Cosmetology - The Human Hair

Hair is a protein filament biomaterial that grows from follicles found in the dermis.
It can also be said to be a thread like structure which is a living matter that grows from a sac found on the outer skin.

Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. Each strand of hair is made up of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle.
Medulla which is the innermost is not always present and often situated in an open unstructured region.

The cortex which is highly structured and organized is the primary source of mechanical strength and water uptake. The cortex contains melanin, which colors the fiber based on the number of distribution and types of melanin granules. The shape of the follicle determines the shape of the cortex while the shape of the fiber is related to how straight and curly the hair is.

The cuticle is the out covering layer, it's complex structure slides as the hair swells and is covered with a single molecular layer of lipid that makes the hair repel water.

The glands at the opening of a hair produce a fatty secretion that lubricates the hair and prevents it from dying. The secretion is known as the sebum which is a natural oil that smooths the scales on the hair shaft and makes the hair nice and soft.

(Diagram of the human hair)

Types Of Hair

Hair is basically classified into four types

Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination.

It is important to dictate the type of hair one has so as to easily maintain and care for the hair in a proper way, usually a person's skin type is found to have a felling effect on his/her hair type.

A close look at the hair can tell a lot about the hair types.

1.Normal Hair

This type of hair looks naturally healthy and shiny. Containing a balanced amount of sebum, it appears shiny but does not feel greasy.

It can stay nice between washes and it is very easy to care for and maintain. To maintain, shampoo, conditioner and oil are used at regular intervals.

2. Dry Hair

This type is usually lifeless, dull and fragile and it has split ends. It may at times feel itchy and will break down easily.

It is particularly common with curly hair and it's uneven surface makes it difficult to distribute natural oil.

If the hair is straightened a lot or lacks sebum, it becomes dry. It should be washed with a mild shampoo and olive oil and massage the dry scalp.

3. Oily Hair

This type of hair feels heavy on the head and is unpleasantly clamp to touch. It can be caused by perspiration, much sebum on the hair, excessive reproduction of hormones or not washing the hair as often as it should be washed.

It usually looks greasy and will often have dandruff problems. It should be washed frequently, preferably every alternate day so that the dirt can not accumulate.

4. Combination Hair

This type of hair will display characteristics of both dry and oily hair, this could be when the hair is oily at the roots and dry at other ends or vice versa.

Combination type of hair requires a separate attention to be given to the scalp and hair ends.The hair should be washed and conditioner should also be applied.

Care Of The Hair

For the healthiness of a hair, it is very important to give it an extensive care. There are several ways the hair can be cared for,  they include ;

1. Washing the hair regularly to avoid build-up of debris which can lead to infections, shampoo should always be used while washing.

2. Application of conditioner.

3. Application of oil and other necessary hair food.

4. Ensure that your diet consists of every necessary nutrient that aids in hair growth.

5. Dry your hair as natural as possible, that is to air dry it or you can use equipment when necessary.

6. Avoid application of too many chemicals on the hair, only apply when necessary and should always be within three to four months interval.

7. Style your hair regularly, but be careful enough when, how and where you style it.

8. Brush and comb your hair often but avoid doing so when wet.

Exercises

1. What are the characteristics of the dry hair?
2. List five basic ways to care for the human hair

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Personal Hygiene Practice In Cosmetology

Personal hygiene can be defined as the science of health
, it's promotion and preservation.
It deals with the practices a person takes in order to promote a healthy life.
   
Personal hygiene practice in cosmetology entails all of a cosmetologist's effort to keep his workplace, him/herself or clients free from microbes and safe from disease.

Personal hygiene practices are employed as preventive measures to reduce the incidence and spread of disease in a cosmetologist's workplace.

In the manufacture of cosmetics and other related products, good hygiene is also a key part of quality assurance.

Motivation for personal hygiene practices include healing from personal illness, optimal health and sense of well being, social acceptance and preventing transmission of diseases.

Some practises that are generally considered proper hygiene include bathing regularly, washing of hands often, hair care, clean clothing, keeping nails short besides other practice.

The personal hygiene of a cosmetologist involves cleanliness of work place and materials. A cosmetologist ensures that him and his work tools are rid of pathogenic microbes to avoid infection of the clients.

Basic Rules For Personal Hygiene Practice In Cosmetology

Here are five basic personal hygiene rule for cosmetologists

1.Appearance
It is expected that a good cosmetologist should always be decent and modest in his outlook, this is one of the key factors that proves him good and an expert.

A well groomed hair is a must for every cosmetologist.

2.Bathing
A cosmetologist should always take a shower before moving down to workplace. 
This is advised to be done at least twice a day. Before and after the day's work.


3.Neat Nails
A cosmetologist's nail should be kept short and clean.
Long nails tend to harbor dirt and also may lead to an injury to a client or even the cosmetologist.

4.Sneeze and Cough
It's important to learn the proper way to sneeze and cough so as to avoid irritating clients.
It's best to use a tissue as it can be disposed immediately.

5.Hand Washing
This should be a regular routine.
Hand washing is done before and after meals, after each use of toilet, before and after attending to a client and anytime a cosmetologist handles any chemical product.

For best results, hand washing must be done with soap and running water.

Note that this is an ideal way to prevent germs spread.

Conclusion

Personal hygiene practice and careful implementation of basic safety rules can eventually bring you more clients and help you stay on top, even in a competitive work environment.

Exercises - Personal Hygiene Practice In Cosmetology

1.Why is personal hygiene practice important?

2.What is the best procedure for hand washing?

Also See - Professional Ethics In Cosmetology

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Sterilization Of Cosmetology Tools And Equipments

Sterilization is a term referring to any process taken to remove or kill any of microbial life present on a surface, contained in a fluid or in a compound.


Sterilization in cosmetology can be reasonably said to be any process that removes or kills microbes present in materials, tools or equipments used by a cosmetologist.

This practice ensures that these microbial lives are not transferred from one client to another.

Microbes are pathogens responsible for many infectious diseases.

Methods Of Sterilization

Sterilization can be achieved by applying heat, chemical, radiation, high pressure and filtration or combinations.

Sterilization is done with the aim of removing or reducing the micro organisms or other pathogens present in the equipments used by a cosmetologist.

1. Heat Sterilization

This is achieved by applying heat to the work tools to remove microbial lives.

Heat sterilization methods include

• Steam sterilization
• Incineration
• Thermal treatment
• Boiling
• Tyndalization
• Dry heating
• Flaming.

2. Chemical Sterilization

This involves the use of chemicals to eliminate microbes present on the surface of a tool or equipment.

Examples of sterilization chemicals include Ethylene oxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Bleach, Hydrogen peroxide, etc.

3. Radiation Sterilization

This involves the use of radiation such as Element beams, X-rays, Gamma rays or sub-atomic particles to eliminate microbes

4. Combinations

This involves the mixing of two or more elements or compounds to disseminate microbes from work tools.
This method of sterilization is mostly used in cases where the microbes.

Some distinct types of sterilization include ;

• Steam sterilization
• Dry heat sterilization
• Ethylene Sterilization
• Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
• Gamma rays Sterilization.

Note that these types of sterilization are categorized under a primary method of sterilization. For instance steam sterilization comes is a form of heat sterilization.

Materials And Tools For Sterilization

• Auto claws
• Hot air oven
• Bunsen burner
• Ethanol
• Incubator
• Dry heat sterilization
• Ethylene oxide.

Processes Of Sterilization

1.Decontamination

This is the physical or chemical process that renders an inanimate object that may be contaminated with microbial life safe for further handling.

This could include wiping of surfaces or washing with alcohol.

2.Assembly and Packaging

After the instruments have been cleaned and inspected, they are typically assembled into sets of trays according to recipe cards that detail instructions for assembling each set of tray.

Instrument and other items that are prepared for sterilization must be packaged so that their sterility can be maintained until the point of use.

3.Sterilization and Storage Process

As noted earlier, sterilization involves the removal of microbial life present on a surface.

Hence, reliable sterilization depends on the contact of the sterilization agent with surfaces of the item to be sterilized to ensure the instruments and supplies are sterile when used,

Monitoring the sterilization process is essential for accurate sterilization.

After sterilization, the materials or items are stored properly to avoid re-infection or exposure to new microbes.

Exercise On Sterilization Of Cosmetology Tools And Equipments

• Explain Sterilization of cosmetology tools.
• List five sterilization materials and tools.

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First Aid In Cosmetology

First aid is the provision of initial care to an illness or injury until proper medical treatment can be rendered.


It is a general series of simple and in some cases, life saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with few basic equipments.

First aid in cosmetology refers to what must be done to ensure that any injuries which occur in the office of a cosmetologist is properly managed.

Aims Of First Aid

• To preserve life
• To prevent further harm/injuries.
• To promote quick recovery

Contents Of An Equipped First Aid Box

Bandages
This is used to secure dressings made to the wound.

Soap
Used in cleaning wounds and washing out foreign bodies.

Antiseptic wipes or sprays
This is used for reducing the risk of infection in abrasions or other wounds.

Scissors
This is used in cutting materials for dressing or flesh itself.

Alcohol Pads
This is used for sanitizing equipments or broken skin.

Thermometer
This is used in measuring the body temperature of the affected individual.

Cotton wool
This is used In applying medications and cleanqing of wounds.



Aspirin
Primarily used for pains and also serves as an anti-platelet.

Pain killers
This is used to reduce pains and some include paracetamol, panadol.

Iodine.

Hydrogen peroxide

Basic First Aid Treatment Procedures For Cosmetologists

Treatment for Burns

Burns could result when the cosmetologist or their clients mishandles a hot equipment such as the blow dryer.
The seriousness of the burn depends on the amount of burnt surface area, body part burnt and age of the victim.

Applying First Aid Treatment To Burns

• Use a wet soft cloth to cool the area.
• Continue with cooling the affected area to relieve the burning sensation.
• Remove any tightening material, most importantly those around the burnt area.
• Once the burning sensation is relieved, clean up the burnt area with cotton wool soaked with aspirin.
• Then continue with dressing up the burnt area.

Treatment For Cuts

A cut is an injury involving opening in the skin and is usually caused by sharp objects such as scissors or blade. While this is usually unintentional, loss of blood results at the event of a cut.

Applying First Aid Treatment To Cuts

• Clean up wound with clean water.
• Remove dirts in the wound using cotton soaked in aspirin or hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply an anti-biotic ointment, e.g iodine.
• Dress and bandage the wound.
• If bleeding persists, then apply gentle pressure till bleeding seizes.

It is also recommended that a cosmetologist have access to hospital emergency units at all times. This can be really helpful at the incident of a serious mishap.

Conclusion

A good cosmetologist should be able to administer basic first aid procedures promptly. Hence, we advice you learn these procedures as soon as you can. It could save a life someday!

Exercises On First Aid In Cosmetology

1.List five other items found in a first aid box

2.Try to administer first aid treatment at the next sight of a minor accident.

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Tools, Materials And Equipment Used By Cosmetologists

Successful cosmetologists are skilled at using the different tools, materials and equipment related to their field.


We introduced these objects in our previous post and here we are with a comprehensive list on their uses.

Let's go!

TOOL AND USES

Cutting Scissors

This is a hand operated shear instrument that consists of a pair of metal blades prooted that the sharpened edges slide against each other when the opposite to the proot are closed. They are used in cutting materials.


Razor Blades

A razor is a keen edged knife of peculiar shape used in shaving of unwanted hair, can also be used in cutting.

Tinting Brush And Bowl

Tinting brush itself is used to brush the hair while applying dye on the hair while the tinting bowl is peculiarly used in mixing of the dye.

Perm Roller

This is used to make perms and curls on the hair. They are roundish in shape, made of Plastic and has small holes on it.
Pins called "roller pins" are used to hold the rollers onto the hair.

Ear Shields
This is used to protect the ear from the hot air. Most times, they are used while entering the hair dryer..
 
Sets Of Brush

Many a brush Is used in cosmetology e.g
The straight brush used  to brush the hair, wigs or weaveons while another known as the round brush is used in stretching the hair.

Face Mask

This is the material a cosmetologist use in covering the nose in order to prevent the inhaling of harmful gas odour.

Dummy Head

This is an object has a humanlike head structure usually used to teach or practice hair making.


         

MATERIALS AND USES

Styling And Shampoo Capes

This is usually used to protect the body and clothing of the client from Chemicals, dirt or any other substance.

Gloves

This is a woven material that has a shape like that of the hand and is used to protect the cosmetologist's hand from harmful chemicals and dirts.

Needle And Thread

These materials aid in fixing weaveons onto the hair.

Set Of Artificial Nails

This can also be called nail extensions and are used to  extend the length of nails, to make them look longer and attractive.

Setting Lotion

This is used while styling the hair.
It is liquid in nature and applied to the hair, then left to dry after desired styling.

Hair Lotion

This is applied to the hair to keep it soft, moist and glowing.  It is oily and helps to avoid hair breakage.

Cotton Wool

It is used to apply substances, e.g to clean the colouring of a nail or dissolve chemicals on the nail.

Weaveon, Hair Pieces And Wigs

They are used on the hair to make look fuller, longer, more beautiful and more attractive. They are made of synthetic fibre.

Shampoo And Conditioners

These are applied on the hair during and after washing. Shampoo helps to remove dandruff and keep the hair healthy while conditioner is applied to improve the texture of the hair.

Apron

This is used to protect the body of the cosmetologist while handling substances or carrying out their activities such as braiding or barbing.

EQUIPMENTS AND USES

Hair Dryer

This is a machinery with a stand and a very big cap from which hot air Is blown towards the hair. This equipment is operated eletrically.

Blow Dryer

This is also a mechanical device used in blowing hot air to dry the hair. This device is also operated electrically but it is handy.

Generator

This equipment is used to supply electric power to the office of a cosmetologist.

Clipper

This is a handheld device used by a certain cosmetologist to barb or carve the hair.

Mirror

This is an object situated in the office of a cosmetologist used in viewing image especially while styling, braiding or barbing the hair.

Curling Thong

This is used to curl the hair, it has a wooden handle and a metal head consisting of a round and semi-round blade...

We are done!

Try these!

EXERCISES

• Visit the office of a cosmetologist and list five tools, materials and equipment they use.
• Differentiate between Tools and Equipments tagged with examples.

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Tools, Materials And Equipment Used By Cosmetologists

In this lesson, we'll be deliberating on tools, materials and equipment that helps a cosmetologist gets his/her work done easily and properly.

Successful cosmetologists are skillful at using and alternating between these tools as they attend to clients.

Tools

Tools are multipurpose, small handy objects which form the basics of any cosmetology procedure. Start-up cosmetologists usually get these first.

List Of Tools Used By Cosmetologists

• Cutting scissors
• Razor
• Tinting brush
• Tinting bowl
• Perm roller
• Curl pins
• Ear shields
• Pin, Grips and Chips
• Roller
• Tweezers
• Set of brush
• Bowls
• Emery board
• Nail files
• Cutical pusher

Materials

Materials include items worn by the cosmetologist and clients for safety purposes. They also include some cosmetic products used in the procedures.

List Of Materials Used By Cosmetologists

• Gloves
• Apron
• Weave-on, wigs and hair pieces(attachments)
• Set of artificial nails
• Needle and thread
• Setting lotion
• Hair lotion
• Styling and shampoo capes
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Cotton wool

 

Equipment

These are tools, machinery and devices that make the administration of cosmetology procedures possible.
Since a lot of these equipment are mechanized,they also require periodic maintenance to be able to last long enough.

List Of Equipment Used By Cosmetologists

• Hair dryers
• Steamers
• Blow dryers
• Heaters
• Generator
• Styling iron
• Foot massage
• Tonging machine
• Crimping machine
• Set of clippers
• Mirror
• Dressing or styling chair
• Trolleys
• Hinge basin

We're done.

As an aspiring cosmetologist, you really need to know more about these items.
Our next entrepreneurship education post  will provide an insight.

Exercise

1.List other five equipment,tools and materials used by cosmetologists

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Professional Ethics In Cosmetology

• Definition of professional ethics 
• Good Ethics In Cosmetology 
• Qualities Of A Good Cosmetologist 
• Poor Ethics In Cosmetology
• Exercises 

Ethics is a branch of philosophy dealing with values pertaining to human conduct, considering the rights and wrongs of an action as well as the good and bad of the motives and outcome of such actions.
     
Professional ethics has to do with the norms, values and principles that guides a profession and the major decisions made within the profession.

It can also be explained as the rule governing the conduct, transactions and relationship within a profession and it's public's .
     
It can thus, be rightfully said that the professional ethics in cosmetology are norms, values and principles that guides cosmetology and the major decisions made in cosmetology.
           

GOOD AND POOR ETHICS OF COSMETOLOGY              

   
While addressing the professional ethics in cosmetology, there are good and poor ethics,

Any notable improvements by a cosmetologist is readily attributed to the practice of good ethics, while any deficiencies are drifts from the good ethics, otherwise called poor ethics.

GOOD ETHICS

     
These are right professional ethics in cosmetology that are hallmarks of a good cosmetologist.

Some of these good ethics include;


Self Motivation

This is an ability required to satisfy a desire, expectation or goal solely without being influenced by others. 
This is  earmarked as a good ethic because it fires up the determination one has to become a good cosmetologist.

Positive Attitude

This is important for it requires one to assess his own work to find strength and weaknesses.

A positive attitude towards every challenge a cosmetologist faces, is the first step taken towards solving it.

Determination

This is the tutor behind the scene, it helps you persevere even when you think you are not achieving your aims.

When determination comes into play, a dying motivation is revived edging up your morale.

Adaptability

Since there are bound to be new improvements in cosmetology products and procedures, a good cosmetologist should possess the ability to incorporate these changes into their work.

Punctuality

Every good cosmetologist gets to work on time and endeavors to keep any appointments with a client.

Qualities Of A Good Cosmetologist

Every successful cosmetologist must posses these good qualities, so that they do not get kicked out of business.

• Colour and style perception
• Creativity
• Skilled at customer service
• Good grooming
• Knowledgeable standards
• Good Manuel dexterity
• Pleasant personality

POOR ETHICS IN COSMETOLOGY

There are poor professional ethics  cosmetology that should never come into play because this downplays the good qualities one possesses as a good cosmetology.

Lack Of Creativity

Some cosmetologists lack the creative ability required .
Hence they tend to be copyists who never invent any thing other than what is already in the system. 
They in turn looses their patronizers and in this case progress is not an option.

Laziness

Cosmetologists who suffer from this poor ethical issue are always sleeping on duty or sluggish towards work.

Cosmetologists who lack the diligence to attend to a host of clients will never make it to the top of the pile.

Loss Of Focus

Many a cosmetologists tend to forget their foremost priority (to become a successful cosmetologist). 
They easily get distracted by what goes on around them.

For instance, most salons tends to form the habit of gossiping either with clients or passersby, thereby making another matter other than work their priority.

Conclusion

To enjoy a successful professional career as a cosmetologist, one must always imbibe good ethics and monitor any minute growth of poor ethical behavior.

Exercise On Professional Ethics in Cosmetology

1.Define professional ethics in cosmetology
2.How does lack of creativity affect a cosmetologist.
   

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Professional Ethics In Cosmetology

• Definition of professional ethics 

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Best Safety Rules In Cosmetology

In our first post, we provided a comprehensive introduction to cosmetology for senior secondary school students and in this post we'll be discussing safety rules in Cosmetology

What Is Safety?

The condition of being free from threat or danger.

Just like every field of human endeavor, safety comes first.
   
Safety in cosmetology can be reasonably said to be a situation where the cosmetologist and his/her clients are free from danger or threat.

It is a practice every professional cosmetologist must imbibe or risk loosing clients, who of course would not want their health to be endangered.



For instance, all tools made use of must be submerged in a disinfectant, any which came in contact with blood or body fluid during use must be immersed in a disinfectant that fights HIV and other transmittable diseases.
After the disinfecting might have been done, the tools must be stored separately in a dry storage area.

Many chemicals used in the salon can pose potential risks, if usage is not well regulated. e.g formaldehyde, lye(sodium Hydroxide), ammonia.

                   

PERSONAL SAFETY RULES IN COSMETOLOGY

These safety measures are for you, the cosmetologist to administer procedures to clients.

1.Cosmetologist should make sure to wash hands with soap and water or use a liquid hand sanitizer before attending to each client.

2.All equipment, implements, tools and materials should be disinfected in accordance with this rule prior to serving each client.

3.After each client is served, the certain implements used should be wiped with a clean paper or fabric towel and sprayed with a disinfectant or an alcohol.

4.Singled used items should be discarded in a bin. Such include, cotton pads, wooden applicators, disposable glove,disposable wipe.

(Model Cosmetologist bin)

5.All multi-used items should be properly cleaned, disinfected and stored.

6.All trash containers must be emptied daily and kept clean by washing and using plasticisers.

7.Make safety a priority. Always seek ways to implement safety measures.

                       

CLIENT SAFETY RULES IN COSMETOLOGY

For your clients, this safety precautions should be implemented :

1.Shampoo bowls as well as manicure table should be disinfected prior to use for each client.

2.Clean towel should be used on each client and soiled towel must be removed after use on each client and deposited in a suitable receptacle.

3.A clean cap should be used for each client or a sanitary neck strip or towel  used to keep the cap from coming into direct contact with the one clients

4.Chemical bottles must be properly labelled,so they are not interchanged during procedure.

5.After each client, multiple used implements such as metal wheezers or hair clippers should be cleaned and disinfected.

6.Finished wigs and hair pieces should be placed away from soiled wigs and hair pieces  until ready to be returned to the client.

7.Chair headrests should be covered with a clean towel or paper and replaced after each client.

8.Keep harmful chemical products out of children's reach.

9.Clean work station after a procedure is completed.

Importance Of Safety Rules In Cosmetology

1.The health of the cosmetologist and client is not endangered.

2.More clients are attracted to your salon.

3.Multi used equipment last longer.

4.Time is conserved.


Applying these safety measures in cosmetology makes your business grow faster.

Look forward to our next post on cosmetology

- Professional Ethics In Cosmetology.


Meanwhile,


We will be launching our first topic on another entrepreneurship education subject -Catering Craft Practice next week.

Check back soon!

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