How can you assess hair and scalp health?

Evaluating the client’s hair history is crucial for assessing hair and scalp health because it provides valuable insights into various factors that may affect hair condition. This history includes understanding previous treatments such as chemical processes (coloring, perming, or straightening), regular hair care routines, scalp issues, and any existing medical conditions that could impact hair growth and health. By gathering this information, a cosmetologist can make informed recommendations tailored to the client’s specific needs, which may include changes in their hair care routine or the use of particular products that promote better hair and scalp health.

Other options, while relevant to certain aspects of hair assessment, do not provide as comprehensive an understanding as hair history. For instance, shine and color can indicate superficial health, but they do not reveal underlying issues such as damage from chemical treatments or insufficient care. Checking for split ends is a sign of damage but does not inform about the scalp's health or the overall condition of the hair. Comparing hair thickness can provide some information about hair density but fails to address other critical factors like scalp health, environmental influences, or individual hair care practices.