332A Scalp and Hair Analysis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a scalp analysis before performing any salon service?
- To determine the client's hair colour preference
- To identify any scalp conditions, disorders, or contraindications that may affect the service (Correct answer)
- To decide which styling products to sell
- To measure the client's head circumference
Correct answer: To identify any scalp conditions, disorders, or contraindications that may affect the service
A scalp analysis is performed to identify any conditions, diseases, infections, or abnormalities that may contraindicate a service or require modification. It protects both the client and the stylist.
Question 2: What is tinea capitis?
- Excessive oiliness of the scalp
- A fungal infection of the scalp that causes circular patches of hair loss (Correct answer)
- A bacterial infection causing pus-filled bumps
- Severe dandruff
Correct answer: A fungal infection of the scalp that causes circular patches of hair loss
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is a contagious fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair shafts. It presents as circular, scaly patches with hair loss or breakage. It is a contraindication for salon services and requires medical referral.
Question 3: What is the difference between dry dandruff and oily dandruff?
- There is no difference
- Dry dandruff has small white flakes; oily dandruff has larger yellowish flakes that stick to the scalp (Correct answer)
- Dry dandruff is contagious; oily dandruff is not
- Dry dandruff causes hair loss; oily dandruff does not
Correct answer: Dry dandruff has small white flakes; oily dandruff has larger yellowish flakes that stick to the scalp
Dry dandruff (pityriasis capitis simplex) presents as small, white, powdery flakes that fall easily from the scalp. Oily dandruff (pityriasis steatoides) has larger, yellowish, waxy flakes that adhere to the scalp and hair, often with inflammation.
Question 4: What scalp condition is characterized by excessive production of sebum?
- Alopecia
- Seborrheic dermatitis (Correct answer)
- Psoriasis
- Pediculosis capitis
Correct answer: Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common scalp condition associated with excessive sebum production and yeast overgrowth. It presents as red, inflamed, flaky, and greasy patches on the scalp and can be chronic.
Question 5: What is alopecia?
- An excess growth of hair
- The technical term for hair loss or baldness, which can have various causes (Correct answer)
- A scalp infection requiring antibiotics
- A type of dandruff
Correct answer: The technical term for hair loss or baldness, which can have various causes
Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss. It can take many forms including alopecia areata (patchy loss), androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), traction alopecia (from pulling), and others, each with different causes.
Question 6: How can a stylist test hair porosity?
- By measuring the hair with a ruler
- By sliding fingers along a strand from end to root — rough feeling indicates high porosity (Correct answer)
- By checking the hair colour
- By counting the number of hairs on the head
Correct answer: By sliding fingers along a strand from end to root — rough feeling indicates high porosity
The porosity test involves sliding fingers along a single hair strand from end to root. If it feels rough or bumpy, the cuticle is raised and porosity is high. Smooth-feeling hair indicates low porosity with a flat cuticle.
332A Scalp and Hair Analysis 1
What is the purpose of a scalp analysis before performing any salon service?