How to work safely and hygienically when cutting hair Trainer requirements to teach this session For this session you will need the following: Activity.2.2 Handout.2.3 Handout.2.5 Handout.2.6 Handout.2.7 Handout.2.8 Slide.2.8 Handout.2.9 Slide.2.9a Slide.2.9b Hairdressing block and hair cutting scissors Learner Check for Session2 Trainer notes The session will cover: 2.1 The range of protective clothing and materials used for cutting hair and why it is important to protect the client form hair clippings 2.2 Safety considerations for cutting hair 2.3 Methods of working safely and hygienically 2.4 The importance of avoiding cross infection and infestation 2.5 Methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation 2.6 Why it is important to keep the work area clean and tidy 2.7 Why it is important to position tools for ease of use 2.8 The correct use and maintenance of cutting tools 2.9 The importance of personal hygiene Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 1 - Unit - Session 2.
How to work safely and hygienically when cutting hair 2.1 The range of protective clothing and materials used for cutting hair All salons will have varying requirements, but it is important to highlight the minimum standards required for protection of the client. Protective clothing and materials used for hair cutting are: Towels Gowns Waterproof neck capes Cutting collars Recap gowning procedures used in salons discussed in.1.1 Remind learners that they must secure all materials in place so that the clothing is fully protected and that the client is comfortable. Emphasise that in some salons they use paper napkins while others use cotton wool as neck strips instead of cutting collar to prevent hair going into the clients skin and clothing. Tell learners that wet hair will stick to the skin so they should dry the skin and then dust it with un-perfumed talcum powder to help them to brush away (using a neck brush) any stubborn clippings. Suggest that they do this before removing the neck strip or cutting collar. Emphasise to learners that they must do their utmost to prevent cut hairs getting under the client s clothing and onto their skin. State that this is even more important if the client has visited the salon during a lunch break they won t be able to shower or change their clothes for hours. Page 2 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Explain that some people have quite sensitive skin and if hair clippings are allowed to lie on the skin it can cause irritation and, in some cases, this can result in an inflamed rash. 2.2 Safety considerations for cutting hair Ref: Activity.2.2 Ask learners to look closely at the picture and identify the variety of unsafe and unhygienic practices shown. Discuss the findings of the learners. Reference should be made to the following: Hair clippings on the floor Client not adequately gowned and not wearing a cutting collar Client sat awkwardly on chair Stylist wearing open toe shoes Scissors and comb in stylist's pocket 2.3 Methods of working safely and hygienically when cutting hair Ref: Handout.2.3 Explain to learners the importance of working safely and hygienically when cutting hair in order to protect the safety and well being of both themselves and their clients. The use of safe and hygienic working methods will reduce risks of: cross infection and infestation injury to the client injury to the stylist promote a professional and efficient working environment. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 3 - Unit - Session 2.
State the methods of working safely and hygienically: Check the client's hair and scalp for any signs of infection or infestation. Gown and protect the client using clean protective clothing. Ensure that the hair and scalp are thoroughly cleansed/shampooed. Ensure that all tools and equipment are cleaned and sterilised prior to use. Now ask the learners to think of more safe and/or hygienic working practices to add to the given list. Ensure, as a minimum, they include the following to their list: Position client and self to aid ease of working and avoid potential back strain or injury Handle and use sharp tools with care to avoid injury to client or self Keep work areas clean and tidy throughout the service Remove hair clippings from client promptly Remove hair clippings from the floor area promptly Dispose of waste according to salon policy Store sharp cutting tools safely and hygienically. 2.4 The importance of avoiding cross infection and infestation Ask learners what the potential consequences would be if infections or infestations were to be transmitted in the salon. If a client was to become infected or infested they would be most unlikely to return to the salon, and they may tell others to avoid the salon resulting in a loss of business. Page 4 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Explain to learners that if a staff member were to become infected or infested they would need to stay away from the salon until the condition was cured in order to prevent further transmission. Explain that with teamwork being such an important aspect to salon staff, this could adversely affect the salon work team. Summarise The reasons why it is important to avoid cross infection and infestation are: to minimise the risk of cross infection and infestation to ensure the image and reputation of the salon is maintained Ask learners what they must do if they have an open cut on their finger? Cover the wound to minimise the risk of them catching or passing on any infection. 2.5 Methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation Some aspects of this area of learning are also covered in other units Ref: Handout.2.5 Explain that tools must be thoroughly cleaned prior to disinfecting or sterilising by removing any loose hair and washing the tools in warm soapy water to remove any styling products, dirt and grease and chemicals such as colour or perm lotion. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 5 - Unit - Session 2.
Disinfection is the removal of microorganisms by chemical or physical means. It does not remove all microorganisms but reduces them to a safe level. (Disinfection does not kill bacterial spores.) Sterilisation means the destruction of all living things including the harmful micro organisms that can cause disease (germs). These can be transmitted from one person to another on tools and equipment including scissors, brushes, combs, clips etc... Therefore tools and equipment should be cleaned disinfected or sterilised after use on each client. State the methods of sterilising tools/equipment in a salon: heat, moist or dry (dry heat is rarely used in hairdressing salons) chemicals - disinfectant UV light. Moist heat An effective method for small, hand held tools, even cutting tools. The moist heat is obtained from an autoclave (like a pressure cooker). It creates superheated steam by heating water to a very high temperature - higher than boiling. Used by doctors, dentists, chiropodists, etc. Ask the learners if they can think of any drawback with this method. They must ensure that they have enough spare tools to let them work on other clients while the autoclave is in use. This is the main disadvantage. Another drawback their combs must be able to withstand very high temperatures. Page 6 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Ask learners if their cutting tools will rust when using an autoclave? The steam evaporates quickly, leaving the tools dry, the same way that dishwashers leave cutlery dry, so no rusting of cutting tools occurs. Dry heat Rarely used in salons. It uses an oven to create high temperatures. Although bacteria are effectively killed by this method, tools are usually damaged because they are held in the heat for an extended time. Chemicals - disinfectant This method is effective if used correctly: tools must be cleaned before placing into the disinfectant solution otherwise the dirt and grease on them will contaminate the solution tools must be immersed many disinfectant jars are only 3 /4 full tools must be left in the disinfectant long enough for it to do its job. This time varies, depending on the cleanliness of the item and the strength of the disinfectant solution, but it can be as long as an hour. As with using an autoclave, hairdressers must have enough tools to allow for time to sterilise. UV light rays This method uses Ultra Violet (UV) light rays to kill bacteria. It is only effective if the tools are cleaned and if the light reaches all surfaces. This means that tools must be turned few busy hairdressers do this. This method is not recommended and is suitable for storing tools previously disinfected or sterilised. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 7 - Unit - Session 2.
Demonstrate How to clean, disinfectant and sterilise tools and equipment using each of the methods described above. Discuss the variety of methods of disinfection and sterilisation used in the learners salons and what improvements in current practice could be made. 2.6 Why it is important to keep the work area clean and tidy Some aspects of keeping the work area clean and tidy are also covered in other units. State that everyone in the salon has the responsibility of keeping the salon clean and tidy, it should not be left to junior members of staff. Remind learners of the importance of team work in the salon. Ref: Handout.2.6 Explain to learners that, as professional hairdressers, it is of benefit to all (the salon and themselves) to keep up a good appearance. Emphasise that there are three reasons for keeping the workplace clean and tidy: to minimise the risk of cross infection to maintain a professional image to reduce hazards An untidy workplace will contain hazards such as trailing flexes, gowns and towels hanging over chairs, etc. Tell learners that they can reduce hazards by keeping the work area tidy. Tell them that clients notice if a salon is clean. They may not comment immediately, but they will stop visiting the salon. The impression given by a dirty, untidy salon is one of lack of care and attention. This is likely to make the client feel that they won t receive a good service. Page 8 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
State that a dirty environment allows bacteria to multiply and this means that infections are likely to spread from client to client or between hairdresser and client. It is the duty of all hairdressers to provide a safe, hygienic environment for clients. 2.7 Why it is important to position tools for ease of use Some aspects of this area of work are also covered in other units Ref: Handout.2.7 Explain that there are two main reasons for positioning cutting tools for ease of use: to ensure that they work efficiently throughout the service to ensure that tools are to hand when needed Tell learners to gather their tools together before they start the job this will avoid wasting time looking for things during the service. State that many clients will become irritated by such unnecessary delays and may not return to the salon so business will be lost. Discuss with learners that some clients may think that a person who is so disorganised in preparing for the job will take the same disorganised approach to their haircut. This, too, will lose clients. 2.8 The correct use and maintenance of cutting tools Ref: Handout.2.8 Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 9 - Unit - Session 2.
State that all professional hairdressers must ensure that they: clean and sterilise tools use tools with care Tell learners to make sure that they use tools only for their intended purpose. Remind learners that they must check the plugs and flexes of electrical equipment before use. Explain that the tools used by hairdressers must be in good condition they should be cleaned after each use and, when necessary, they should be oiled at any moving parts (the pivot of the scissors) to maintain their condition. Surplus oil should be removed before the tools are used to prevent it getting on the client s hair. State that they must use cutting tools only for cutting hair not for any other purpose - if they are to keep them in good condition. Tell learners that one of the worst things they can cut is paper, this will blunt the blades very quickly. Identify for the learners the tools required to apply basic cutting techniques: Scissors. Cutting comb. Sectioning clips. Ask the learners what other types of cutting tools they may see being used in their salons. Reference should be made to the following: Clippers. Razors. Thinning or texturising scissors. Page 10 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Ref: Block and scissors & Slide.2.8 Show the overhead transparency which identifies the correct holding position for cutting tools. Demonstrate How cutting scissors are held with the tips of the thumb and third finger and operated by moving the thumb to open and close the blades. Show how to close the blades, remove the thumb and curl the scissors into the palm of the hand in order to use the cutting comb. Show precise combing of a section of hair and transfer of the cutting comb into the opposite hand while holding the section of hair to be cut. Ask the learners to practise this. Ask the learners to identify how they clean their cutting tools. Reference should be made to the following: Remove all loose hairs. Wash with detergent or wipe with spirit to remove any oils. Sterilise or disinfect. Explain the importance of maintaining hair cutting scissors to ensure they cut the hair cleanly and effectively. Demonstrate How to adjust the cutting scissors in order to tighten the blades. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 11 - Unit - Session 2.
Explain that hair cutting scissors must be sharpened periodically and that this must be done professionally, this may mean sending them to the manufacturers. 2.9 The importance of personal hygiene other units This area of learning is also covered in Explain to learners (or remind them if they have covered this area of learning before) that providing hairdressing services involves quite close personal contact. If personal hygiene is not observed then offence will be caused to clients and to colleagues. Body odour (BO) can result from insufficient cleanliness. Ref: Handout.2.9 Explain that clients want two things and if they don t get them, they are likely not to return. Clients want: good hairdressing good standards of hygiene. Ref: Slide.2.9a Show the slide of the skin that highlights sudoriferous (sweat) glands. Explain that human skin contains sweat glands that secrete waste in the form of sweat. Bacteria need warm, moist conditions to be able to multiply. There are lots of harmless bacteria in the sweaty, warm folds of the body the groin, under the breasts and in the armpits. When bacteria die they decompose, decay, and this is what causes odour. Page 12 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Ref: Slide.2.9b Now show this slide and talk about personal hygiene. Tell learners that if they wash thoroughly every 24 hours and change all clothing that comes into contact with the skin (shirts, underwear, etc ) they are not likely to have BO. Explain that clothing absorbs sweat and that this sweat contains bacteria that have died so it must be washed or dry cleaned to prevent it from having an unpleasant smell. State that some people try to cover the smell of unwashed skin or clothing by using deodorants. Explain that the odour is still noticeable to others although the person themselves may not be aware of it. Antiperspirants and deodorants are designed to be used on clean skin. Tell learners that oral hygiene must be maintained by frequently brushing the teeth and visiting the dentist regularly to ensure that there are no decaying teeth. Bad teeth can cause bad breath (halitosis). Remind learners that dirty hands and fingernails could carry infectious diseases or infestations from one client to another. Therefore it is important to ensure that the hands are sanitised between clients. Speak about appearance a professional hairdresser should pay attention to his/her appearance as it indicates to clients that attention to detail is important. Go over the list of things that make up appearance, speak briefly about each. Now complete the learner check for session 2 to check learners understanding. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 13 - Unit - Session 2.
Page 14 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
Cut hair using basic techniques Learner Check Session 2 1. List the protective clothing materials that are available for hair cutting. 2. State the methods of working safely and hygienically when cutting hair. 3. State the importance of avoiding cross infection and infestation. 4. State three ways of sterilising or disinfecting tools and equipment in the salon. 5. State why it is important to position tools for ease of use. 6. How should scissors be held when cutting hair? 7. How would you clean your scissors? Se 1. Towels, gowns, neck cape, cutting collar, neck strips. 2. Check hair and scalp for signs of infection and infestation Gown and protect the client Ensure tools and equipment are clean and sterilised or disinfected Handle sharp tools with care Remove hair clippings from client and floor Dispose of waste according to salon policy Dispose of sharps according to legislation 3. To minimise the risk of cross infection and infestation To ensure the image and reputation of the salon is maintained 4. Heat, moist or dry, chemicals - disinfectant, UV light. 5. To ensure efficiency when working, to ensure tools are to hand when needed. 6. With the tips of the thumb and the third finger. 7. Remove all loose hairs Wash with detergent or wipe with spirits to remove oil Sterilise or disinfect Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 15 - Unit - Session 2.
Page 16 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
How to work safely and hygienically when cutting hair Trainer summary 2.1 The range of protective clothing and materials used for cutting hair Towels Gowns Waterproof neck capes Cutting collars 2.2 Safety considerations for cutting hair ensure correct positioning of the client ensure proper protection of the client s clothing and comfort ensure prompt removal of hair clippings during the service, from both the client and the floor dispose of all sharps in accordance with legal requirements and salon procedures 2.3 Methods of working safely and hygienically Check the client's hair and scalp for any signs of infection or infestation. Gown and protect the client using clean protective clothing. Ensure that the hair and scalp are thoroughly cleansed/shampooed. Ensure that all tools and equipment are cleaned, disinfected or sterilised prior to use Position client and self to aid ease of working and avoid potential back strain or injury Handle and use sharp tools with care to avoid injury to client or self Keep work areas clean and tidy throughout the service Remove hair clippings from client promptly Remove hair clippings from the floor area promptly Dispose of waste according to salon policy Store sharp cutting tools safely and hygienically. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 17 - Unit - Session 2.
2.4 The importance of avoiding cross infection and infestation The reasons why it is important to avoid cross infection and infestation are: to minimise the risk of cross infection and infestation to ensure the image and reputation of the salon is maintained 2.5 Methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation State the 3 ways of sterilising or disinfecting tools/ equipment in a salon: heat, moist or dry (dry heat is rarely used in hairdressing salons) chemicals - disinfected UV light. 2.6 Why it is important to keep the work area clean and tidy Benefits of keeping a clean and tidy work area The consequences of a dirty, untidy work area: spread of infection creating hazards and risk unprofessional image 2.7 Why it is important to position tools for ease of use Cutting tools to be placed where they can easily be reached to ensure: Time is not wasted during the haircut Tools can be reached to prevent fatigue and injury Page 18 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.
2.8 The correct use and maintenance of cutting tools Remind learners that they must: keep their tools sharp use only for cutting hair clean and sterilise or disinfect after each use oil moving parts Remind learners how to: Hold scissors when cutting hair Adjust the blades of scissors 2.9 The importance of personal hygiene Remind learners of the importance of: Hygiene Appearance Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved. Page 19 - Unit - Session 2.
How to work safely and hygienically when cutting hair Key/Core Skill Opportunities There will be an opportunity to promote discussion when:.2.4 The consequences of transmitting infections and infestation in the salon.2.5 Methods of cleaning, disinfecting and sterilisation used in salons. Page 20 - Unit - Session 2. Copyright Habia 2009 - All rights reserved.