Hair Treatments – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Second Term)

Hair treatments are care steps that keep hair moist, soft and less likely to break. This note covers caring for natural hair, hot oil treatment, deep conditioning and natural kitchen treatments. The stylist’s goal is hair retention: stopping the ends from breaking so that the length the hair gains at the roots is kept.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what natural (virgin) hair is and why it needs special care;
• describe the steps of the LOC method for trapping moisture;
• carry out a hot oil treatment safely, step by step;
• state when a client needs a deep conditioner and how it is applied;
• name three natural kitchen treatments and what each one does;
• explain what “hair retention” means.

How do you care for natural (virgin) hair?

Natural hair is hair that has not been changed by chemicals like relaxers or texturisers. While it looks tough, it is actually the most delicate hair type because the curls make it easy for the hair to get dry and snap.

The LOC/LCO method

To keep natural hair from becoming “strong” or “crunchy,” we use a special way to trap moisture. The steps below follow the LOC order:

1. L (Liquid/Leave-in): Spray the hair with water or a watery cream.
2. O (Oil): Apply a natural oil (like coconut, olive or shea oil) to lock that water in.
3. C (Cream): Use a thick hair butter (like shea butter) to seal everything.

Professional tip: Never comb natural hair while it is completely dry. You can hear it “crying” as it breaks. Always damp it with a little water first.

What is a hot oil treatment?

A hot oil treatment is like a “spa day” for the scalp and the hair strands. It is especially good for people with dandruff or very dry, itchy scalps.

Why do a hot oil treatment?

• It makes the hair very shiny.
• It strengthens the hair “follicle” (the root).
• It helps to soften “stubborn” hair.

How to do a hot oil treatment (step by step)

1. Choose your oil: Olive oil, coconut oil or castor oil are the best.
2. Warm it up: Place the oil in a small bowl, then put that bowl inside a bigger bowl of hot water (like a “double boiler”). Never put the oil directly on fire or in a microwave. It can get too hot and burn the client.
3. Apply: Massage the warm oil into the scalp and all over the hair.
4. Steam: Cover the hair with a plastic cap for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat helps the oil go deep inside the hair.
5. Wash: Shampoo the hair to remove the excess oil.

What is deep conditioning (steaming)?

If a regular conditioner is like a “snack,” a deep conditioner is a “full three-course meal.” It is a thick cream full of proteins and vitamins.

When does a client need it?

• If their hair is breaking a lot.
• If the hair feels like “sponge” or “grass.”
• After removing long-term braids or weaves.

The process

• After shampooing, apply the deep conditioner generously.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure every strand is covered.
• The heat factor: Use a hair steamer machine. The steam opens up the “scales” (cuticles) of the hair so the cream can enter the middle layer (the cortex).
• If you do not have a steamer, use a thermal cap or a hot towel wrapped over a plastic cap.

What are natural “kitchen” treatments?

Sometimes, the best hair food is in the kitchen. You can teach your clients how to make these at home:

• The protein boost (egg and yogurt): Mix one egg with plain yogurt. This helps fix hair that is “shedding” too much.
• The moisture mask (honey and avocado): Great for making hair soft and easy to comb.
• The scalp cleaner (apple cider vinegar): Mix one part vinegar with three parts water. Use it to rinse the hair to remove “product build-up” and make the hair shine.

What is the stylist’s goal?

Your job as a cosmetologist is to help your client achieve “hair retention.” Hair is always growing from the head, but if the ends are breaking as fast as the roots are growing, the hair will stay the same length. Treatments reduce this breakage.

Class practical activity

• The oil warm-up: We will practise the safe way to warm oil using the “bowl-in-bowl” (indirect heat) method.
• Texture observation: I will bring two samples of hair, one that has been deep conditioned and one that is dry. You will close your eyes, feel both, and describe the difference to the class.

Key words to remember

• Elasticity: How much the hair can stretch and bounce back without breaking.
• Sealant: An oil or butter used to trap moisture inside the hair.
• Build-up: Old oils, sweat and dirt that form a “crust” on the hair.

Evaluation

1. What is natural (virgin) hair?
2. List the three steps of the LOC method in order and state what each one does.
3. Why must oil never be heated directly on fire or in a microwave?
4. State two signs that a client needs a deep conditioner.
5. What does “hair retention” mean?

Assignment

Write out the five steps of a hot oil treatment in the correct order. Then choose one natural kitchen treatment and state what it is used for.