332A Scalp and Hair Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is alopecia areata?
- Complete loss of all body hair
- An autoimmune condition causing sudden, round patches of hair loss (Correct answer)
- Hair loss from chemical damage
- Gradual thinning of hair due to aging
Correct answer: An autoimmune condition causing sudden, round patches of hair loss
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, round or oval patches of hair loss. It can occur at any age and the patches may regrow spontaneously or progress.
Question 2: What is androgenetic alopecia?
- Hair loss caused by tight hairstyles
- Pattern baldness caused by genetic and hormonal factors (Correct answer)
- Hair loss from a scalp infection
- Temporary hair loss after childbirth
Correct answer: Pattern baldness caused by genetic and hormonal factors
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, caused by genetics and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men, it typically presents as receding hairline and crown thinning. In women, it presents as overall thinning.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a hair density analysis?
- To determine the strength of the hair
- To assess the number of hairs per square area, helping determine product selection and technique adjustments (Correct answer)
- To check for scalp infections
- To measure the hair's moisture content
Correct answer: To assess the number of hairs per square area, helping determine product selection and technique adjustments
Hair density analysis determines how many individual hair strands grow per square centimetre of scalp. It helps stylists adjust chemical formulations, application techniques, product amounts, and cutting approaches for optimal results.
Question 4: What is contact dermatitis in relation to salon services?
- A fungal infection from unclean tools
- An inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen such as a chemical product (Correct answer)
- A permanent scarring condition
- A genetic skin condition unrelated to products
Correct answer: An inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen such as a chemical product
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin triggered by direct contact with an irritating substance (irritant contact dermatitis) or an allergen (allergic contact dermatitis). Common salon triggers include colour chemicals, latex, and fragrances.
Question 5: How can a stylist determine if hair has been previously treated with metallic dye?
- By asking the client only
- By performing a metallic salt test using 1:20 peroxide and ammonia solution on a hair sample (Correct answer)
- By checking the hair's natural colour
- By looking at the hair under UV light
Correct answer: By performing a metallic salt test using 1:20 peroxide and ammonia solution on a hair sample
A metallic salt test (1:20 test) involves immersing a strand of hair in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. If metallic salts are present, the solution will change colour, bubble, heat up, or the hair may dissolve or change colour.
Question 6: What is folliculitis?
- Hair loss from hormonal changes
- Inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, often appearing as small red bumps or pustules (Correct answer)
- A type of dandruff
- An autoimmune hair loss condition
Correct answer: Inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, often appearing as small red bumps or pustules
Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, usually caused by bacteria (often Staphylococcus aureus) or fungi. It presents as small, red, often pus-filled bumps around hair follicles and can be itchy or painful.
332A Scalp and Hair Analysis 3
What is alopecia areata?