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Carry Out Trichological Scalp Treatments for Scalp Conditions

URN: SKAATS2
Business Sectors (Suites): Trichology,Advanced Trichology
Developed by: SkillsActive
Approved on: 2022

Overview

​This standard coexists and should be used in conjunction alongside, SKAHDBRBNST1 Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices, SKATCS1 Carry out a trichological consultation service and* SKAATS1 *Carry Out Expanded Trichological Investigations* . ***This standard is for practitioners providing a scalp treatment service to improve an adverse scalp condition. Users of this standard will need to be able to identify the condition that they intend to treat and understand the physiological and therapeutic indications and appropriateness for each aspect of the scalp treatment. Practitioners must work within their scope of practice and limits of their authority and refer individuals to relevant healthcare professionals when necessary. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, evidence, policies, procedures and best practice guidance, appropriate to these procedures. Where the evidence base is limited or anecdotal this must be made clear to the individual seeking your services. You will also be required to evaluate and reflect upon your practice for continuous improvement. It is advisable users of this standard are aware of and comply with first aid requirements in accordance with legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

​

1. follow legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols when carrying out scalp treatment services
2. maintain your responsibilities for health, safety, hygiene and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the scalp treatment service *
3. review the trichological consultation and any trichological investigations, establish and confirm the individual's suitability for treatment to include:
3.1 the individuals’ concerns, signs and symptoms experienced
3.2 the individuals’ expectations and desired outcomes
4. determine the presenting *scalp conditions, severity and impact
5. evaluate the hair and skin classification
6. evaluate any absolute or relative contraindications in relation to treatment 
7. identify when further referral is in the best interest of the individual
8. discuss the types of scalp treatment services available with the individual to enable shared decision making, to include: 
8.1 the available evidence to support the treatment
8.2 the features, benefits and risks of the treatment
8.3 the possible sensations that could be expected during the scalp treatment
8.4 outcomes of the treatment
9. confirm and agree with the individual that they have understood the planned scalp treatment service *
10. confirm and agree with the individual that they have understood the fee structure associated with the *scalp treatment service, and any subsequent scalp treatments required
11. allow time for the individual to make an informed decision and obtain the individual's informed consent for the agreed scalp treatment service
12. prepare the individual, their hair and scalp to meet the needs of the service, maintaining dignity and respect, and minimising discomfort 
13. select and prepare the appropriate products and equipment according to the agreed scalp treatment service
14. carry out the treatment in accordance with the agreed organisational protocols for the scalp treatment service ensuring methodical application and handling of hair
15. monitor the wellbeing of the individual throughout the treatment
16. monitor the progress of treatment and implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction to the treatment 
17. remove products and excess water from the hair and scalp at the end of the scalp treatment service, ensuring that the hair is detangled and dried to meet the needs of the individual and in accordance with agreed organisational protocols. 
18. take and store visual media of the individuals’ treatment area in accordance with insurance requirements, organisational policies, and procedures
19. provide post treatment aftercare advice to the individual to include: 
19.1 protection of the scalp from photosensitive reactions
19.2 types, benefits and uses of post procedure or home care products for hair and scalp care
19.3 further scalp treatments necessary and when to return
20. confirm and record the individuals’ feedback, including alterations for future treatment 
21. complete the individuals’ records and store in accordance with data legislation
22. refer the individual to other professionals for further investigation or interventions as required 

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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1. the legal requirements and other relevant standards, insurance guidelines and, organisational protocols when carrying out scalp treatment services
2. how to maintain your responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of the individual and yourself before, during and after the scalp treatment service
3. the factors influencing the individual’s suitability for the scalp treatment service, to include: 
3.1    the need to address the individual’s objectives and concerns
3.2 assessment of the signs, symptoms and associated signs of scalp conditions
3.3 assessment of the hair and skin classification
3.4 assessment of absolute or relative contraindications to the scalp treatment 
3.5 when further referral is required and the importance of not delaying access to this
3.6 acting within the best interests of the individual and your ethical responsibilities
3.7 the limits of your own scope of practice
4. the range of scalp treatment services to include: 
4.1 the available evidence to support the treatment 
4.2 the features, benefits and risks of the treatment
4.3 expected sensations and outcomes of the treatment
5. the importance of confirming the individuals’ understanding and gaining agreement to the scalp treatment services
6. the importance of gaining informed consent prior to the scalp treatment service. 
7. preparation required for the individual and the hair and scalp, to meet the needs of the service, and how to maintain dignity and respect and minimise discomfort. 
8. how to select and prepare products, tools and equipment according to organisational protocols when carrying out the scalp treatment services *
9. how to evaluate the indications of different scalp treatment services to include: 
9.1 the physiological and therapeutic indications and effects of products applied to the scalp
9.2 the physiological and therapeutic indications and effects of visible light, low level laser and heat devices
9.3 the principles of light-tissue interactions 
9.4 how visible light, low level laser and heat device wavelengths and outputs are expressed
9.5 the hazards associated with optical radiation and heat therapies and the necessary precautions
9.6 the legislative requirements, maintenance and compliance for using devices that emit visible light, low level laser and heat 
9.7 the need for methodical and systematic application 
9.8 the need for accurate timing and removal for each stage of the *scalp treatment service
10. the importance of monitoring the wellbeing of the individual throughout the treatment
11. how to monitor the progress of treatment and implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction to the scalp treatment 
12. why products and excess water should be removed thoroughly from the hair and scalp at the end of the scalp treatment service
13. how to detangle hair and dry the hair to meet the needs of the individual and agreed organisational protocols. 
14. requirements for taking and storing securely consensual visual media of the individual's treatment area in accordance with insurance requirements, organisational policies, and procedures
15. the type of information to be provided to the individual as post treatment aftercare advice to include: 
15.1 protection of the scalp from potential photosensitive reactions
15.2 types, benefits and uses of post procedure or home care products for hair and scalp care, and those to avoid
15.3 further scalp treatments necessary and when to return
16. the importance of confirming and recording the individual’s feedback, including alterations for future treatment 
17. how to complete the individual’s records and store in accordance with data legislation
18. when further medical investigation, treatment and referral to another professional may be necessary, and the processes for doing so to include: 
18.1 the importance of gaining informed consent for sharing relevant information with other professionals
18.2 the information to include within the referral
19. the importance of collaborative working practices
20. the basic cosmetic science and product understanding relevant to this standard, to include: 
20.1 the formulations, active ingredients and interactions of scalp products *
20.2 the difference between over the counter, pharmacy, and prescription only medications suitable for scalp conditions and the limits of your authority
20.3 factors affecting skin penetration and absorption
20.4 how to interpret evidence and product claims
21. the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard to include:
21.1 the skin, pilosebaceous unit and the hair growth cycle
21.2 factors affecting epidermal turnover and barrier function
21.3 immunology of the skin and hair follicle
21.4 skeletal, musculature and blood circulation of the head and scalp
21.5 the microbiome of the scalp and skin
21.6 the aetiology of *scalp conditions
21.7 biological and environmental effects on skin ageing
21.8 influence of pH on the skin and scalp 

Scope/range

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Referral
*
*

  1. Senior colleague

  2. GP

  3. Dermatologists

  4. Counsellor/ psychological pratitioner

  5. Endocrinologists 

  6. Dietitian 
  7. Phlebotomy labs

  8. Scalp Micropigmentation specialists

  9. Wig makers

Scalp Treatment Services
*
*
1. Application of scalp product to affected areas of the scalp
2. Application of hair product to aid hair condition
3. Use of steam to aid penetration and soften scale present
4. Gentle manual lifting of adherent scale via the treatment
5. Application of leave on scalp products 
6. Use of heat therapies
7. Use of visible light devices
8. Cleansing of the hair and scalp to remove products
9. Appropriate techniques for scalp/hair and shampoo massage

Scalp conditions
*
*
1. Dandruff
2. Seborrhoeic dermatitis
3. Pityriasis amiantacea
4. Psoriasis
5. Pruritus/trichodynia
6. Folliculitis

Hair and skin classification
*
*
1. Hair type: density, texture and curl patterns
2. Hair condition: porosity and elasticity
3. Skin type: Fitzpatrick classification, Glogau scale

*

Contraindications

*
1. Suspicious raised or pigmented lesions
2. Inflammatory scalp and hair loss disorders
3. Infections and infestations
4. Low pain/heat tolerance/high scalp sensitivity
5. Known product allergy or contact sensitivity
6. Recent exposure to UV, photosensitivity and photosensitising medications/products history of precancerous or malignant skin lesions

Scalp Products

1. Chemical peeling and keratolytic agents
2. Anti-pruritic agents 
3. Moisturising agents
4. Antiseptic agents
5. Cleansing and conditioning agents 
6. Anti-dandruff agents
7. Anti-fungal medication

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

​

Available evidence
the best level of evidence available should be used to inform decision making, and where this is not available or anecdotal, this must be made clear to the individual

Refer
to ask someone else to provide care, treatment or other services which are beyond the scope of the practitioners practice, or where relevant because the individual has requested a second opinion. 

Scope of practice *
the procedures, actions and processes that a practitioner is allowed to undertake according to their specific education, level of expertise and competency

Trichologist 
Someone with an interest in the scientific study of the hair and scalp: does not require a formal qualification however voluntary membership exists to denote those who have undertaken relevant training

Visual media *
to cover all images recorded including video, photography and digital microscopic images of the hair and/or scalp. This must be carried out with the individuals consent.

Links To Other NOS

​SKAATS1, SKANSC1.2

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

SkillsActive

Original URN

n/a

Relevant Occupations

Trichologists

SOC Code

6221

Keywords

Trichology, hair science, hair diseases, hair disorder