The Complete Handbook of Hairdressing & Cosmetology

Chapter 1: Understanding Hairdressing & Cosmetology

Hairdressing and cosmetology is the professional practice of improving and maintaining the appearance and health of the hair, skin, and nails. While the title emphasizes hair, a working professional in this field is trained in a wider range of services, from haircutting and styling to chemical texture services, facial treatments, and basic makeup application. This chapter is not a history lesson. It is a practical orientation to the field as it is practiced today, covering what you will actually do as a professional, what tools and chemicals you will handle, the biology you are working with, the space you will work in, and the legal and business framework that governs your work.

The core of the profession is a suite of services that you will likely perform, in some combination, every single day. These services fall into a few broad families. Cleansing and conditioning services involve shampooing, scalp treatments, and moisturizing masks. Cutting and styling services include scissor and clipper cuts, blow-drying, thermal styling, and setting hair on rollers. Chemical services change the hair's structure and include coloring, lightening, perming, relaxing, and curling. Finishing services, such as updos and formal styling, are often part of weddings and special events. Finally, shaving and facial hair grooming is a significant part of the barbering specialization. Understanding this service menu, and more importantly, understanding the substrate you are working on - human hair - is the first step toward competency.

The Biology You Work With

Every service