageability
Clarifying	Removes heavy buildup
Strengthening	Repairs brittle hair
Neutralizing	Balances pH after chemical services
Medicated	Treats scalp issues (e.g., dandruff)
Dry	Cleans without water

Conditioning shampoo improves shine and manageability.

Conditioning Products

What Is a Conditioner?

Deposits protein/moisture to improve texture.

Type	Use
Rinse-Out	Used after shampoo for daily detangling
Treatment	Deep nourishment for damaged hair
Leave-In	Light, stay-on formula for styling

Treatment conditioners restore protein & moisture.

Water Types and Treatments

• Well water = likely hard water
  
• Distillation and filtration purify water for cosmetics
  

Quiz Link: Distillation is used in cosmetic water purification.

Post-Shampoo Detangling

Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair gently from ends to roots.

Use wide-tooth comb-not brushes-for wet hair.

Specialized Scalp Treatments

A. For Dry Scalp:

Use products with emollients to moisturize and soothe.

B. For Oily Scalp:

Apply scalp astringent lotion to remove oil.

Emollients treat dry scalp; astringents treat oily scalp.

Purpose of General Scalp Treatment

Maintains clean and healthy scalp. Includes brushing, treatment, massage, and proper shampooing.

Quiz Link: Main goal is scalp and hair maintenance.

Final Service Steps

Pre-Service:

• First: Gloves on
  
• Tools: Clean and disinfect
  

Post-Service:

• First: Check if client is satisfied
  

Step	Purpose
Client Check	Ensure satisfaction
Home Care Advice	Recommend suitable products
Next Appointment	Maintain care continuity

Safety & Precautions

• Don't shampoo with scalp abrasions or reddened irritations
  
• Refer clients to a physician when needed
  

Quiz Link: Refer to physician if scalp is red or irritated.

Key Takeaway

Caring for your scalp is not just about aesthetics-it's about health. Through cleanliness, stimulation, and smart product choices, you maintain scalp balance and support healthy hair growth. Use what you've learned to choose the right products, follow correct techniques, and ace your quiz.

Summary Formula: "SCALP"

S - Sanitize tools and hands
C - Clean scalp regularly
A - Apply suitable products
L - Learn correct shampooing technique
P - Protect scalp from damage

Take This Quiz: