Departments› Cosmetology› Module II› Hair Styling Service› Ch 3: Perform post hair styling service
Cosmetology  ·  Level 4
Hair Styling Service
Chapter 3: Perform post hair styling service
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⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • safely clean and disinfect hair styling tools and equipment following the manufacturers’ instructions
  • correctly clean your work station to maintain a tidy and safe environment
  • dispose of waste safely and according to work procedures
  • properly clean, disinfect, and store recyclable supplies following workplace guidelines

Mastering these skills ensures a clean, safe, and professional workspace that protects both you and your clients in the hair styling trade.

3.1 Cleaning and disinfecting of tools and equipment procedures

Tools and equipment used on a client must be cleaned and disinfected before they are used on the next client. Combs, brushes, rollers, clips and heated tools can carry germs, fungi such as ringworm and head lice from one person to another. Cleaning with soap and water removes hair, product and dirt; disinfecting with a chemical then kills most harmful germs. Cleaning always comes first, because disinfectant does not work on dirty tools. Example: a salon in Siakago keeps a covered jar of disinfectant at each station and a spare set of combs, so one set soaks while the other is in use.

Key terms

  • Cleaning: Removing visible dirt, hair and product with water and detergent.
  • Sanitising: Reducing germs on a surface to a safe level, usually by cleaning.
  • Disinfecting: Killing most harmful germs on tools and surfaces with a chemical disinfectant.
  • Sterilising: Killing all germs, including spores, usually with steam in an autoclave; used for metal tools that may touch blood.
  • Contact time: The time a disinfectant must stay wet on the item to work, given on its label.

Disinfectants used in the salon

Disinfectant Specification Use
Quaternary ammonium (quats) Diluted as the label says Soaking combs, brushes, rollers and clips
Alcohol 70% Wiping scissors, clipper blades and small metal tools
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) Diluted fresh each day Basins, floors and surfaces; not for metal tools
Clipper spray Ready to use Spraying clipper blades between clients

Procedure for combs, brushes, rollers and clips

  1. Put on gloves: Protect your hands from chemicals.
  2. Remove hair: Take hair out of brushes, combs and rollers.
  3. Wash: Scrub in warm soapy water.
  4. Rinse and dry: Rinse with clean water and shake dry.
  5. Soak: Place fully under disinfectant for the time on the label.
  6. Rinse and air-dry: Rinse if the label says so and dry on a clean towel.
  7. Store: Keep in a clean, closed container until needed.

Procedure for heated tools

  1. Unplug: Switch off and unplug the tool.
  2. Cool: Let it cool completely.
  3. Wipe: Remove product from plates and barrels with a damp cloth.
  4. Disinfect: Wipe with 70% alcohol; never put electrical tools in water.
  5. Check: Look for damaged cables or plugs and report them.
  6. Store: Coil the cable loosely and store the tool on its stand.

Safety rules

  • Read the label: Use the right dilution and contact time.
  • Never mix chemicals: Bleach mixed with ammonia or acids gives off poisonous gas.
  • Label solutions: Write the name and date on every mixed solution.
  • Change solutions daily: Or sooner if they are dirty.
  • Wash hands: After handling chemicals and used tools.
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🔒3.2 Work station

The work station is the area where the stylist serves the client: the styling chair, mirror, counter, trolley and the floor around them. After every client the station is cleared, cleaned and made ready, and at the end of the day it is cleaned thoroughly. A cl…

🔒3.3 Cleaning, disinfecting and storing recyclable supplies procedure

Recyclable (reusable) supplies are items that are used on a client, cleaned and then used again, such as towels, gowns, capes, rollers, clips, combs, brushes, tint bowls and spray bottles. Single-use items such as neck strips, cotton wool, end papers and dispo…

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Clean and disinfect hair styling tools as per SOP

Cosmetology · Level 4
Hair Styling Service
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 3 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Clean and disinfect hair styling tools including scissors, combs, and clips following standard operating procedures within 3 hours.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Assorted combsDisinfectant solution
Hair cutting scissorsMedium salon towels
Hair clipsCotton wool
Sterilizing containerDisposable gloves
Plastic basinFace mask
Apron
Clean water supply
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Assorted combs1 Pc per Candidate
2Hair cutting scissors1 Pc per Candidate
3Hair clips5 Pcs per Candidate
4Disinfectant solution (Barbicide or equivalent)50 ml per Candidate
5Sterilizing container1 Pc per 3 Candidates
6Medium salon towels4 Pcs per Candidate
7Plastic basin1 Pc per Candidate
8Clean water supplyAdequate for rinsing and cleaning
9Disposable gloves1 Pair per Candidate
10Face mask1 Pc per Candidate
11Apron1 Pc per Candidate
12Waste bin with liner1 Pc per 5 Candidates
13Cotton wool10 Pcs per Candidate
14Towels for drying tools2 Pcs per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Prepare for cleaning and disinfection
Wore personal protective gear: apron, disposable gloves, face mask
(Award 1 mark each)		3
Gathered all hair styling tools and cleaning materials as per SOP
(Award 2 marks)		2
Checked disinfectant solution concentration and expiry date
(Award 2 marks)		2
Prepared sterilizing container with disinfectant solution at correct dilution
(Award 3 marks)		3
Sub-Total10
TASK 2: Clean hair styling tools physically
Removed visible dirt and hair debris from tools using water and towels
(Award 3 marks)		3
Used cotton wool or towels to clean delicate parts of scissors and clips
(Award 2 marks)		2
Rinsed tools thoroughly with clean water before disinfection
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sub-Total7
TASK 3: Disinfect and store tools safely
Immersed tools fully in disinfectant solution for recommended time (minimum 10 minutes)
(Award 3 marks)		3
Removed tools from disinfectant and dried them using clean towels
(Award 2 marks)		2
Stored disinfected tools in clean, dry, and designated storage area
(Award 3 marks)		3
Disposed waste materials safely in waste bin lined with plastic
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sub-Total10
TASK 4: Observe hygiene and safety throughout the process
Sanitized hands before and after the cleaning process
(Award 2 marks)		2
Avoided cross-contamination by not sharing tools between clients during cleaning
(Award 2 marks)		2
Maintained clean and organized work area during and after cleaning
(Award 3 marks)		3
Sub-Total7
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
All tools are visibly clean, free of hair and debris
(Award 2 marks)		2
Tools are disinfected according to recommended time and procedures
(Award 3 marks)		3
Tools are dry and stored safely in designated clean storage area
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sub-Total7
GRAND TOTAL41
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Clean and disinfect barbering chairs, clippers, and equipment

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.  Clean and disinfect one barbering chair and one hair clipper as per standard operating procedures.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Barbering chairDisinfectant solution
Hair clippers
Assorted combs
Cleaning cloths/towels
Plastic basin
Brush for cleaning clippers
Gloves
Apron
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Barbering chair1 Pc per Candidate
2Hair clippers1 Pc per Candidate
3Assorted combs3 Pcs per Candidate
4Disinfectant solution (surgical spirit or barbicide)100 ml per Candidate
5Cleaning cloths/towels3 Pcs medium salon towels per Candidate
6Plastic basin1 Pc per Candidate
7Brush for cleaning clippers1 Pc per Candidate
8Gloves1 Pair per Candidate
9Waste bin with liner1 Pc per 5 Candidates
10Apron1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Prepare and wear personal protective equipment
Wears apron and gloves before starting the cleaning process
(Award 1 mark each)		2
Ensures work area is well ventilated
(Award 1 mark)		1
Sub-Total3
TASK 2: Clean barbering chair
Removes hair and debris from chair surfaces using cleaning cloth
(Award 2 marks)		2
Wipes chair thoroughly with disinfectant solution
(Award 2 marks)		2
Allows disinfectant to air dry on chair surfaces
(Award 1 mark)		1
Sub-Total5
TASK 3: Clean and disinfect hair clippers and combs
Removes hair from clippers using brush
(Award 2 marks)		2
Disassembles clipper blades safely as per manufacturer’s instructions
(Award 2 marks)		2
Soaks combs and clipper blades in disinfectant for recommended time (minimum 10 minutes)
(Award 3 marks)		3
Dries and reassembles clipper blades correctly
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sub-Total9
TASK 4: Clean and disinfect work area and dispose waste
Wipes down work surfaces with disinfectant
(Award 2 marks)		2
Collects and disposes waste in designated waste bin with liner
(Award 2 marks)		2
Sweeps floor around work area
(Award 1 mark)		1
Sub-Total5
TASK 5: Store cleaned and disinfected equipment
Stores combs, clippers, and towels in clean, dry storage area
(Award 2 marks)		2
Ensures all equipment is ready for next service
(Award 1 mark)		1
Sub-Total3
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Barbering chair is clean, disinfected, and dry with no visible hair or debris
(Award 3 marks)		3
Hair clippers and combs are free from hair, disinfected, dry, and correctly assembled
(Award 4 marks)		4
Work area is clean, free of waste, and equipment stored properly
(Award 3 marks)		3
Sub-Total10
GRAND TOTAL35
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Sort and store recyclable barbering supplies according to item descriptionPractical 3
🔒Dispose of waste generated from hair styling service safely and hygienicallyPractical 4
🔒Clean, disinfect, and store recyclable hair styling suppliesPractical 5
🔒Prepare cleaning and disinfecting solutions for barbering tools and equipmentPractical 6
🔒Inspect tools and equipment post-cleaning for hair styling servicePractical 7
🔒Label and Organize Stored Recyclable Hair Styling SuppliesPractical 8
🔒Segregate waste for disposal after hair styling servicePractical 9
🔒Maintain hygiene in post-service hair styling areaPractical 10
Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • safely clean and disinfect hair styling tools and equipment following the manufacturers’ instructions
  • correctly clean your work station to maintain a tidy and safe environment
  • dispose of waste safely and according to work procedures
  • properly clean, disinfect, and store recyclable supplies following workplace guidelines

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

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← Ch 2: Perform hair styling service