Professional stylist 101

sanitation | scalp conditions

SANITATION AND STERILIZATION

1. Sanitation is the removal of all visible dirt and debris from surfaces, tools, and equipment.

a. Sanitation is a simple cleaning including:
1. Scrubbing,
2. Using an ultrasonic unit, and
3. Using a solvent.

b. Sterilization is the complete elimination of microbial life including pores. Sterilization methods include:
1. High-pressure steam,
2. Dry heat, and
3. Certain chemicals.

c. Differences between disinfectants and antiseptics:
1. Antiseptics are used on living skin or tissue to prevent infection,
2. Disinfectants are much stronger and more toxic than antiseptics and are applied to surfaces, equipment, or other inanimate objects.

d. Proper procedure for handwashing:
1. Wet hands with warm water,
2. Use soap and a clean, disinfected soft bristle nail brush, scrub your hands together and work up a good lather for at least 20 seconds,
3. Thoroughly rinse soap residue from your hands with warm water,
4. Dry hands with disposable, paper towels, or use a clean washcloth, use an air blower.

e. All multi-use items should be washed with soap and water, and debris should be removed before disinfecting surfaces:
1. Immerse instruments completely in an EPA-approved or hospital-level disinfectant (required for most multi-use items).
2. Certain instruments may be wiped, sprayed, or cleansed for disinfection purposes; and
3. Store all disinfected items in a clean, enclosed space.

III. DISORDERS AND DISEASES OF THE SCALP

1. A disorder is a physical or mental condition that is not normal.

a. Dandruff is a medical condition characterized by excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.

b. It may be accompanied by inflammation and redness and should be treated with mild antifungal shampoo.

c. Consultation with a doctor may be required.

2. Alopecia is any abnormal hair loss with the most common of alopecia listed:

a. Androgenic alopecia is genetically inherited and usually starts about 35 years of age in both men and women;

b. Alopecia areata is onset of hair loss, sometimes in patches, resulting from autoimmune response when white blood cells attack hair follicles, preventing hair growth;

c. Postpartum alopecia affects some women after childbirth and usually lasts less than one year.

3. Ringworm is a skin or scalp fungal infection also known as tinea.

4. Psoriasis is a disorder in which the skin builds up and forms scales and itchy, dry patches. This condition cannot be cured, but it is treatable.

IV. HIV/AIDS AND OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the blood-borne virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency (AIDS). AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system.

a. HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, body fluids, and from persons infected with HIV.

b. Types of body fluids where HIV is transmitted:
1. Blood,
2. Semen,
3. Pre-seminal fluid,
4. Vaginal fluids,
5. Rectal fluids, and
6. Breast milk.

The spread of HIV from person to person is called HIV transmission. The spread of HIV from an HIV-infected woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding is called mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

c. There is no cure for HIV, but it is treatable.

d. There are no known cases of HIV spreading while practicing hair braiding being reported. Use universal precautions to lower the risk of infection.

2. Hepatitis is a blood-borne virus that causes diseases and can damage the hair.

a. Hepatitis is easier to contract than HIV, namely due to its presence in all body fluids