Gold-Standard Education & Public Trust Statement
This chapter is part of the Louisville Beauty Academy Gold-Standard Licensing Series.
Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) develops and publishes this educational content as part of its commitment to public education, transparency, and professional responsibility in state-licensed beauty training.
Our curriculum is built on a simple principle:
licensure is a public trust.
To honor that trust, LBA continuously adapts, adopts, evolves, and improves its educational materials based on:
- Changes in state law and regulation
- Updates to licensing exams and standards
- Real classroom instruction and outcomes
- Ongoing regulatory oversight and compliance
Each chapter in this book is intentionally written, reviewed, and updated to reflect current standards at the time of publication.
Important Notice on Use
This material is made freely accessible to the public for educational understanding and transparency.
However, it is not authorized for copying, reproduction, or redistribution as curriculum, course material, or commercial content without written permission from Louisville Beauty Academy.
For Students
This chapter represents the Gold-Standard expectation:
- Learn with discipline
- Respect scope of practice
- Prioritize safety and compliance
- Prepare to earn licensure correctly
For Partners & Educators
This chapter reflects LBA’s belief that quality education is living education — continuously refined, documented, and accountable.
Louisville Beauty Academy does not claim perfection.
We commit instead to constant improvement.
Gold-Standard education is not static.
It evolves with the law, the exam, and the responsibility we carry to the public.
— Louisville Beauty Academy
CHAPTER 6 – Shampooing Procedures
(PSI Order-of-Steps Focus — Safety Before Style)
6.1 Why PSI Tests Shampooing
PSI does not test how “nice” a shampoo feels.
PSI tests whether the licensee can:
- Follow proper order
- Protect the client
- Maintain sanitation
- Prevent injury or infection
📌 Order matters on the PSI exam.
6.2 Purpose of Shampooing
The purpose of shampooing is to:
- Clean the hair and scalp
- Remove oil, dirt, and product buildup
- Prepare hair for styling
- Promote scalp health (non-medical)
📌 Shampooing does not diagnose or treat conditions.
6.3 Client Preparation (PSI Favorite)
Before shampooing:
- Wash hands
- Drape the client properly
- Protect clothing
- Check water temperature
- Seat client comfortably
📌 PSI often asks for the FIRST step.
6.4 Hair and Scalp Check (Non-Diagnostic)
A Shampoo & Styling licensee may:
- Observe the scalp
- Identify visible conditions
- Modify or refuse service if unsafe
A licensee may NOT:
- Diagnose conditions
- Treat medical issues
- Recommend medicated products
6.5 Water Temperature Safety
Water must be:
- Comfortable
- Not too hot
- Tested before contact
📌 Burns are preventable injuries — PSI expects prevention.
6.6 Shampoo Application (Correct Order)
Correct shampooing steps:
- Wet hair thoroughly
- Apply shampoo
- Gently massage scalp
- Avoid scratching or aggressive movements
- Rinse thoroughly
- Repeat if necessary
📌 Aggressive scrubbing = wrong on PSI.
6.7 Scalp Massage Rules
Scalp massage must be:
- Gentle
- Non-invasive
- Relaxing
- Free from pressure
❌ No scratching
❌ No treatment claims
6.8 Rinsing (Often Tested)
Proper rinsing:
- Removes all product
- Prevents residue
- Avoids eye contact
📌 Residue may cause irritation — PSI tests prevention.
6.9 Conditioning (Basic Only)
Conditioners may be used:
- According to manufacturer instructions
- Without chemical processing
- Without scalp treatment claims
📌 Follow label directions.
6.10 Client Comfort & Safety
Throughout shampooing:
- Communicate with client
- Watch for discomfort
- Adjust immediately if needed
📌 Client safety overrides service completion.
6.11 Contraindications — When to Stop or Refuse
Service must be stopped if:
- Open wounds are discovered
- Bleeding occurs
- Client reports pain
- Signs of infection appear
📌 PSI rewards stopping service.
6.12 After-Shampoo Procedures
After shampooing:
- Gently towel-dry
- Dispose of used towels
- Clean shampoo bowl
- Disinfect surfaces
- Wash hands
📌 Sanitation continues after service.
6.13 PSI Sample Questions — Shampooing
What is the FIRST step before shampooing a client?
A. Apply shampoo
B. Test water temperature
C. Drape the client
D. Seat the client
✅ Correct Answer: C
If a client reports discomfort during shampooing, what should you do?
A. Continue quickly
B. Ignore if minor
C. Stop and adjust immediately
D. Refer after service
✅ Correct Answer: C
6.14 Common PSI Traps
Trap #1: Skipping Draping
❌ Client protection is mandatory.
Trap #2: Aggressive Massage
❌ PSI prefers gentle actions.
Trap #3: Ignoring Client Feedback
❌ Client safety overrides speed.
6.15 Chapter 6 Key Takeaways
✔ Order matters
✔ Gentle techniques are required
✔ Safety overrides service completion
✔ Stop service when necessary
✔ Sanitation continues after shampooing
