3.1 Client Draping and Scalp Care Services

3.1 Client Draping and Scalp Care Services

Draping is the initial step of any salon service, serving as a critical safety and sanitary barrier between the client's skin/clothing and the chemicals, water, or hair debris associated with the procedure. Under Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule 61G5, maintaining strict sanitary standards—including preventing direct contact between a reusable cape and the client's skin—is a legal requirement.

Types of Client Draping

Draping methods are categorized by the service being performed: wet, chemical, and dry draping.

1. Wet Service Draping (Shampoo Draping)

Wet draping is used for shampooing, conditioning, or wet hair cutting. It protects the client from water and product overflow.

• Materials Required: Two terry cloth towels, a waterproof plastic/vinyl cape, and a clean neck strip.
• Procedure:
  1. Place a clean towel lengthwise over the client's shoulders.
  2. Position the waterproof plastic cape over the towel, securing the collar at the back. Ensure the cape does not touch the client's skin directly.
  3. Place a second towel over the cape collar and secure it to absorb water or shampoo that runs down the neck during the service.
  4. Replace wet towels with a dry neck strip and cutting cape if a haircut follows.

2. Chemical Service Draping

Chemical draping is used for perms, chemical relaxing, hair coloring, or bleaching. Because these services involve corrosive chemicals, maximum skin and clothing protection is mandatory.

• Materials Required: Two clean towels and a chemical-resistant plastic/vinyl cape.
• Procedure (Double Draping):
  1. Place one clean towel over the client's shoulders, folding it down over the collar.
  2. Secure the chemical cape over the towel snugly but comfortably.
  3. Place the second towel over the cape, wrapping it around the neck and securing it in front.
  4. Stylists must monitor towels. If a towel becomes damp or saturated with chemicals, it must be replaced immediately to prevent chemical burns or skin irritation. Keep the drape intact until chemicals are rinsed out.

3. Dry Service Draping

Dry draping is used for dry styling, thermal curling, blowdrying, and dry hair cutting.

• Materials Required: A fabric (nylon/polyester) cape and a sanitary neck strip.
• Procedure:
  1. Wrap a clean, disposable neck strip around the client's neck.
  2. Place the fabric cape over the neck strip and secure it at the back.
  3. Fold the top of the neck strip down over the collar. This prevents the reusable cape from contacting the client's skin, complying with Florida DBPR hygiene standards.
  4. Fabric capes allow static to escape and hair clippings to slide off easily.

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Scalp Massage Techniques

Scalp massage promotes blood circulation, relaxes the client, and prepares the scalp for treatments. In Florida, massage must be performed with appropriate pressure, avoiding abrasions. It consists of three primary Swedish massage movements:

Contraindications for Scalp Massage

A cosmetologist must screen clients for scalp abnormalities. Contraindications include:

• Severe, uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Scalp abrasions, open wounds, or active infections (e.g., tinea capitis or pediculosis capitis).
• Inflammatory skin diseases (active eczema, psoriasis, or severe contact dermatitis).
• Heart disease or circulatory disorders.

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Scalp Treatments for Specific Hair and Scalp Conditions

Scalp treatments address localized disorders of the hair and scalp. A thorough analysis using a magnifying lamp must precede any treatment.

1. Dry Hair and Scalp Treatment

Dry scalp is characterized by flaking, itching, and a lack of natural sebum production.

• Goal: Replenish moisture and natural oils in the scalp and hair shaft.
• Products: Penetrating moisturizing creams, scalp conditioners with emollients (e.g., coconut or jojoba oil), and cholesterol treatments.
• Procedure: Apply product directly in 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) partings. Massage using effleurage and petrissage. Wrap a scalp steamer or warm towel for 5 to 10 minutes to enhance absorption.

2. Oily Hair and Scalp Treatment

Oily scalp is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, leading to greasy buildup, flat hair, and microbial growth.

• Goal: Normalize sebum production and clarify the scalp.
• Products: Astringent scalp lotions, clarifying shampoos, and oil-balancing conditioners.
• Procedure: Apply astringent treatment to sections. Use deep kneading to release sebum. Rinse, clarifying shampoo, and avoid high-heat blowdrying to prevent re-stimulating sebaceous glands.

3. Dandruff-Prone Scalp Treatment

Dandruff, or pityriasis, is caused by the overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia.

• Goal: Control fungal growth and exfoliate dead skin cells.
• Products: Anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid.
• Procedure: Apply medicated shampoo to the scalp. Use firm, non-abrasive movements to loosen scales. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes, rinse, and follow with moisturizer.

Scalp Brushing and Hair Preparation

Prior to shampooing or scalp treatments, the hair must be thoroughly brushed to remove dirt, styling products, and detangle hair.

• Brushing Method:
  1. Section hair into quadrants.
  2. Hold hair close to the scalp to prevent pulling.
  3. Detangle starting at the ends, working upward.
  4. Use a boar-bristle brush to distribute natural oils.
• Contraindications for Brushing:
  • Never brush hair prior to a chemical service (coloring, perming, relaxing), as brushing can irritate the scalp and cause chemical burns.
  • Never brush if the scalp is irritated, cut, or shows lesions.

Florida DBPR Sanitation Standards for Scalp Care

Under Florida DBPR regulations, cosmetologists must adhere to strict hygiene protocols:

• Launder reusable capes/towels in hot water with bleach. Use a neck strip or towel to prevent capes from touching the skin.
• Clean all combs and brushes, then immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant for 10 minutes before reuse.