Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Conditioning

When clients visit a salon for the first time, the immediately begin making judgements about their surroundings. How does the salon look? Does the receptionist greet them with a smile? Make sure you do everything in your power to make sure your client has a good salon experience. You only get once chance to make a good first impression. One of the most important experience a stylist can provide is the shampoo.  Making this a pleasurable experience can have a great impact on building your reputation as a stylist. The “shampoo “ part of the service comes in three different parts: scalp care and massage, shampooing, and conditioning. The shampoo gives the client relaxation time that is free from the stresses of the day. If clients are happy with the entire shampoo experience, they are far more likely to be happy with the entire service. The two basic requirements for a healthy scalp are cleanliness and stimulation. Scalp massage is a procedure you will do often and one you should be well at. Proper maintenance of the hair and scalp begins with the hygiene practice of shampooing. The hair should be shampooed often to remove oil and dirt. If the scalp and hair are improperly cleansed, unhealthy disorders of the scalp may appear. When performing a scalp massage, remember to keep the client’s head supported and maintain contact with the head at all times. Use slow, deliberate motions and a soft touch. You as the stylist need to be relaxed as well. Keep your fingers loose. A dry hair and scalp treatment should be used when there is a deficiency of natural oil on the scalp. If their scalp is dry, manipulate the scalp using a kneading technique to increase blood circulation to the surface. This will reduce any hardened sebum that has been collected in the pores of the scalp and can be removed with gentle pressing.  If their scalp appears to have dandruff on it, use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner to treat it. Correct hair brushing also stimulates blood circulation to the scalp. Brushing removes dirt, dust, and hairspray build up. It gives the hair shine. You should always begin brushing the hair from the ends then work towards the scalp. This makes it easier to get rid of all the tangles.  The shampoo service provides an opportunity to make sure that the hair and scalp are properly cleansed and nourished. If there are any open wounds, reddened scalp irritations, scalp flaking, or apparent disease, do not continue with the service. Select the proper shampoo for you client. Everyone has different hair which means everyone needs different shampoo to treat their hair the best. Be aware of which shampoos are meant for which types of hair. There's conditioning shampoo, medicated, clarifying, balancing, strengthening, dry, neutralizing, and color-enhancing. Conditioning is applied to the hair to deposit protein to help restore the hair’s strength and moisturize it. There is a cleansing conditioner, rinse-out. treatment or repair, and leave-in. Always remember to drape your client really good so you do not get them wet at all. Remember to make the shampoo memorable!