Departments› Cosmetology› Module II› Hair Styling Service› Ch 2: Perform hair styling service
Cosmetology  ·  Level 4
Hair Styling Service
Chapter 2: Perform hair styling service
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2.1 Hair preparation

Hair preparation means getting the hair and scalp ready before styling. The hair is shampooed to remove dirt and oil, conditioned to make it soft and easy to comb, and detangled so that styling products and tools work evenly. Well-prepared hair is easier to set, holds a style longer and breaks less. Example: a trainee at a community salon in Kagio shampoos and conditions a client's hair and combs it out gently from the ends before starting a roller set.

2.1.1 Shampooing and conditioning

Shampooing cleans the hair and scalp; conditioning puts back moisture and smoothness. Both are done at the basin with the client covered by a gown and towel, and the water temperature is first tested on the inside of the wrist. The scalp is checked before starting: cuts, sores, infections such as ringworm, or head lice mean the service must not go ahead.

Chemistry of shampooing

Shampoo contains cleaning agents called surfactants. Each surfactant molecule has a head that likes water and a tail that likes oil.

  • Wetting: Surfactants help water spread over and soak into the hair instead of running off.
  • Holding the dirt: The oil-loving tails stick to grease and dirt on the hair and scalp.
  • Lifting the dirt: Massage breaks the grease into tiny droplets that float in the lather.
  • Rinsing away: Rinsing carries the dirt and lather away, so hair must be rinsed well.
  • pH: Hair and scalp are slightly acidic (about pH 4.5 to 5.5). Acid-balanced shampoos keep hair smooth; strongly alkaline shampoos roughen the hair.

Effects of shampooing and conditioning

  • Clean scalp and hair: Dirt, sweat, oil and old products are removed.
  • Softer hair: Water and shampoo soften the hair so it takes a set more easily.
  • Shine: Conditioner smooths the outer layer (cuticle) so the hair reflects light.
  • Easy combing: Conditioner reduces tangles and static.
  • Over-washing: Very hot water or harsh shampoo can make hair dry and brittle.

Purpose of shampooing and conditioning

  • Hygiene: To clean the hair and scalp before the service.
  • Preparation: To remove oil and residues so styling products work evenly.
  • Manageability: To make the hair soft and easy to comb and style.
  • Scalp care: To help with mild dandruff or dryness.
  • Relaxation: The massage relaxes the client and improves blood flow to the scalp.

Types of shampoo and conditioners

  • Moisturising shampoo: For dry or relaxed hair.
  • Clarifying shampoo: Removes heavy build-up of gel and oil; used now and then.
  • Anti-dandruff (medicated) shampoo: Helps control dandruff.
  • Neutralising shampoo: Used after a relaxer to stop the chemical and restore the hair's pH.
  • Mild (baby) shampoo: Gentle, for children and sensitive scalps.
  • Rinse-out conditioner: Applied after shampoo and rinsed after a few minutes.
  • Leave-in conditioner: Left in the hair to help combing and styling.
  • Deep (treatment) conditioner: Left on for 10 to 20 minutes, often with heat, for dry or damaged hair.

Forms of shampoo

  • Liquid: The most common form.
  • Cream: Thick and rich, for dry hair.
  • Gel: Clear and thick.
  • Powder (dry shampoo): Cleans without water by absorbing oil.
  • Bar (solid): Rubbed on wet hair, with little packaging.
  • Foam: Dispensed from a can, often as a dry shampoo.

Massage techniques

Scalp massage is done with the pads of the fingers, never the nails.

  • Effleurage: Light stroking movements to spread the shampoo or conditioner and to start and finish the massage.
  • Rotary (friction): Small circles with the finger pads, moving the scalp; the main shampooing movement, from the front hairline to the nape.
  • Petrissage: Gentle kneading, used when applying conditioner or treatments.
  • Vibration: Gentle trembling movements of the fingers to soothe.
  • Tapotement: Light tapping with the fingertips, used only a little.
  • Avoid massage: Before a relaxer or other chemical service, and on cuts, sores or an infected scalp.

Shampooing and conditioning steps

  1. Protect the client: Put on a gown and towel and seat the client comfortably at the basin.
  2. Check the water: Test temperature and pressure on the inside of the wrist.
  3. Wet the hair: Wet it thoroughly, shielding the face and ears.
  4. Shampoo and massage: Apply shampoo evenly and massage with rotary movements.
  5. Rinse: Rinse well and repeat the shampoo if the hair is still dirty.
  6. Condition: Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, comb through with a wide-tooth comb and leave for the time stated.
  7. Rinse and blot: Rinse until the water is clear, then wrap in a clean towel and blot dry.
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🔒2.2 Hair style techniques

Hair style techniques are the ways a stylist shapes the hair into a finished look. Wetting the hair and then drying it in a new shape, by heat, air or a hood dryer, holds the shape until the hair is wet again. The technique is chosen to suit the client's wishe…

🔒2.3 Aftercare advice in setting and styling

Aftercare advice tells the client how to look after the style and the hair at home until the next visit. Good advice makes the style last longer, keeps the hair and scalp healthy and brings the client back. It is given clearly at the end of the service, in sim…

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Shampooing and Conditioning Hair Service

Cosmetology · Level 4
Hair Styling Service
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Perform a complete shampoo and conditioning treatment on a client's hair, ensuring thorough cleansing and application of conditioner for 50ml each as per salon standards.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Assorted shampoosDisinfectant
Assorted conditionersFlat comfortable closed shoes
Washing draper
Hair dryers
Assorted combs
Sectioning clips
Apron
Towels
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Assorted shampoos50ml per Candidate
2Assorted conditioners50ml per Candidate
3Washing draper1 per Candidate
4Hair dryers1 per 5 Candidates
5Disinfectant50ml per Candidate
6Towels4 medium salon towels per Candidate
7Assorted combs1 per Candidate
8Sectioning clips5 pcs per Candidate
9Apron1 per Candidate
10Flat comfortable closed shoes1 pair per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: PREPARATION AND SAFETY
Wore personal protective gear including apron and flat closed shoes
(Award 1 mark each)		3
Identified and gathered resources and equipment per SOP (shampoo, conditioner, towels, combs, washing draper)
(Award 1 mark each for shampoo/conditioner, towels, combs)		3
Checked tools and equipment for serviceability (functionality of hair dryer, cleanliness of towels and combs)
(Award 1 mark each)		3
Checked products for usability (expiry dates and manufacturer instructions)
(Award 1 mark each)		2
Observed occupational safety and health precautions (sanitized hands, disinfected workstation, ensured client comfort)
(Award 1 mark each)		3
Did client consultation, checked scalp and hair condition, and filled client record card
(Award 1 mark each)		4
Observed hygiene and sanitation principles (disinfected tools, avoided sharing tools)
(Award 1 mark each)		2
Identified any hair or scalp disorders and contraindications, recorded appropriately
(Award full marks if fully demonstrated, else zero)		3
Sub-Total23
TASK 2: SHAMPOOING AND CONDITIONING PROCEDURE
Prepared client's hair for shampooing by detangling and sectioning
(Award 2 marks)		2
Shampooed hair thoroughly using 50ml shampoo as per manufacturer instructions
(Award 3 marks)		3
Rinsed hair properly to remove shampoo
(Award 2 marks)		2
Applied 50ml conditioner evenly and left for recommended time
(Award 3 marks)		3
Rinsed conditioner thoroughly and towel blotted hair
(Award 2 marks)		2
Combed hair with appropriate wide-toothed comb after conditioning
(Award 3 marks)		3
Used hair dryer appropriately to dry hair without damage
(Award 3 marks)		3
Maintained good posture and client comfort throughout the procedure
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sub-Total20
TASK 3: POST-SERVICE AND CLEAN UP
Provided client with aftercare advice as per SOP and recorded in client card
(Award 3 marks)		3
Cleaned, disinfected, and stored all tools and equipment properly
(Award 2 marks each for tools and equipment)		4
Cleaned work area and disposed waste according to workplace and legal requirements
(Award 3 marks)		3
Cleaned, disinfected, and stored reusable items such as towels and drapers
(Award 1 mark each for 4 items)		4
Sub-Total14
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Hair thoroughly shampooed and conditioned with no residue and evenly moisturized
(Award 5 marks if fully achieved, else 0)		5
Client record card accurately filled with consultation, analysis, and service details
(Award 3 marks)		3
Workstation cleaned and tools disinfected according to SOP
(Award 3 marks)		3
Sub-Total11
GRAND TOTAL68
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Hair Preparation for Styling: Detangling, Sectioning and Product Application

Cosmetology · Level 4
Hair Styling Service
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Prepare client’s hair by detangling, sectioning into 4 equal parts, and applying setting lotion and hair food as per client’s hair type and standard procedures.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Assorted combsAssorted shampoos
Sectioning clipsAssorted conditioners
Styling pinsSetting lotion
Washing draperHair food
TowelsMoulding wax
Hair dryerSheen spray
EarmuffsMoulding spray
Face shieldDisinfectant
Tint bowl
Spatula
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Assorted shampoos50ml per Candidate
2Assorted conditioners50ml per Candidate
3Setting lotion50ml per Candidate
4Hair food50ml per Candidate
5Assorted combs1 per Candidate
6Sectioning clips5 pcs per Candidate
7Styling pins1 set per Candidate
8Washing draper1 per Candidate
9Towels (medium salon towels)4 per Candidate
10Disinfectant50ml per Candidate
11Hair dryer1 per 5 Candidates
12Earmuffs1 per Candidate
13Face shield1 per Candidate
14Tint bowl1 per Candidate
15Spatula1 per Candidate
16Moulding wax75ml per Candidate
17Sheen spray75ml per Candidate
18Moulding spray75ml per Candidate
19Apron1 per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: PREPARE HAIR FOR STYLING
Wore personal protective equipment including apron and flat closed shoes
(Award 1 mark each)		3
Conducted client consultation checking scalp and hair condition
(Award 1 mark each)		2
Gathered and checked all tools and products for serviceability and expiry dates
(Award 1 mark each)		4
Sanitized hands and disinfected tools before starting service
(Award 1 mark each)		2
Detangled hair gently using appropriate combs
(Award 3 marks if done correctly, else zero)		3
Sectioned hair into 4 equal parts using sectioning clips
(Award 3 marks if done correctly, else zero)		3
Applied setting lotion and hair food according to hair type and manufacturer’s instructions
(Award 2 marks each for correct application and minimal wastage)		4
Ensured client comfort throughout the preparation process
(Award 2 marks for maintaining client comfort)		2
Filled client’s record card accurately with hair and scalp analysis
(Award 2 marks for accuracy and completeness)		2
Sub-Total25
TASK 2: CONDUCT POST-SERVICE PROCEDURES
Cleaned and disinfected all tools and equipment used
(Award 1.5 marks each for tools and equipment)		3
Disposed of waste materials according to workplace policy and legal requirements
(Award 3 marks for proper disposal)		3
Cleaned work area including sweeping and mopping floor
(Award 2 marks for thorough cleaning)		2
Stored reusable items such as towels, drapers and earmuffs appropriately
(Award 2 marks for correct storage)		2
Sub-Total10
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Hair is detangled without breakage or damage
(Award 3 marks if hair is smooth and undamaged)		3
Hair is evenly sectioned into 4 parts with neat and secure clips
(Award 3 marks for neatness and uniformity)		3
Products applied appropriately with no excess wastage or uneven application
(Award 4 marks for correct and efficient product use)		4
Client record card accurately filled with hair and scalp analysis and products used
(Award 3 marks for completeness and accuracy)		3
Sub-Total13
GRAND TOTAL48
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Hair styling using heat tools to achieve a client’s desired lookPractical 6
🔒Provide After Care Advice for Post-Styling Hair MaintenancePractical 7
🔒Cleaning and Maintaining Barbering Tools to Ensure Hygiene and FunctionalityPractical 8
🔒Maintain and Organize Salon Workstation for Hair Styling ServicePractical 9
🔒Perform shampooing, conditioning and hair preparation for stylingPractical 10
← Ch 1: Prepare for hair styling services Ch 3: Perform post hair styling service →