Performing post hair cutting service is a crucial phase in cosmetology that ensures client satisfaction and maintains the professional standards of the salon or barbershop. In Kenya’s dynamic cosmetology industry, where customer experience can make or break a business, attention to detail after a haircut reflects the stylist’s expertise and commitment to quality service. This chapter focuses on the tools and equipment used in the post-cutting process and the organization of the workstation, both essential for delivering a polished finish and preparing for subsequent clients safely and efficiently.

3.1 Tools and Equipment

In the post hair cutting service, specific tools and equipment are vital for cleaning, styling, and maintaining hygiene. These instruments not only help in refining the haircut but also uphold the safety and sanitation standards expected of a professional salon. Understanding the specifications and uses of these tools, and how to keep them clean, disinfected and where necessary sterilised, enhances the stylist's ability to provide excellent finishing touches and care for the equipment properly.

The tools below are the ones used and cared for after the cutting service:

Cleaning

Cleaning is the physical removal of hair, dust, oils, product residue and visible dirt from a tool using water, detergent and friction. It is always the first stage of tool care, because disinfectants and sterilising methods cannot work properly through a layer of hair or grease. Example: a stylist in a salon who skips washing a styling comb and places it straight into disinfectant leaves the comb's teeth coated in sebum, so the solution never reaches the surface of the plastic.

Clean tools after every client, following these steps:

1. Remove loose hair: Shake or brush off hair from the neck brush, comb, scissors and cape over a bin before any water is used.
2. Unplug electrical items: Disconnect the blow drier from the socket before touching the vents or casing.
3. Wash combs and brushes: Scrub them in warm water with liquid soap, using a small brush to clear hair from between the teeth and bristles.
4. Clean the blow drier: Remove dust and hair from the air intake and vents with a dry brush, then wipe the casing and handle with a damp cloth. Never immerse the drier in water.
5. Wipe the scissors: Wipe the blades and handles with a clean cloth, paying attention to the pivot screw area where hair collects.
6. Launder the cape: Shake the cape out, then wash it with detergent when it is soiled or at the end of the day, according to the care label.
7. Rinse and dry: Rinse all washable tools with clean water and dry them fully with a clean towel or in the air, so that rust and mould do not develop.
8. Wear gloves: Use disposable or rubber gloves throughout cleaning to protect your hands from residue and chemicals.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting uses a chemical agent to destroy most disease-causing microorganisms on a surface that has already been cleaned. It does not reliably kill bacterial spores, but it is sufficient for the tools that touch only intact skin and hair. Example: in a busy salon where combs and brushes are used on many clients in a day, disinfecting between clients helps prevent the spread of fungal scalp infections and head lice.

Good disinfecting practice includes the following points:

• Clean first: Disinfect only tools that have been washed and rinsed, because dirt and hair weaken the action of the chemical.
• Use a suitable product: Choose a disinfectant intended for salon tools and prepare it exactly as the manufacturer's label directs. Do not guess the dilution, and prepare fresh solution as often as the label advises.
• Respect contact time: Immerse combs, brushes and scissors fully for the full time stated on the label. Wiping and removing the tool too early leaves organisms alive.
• Wipe non-immersible items: Use a cloth dampened with disinfectant (or a disinfectant spray) on the cape between clients, and on the blow drier casing and handle with the drier unplugged.
• Rinse and dry after soaking: Rinse off residue if the label requires it, dry the tools on a clean towel, and store them in a clean, covered container.
• Protect yourself: Wear gloves while handling disinfectant, and keep the container labelled and covered, away from clients and children.
• Keep clean and used tools apart: Never place a disinfected tool back on a dirty tray or in an unclean drawer.

Sterilising

Sterilizing destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores and viruses, and is the highest level of tool decontamination. It is needed for any instrument that may break the skin or come into contact with blood, such as a razor holder, tweezers or metal scissors that have nicked a client. Example: a salon sterilises its metal scissors after any accidental cut, and disinfects the clipper blades as the maker directs, rather than only soaking the scissors.

Sterilisation depends on the tool's material, so the stylist must know what each item can withstand:

• Autoclave (steam under pressure): Clean, dry metal instruments are placed in pouches or a tray and run through a cycle set according to the autoclave manufacturer's instructions. This is the most dependable method for stainless steel scissors and blades.
• Dry heat oven: Clean metal items are heated at a set temperature for a set time, following the oven manufacturer's guidance. It suits metal tools only, since heat damages plastic and rubber.
• Items that cannot be sterilised: Plastic combs, brushes with wooden handles, capes and blow driers would be damaged by heat, so they are cleaned and disinfected instead.
• Single-use items: Disposable neck strips, razor blades and similar items are used once for one client and are never reused or sterilised for another client.
• Storage after sterilising: Keep sterilised tools in their sealed pouches or in a closed, clean container until they are needed, because an open drawer recontaminates them.
• Equipment checks: Service and test the sterilising equipment regularly, and keep a simple record of cycles, so that you can be sure that the tools are truly sterile.

Oiling and storing scissors

Scissors are the tool most affected by wear. Blunt or dry blades fold hair instead of cutting it cleanly, causing split ends and uneven edges. Have scissors sharpened by a qualified sharpener when they begin to drag or crush hair, and never try to sharpen precision blades at home with improvised tools. After cleaning and before storage, apply a drop of scissor oil at the pivot, open and close the blades a few times, and wipe off the excess so that no oil reaches the client's hair. Store scissors closed in a case or sheath to protect the edges, and pass and carry them closed with the points down, never leaving them open on the work surface.

Electrical safety

Safety in using the blow drier protects both the stylist and the client, especially in busy salons where many clients are served each day. Water, damaged cords and wrong heat settings are the main causes of shocks, fires and burns. Example: a drier with a frayed cord found during the morning check is taken out of use and labelled until it is repaired, instead of being used for one more client.

• Check electrical equipment: Inspect the cord, plug and switch before use. A frayed cord or loose plug can cause shocks or fires, so a damaged drier must be taken out of use until it is repaired.
• Keep electricity away from water: Do not use a blow drier with wet hands or near basins, and never place it where it can fall into water.
• Use the correct heat setting: Choose a heat and speed suited to the client's hair type, and keep the drier moving, to avoid burning the scalp or damaging the hair.
• Keep the vents clear: Do not cover the air intake or let hair block it, because a blocked drier overheats.
• Store the drier safely: Switch off and unplug after use, let it cool, and coil the cord loosely rather than wrapping it tightly around the body of the drier.

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on the essential aspects of performing post hair cutting service with emphasis on tools and equipment, the work station, and recyclable supplies management. Proper care and maintenance of tools and equipment after use ensure their longevity and readiness for subsequent clients. Organizing and cleaning the work station is crucial for maintaining hygiene and creating a professional environment. Attention to recyclable supplies supports environmental responsibility by encouraging the reuse and proper sorting of materials. The chapter also highlighted the correct procedures for disposing of non-recyclable waste to prevent contamination and preserve cleanliness. Overall, these steps contribute to efficient service delivery and uphold industry standards in hair cutting services.