ABA Hair & Scalp Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a scalp treatment for a client with psoriasis, the barber should:
- Apply a strong alkaline shampoo to break down plaques
- Refer severe cases to a dermatologist and use gentle, non-irritating products (Correct answer)
- Use hot steam to soften the scales aggressively
- Perform vigorous scalp massage to loosen plaques
Correct answer: Refer severe cases to a dermatologist and use gentle, non-irritating products
Barbers should use gentle products on psoriasis-affected scalps and refer clients to a dermatologist for medical treatment.
Question 2: Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly linked to hair thinning and excessive shedding?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B12 and Iron (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin B12 and Iron
Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and iron are among the most common nutritional causes of diffuse hair thinning and telogen effluvium.
Question 3: What does the term 'trichoptilosis' refer to?
- Scalp psoriasis
- Split ends (Correct answer)
- Premature graying
- Hair loss from traction
Correct answer: Split ends
Trichoptilosis is the technical term for split ends, where the hair shaft splits longitudinally due to damage or dryness.
Question 4: Which type of hair loss is caused by repeated tension from tight styles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions?
- Alopecia areata
- Androgenic alopecia
- Traction alopecia (Correct answer)
- Telogen effluvium
Correct answer: Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia results from prolonged mechanical tension on hair follicles, often along the hairline.
Question 5: A client has hair that repels water and takes a long time to become saturated when wet. This describes:
- High porosity hair
- Low porosity hair (Correct answer)
- High elasticity hair
- Coarse hair texture
Correct answer: Low porosity hair
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture absorption, causing water to bead on the surface.
Question 6: What is the function of sebaceous glands in relation to the scalp?
- They produce sweat to cool the scalp
- They produce sebum to lubricate and condition the hair and scalp (Correct answer)
- They anchor the hair follicle to the dermis
- They produce melanin for hair pigmentation
Correct answer: They produce sebum to lubricate and condition the hair and scalp
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a natural oil that lubricates the scalp and hair shaft and provides mild antimicrobial protection.
Question 7: When selecting a shampoo for a client with dry, brittle hair, the barber should choose a formula that is:
- Clarifying and high pH
- Moisturizing with humectants and emollients (Correct answer)
- Medicated with zinc pyrithione
- Volumizing with sulfates
Correct answer: Moisturizing with humectants and emollients
Moisturizing shampoos containing humectants (like glycerin) and emollients help restore moisture balance in dry, brittle hair.
ABA Hair & Scalp Care 3
When performing a scalp treatment for a client with psoriasis, the barber should: