A's Hair Blog

Hair Braiders should be aware of disorders and/or diseases that may be found on clients’ scalp at the time of the Hair Braiding Service.  Today, we will go over 5 of the disorders.   I know it’s hard to believe, that as a natural hairstylist, you have to be aware of the diseases and disorders that can spread from person to person.  You do not want to be the stylist responsible for helping others become sick or infested with head lice, ringworm, dandruff, psoriasis, or any other disorder of the hair and scalp.

Diseases and Disorders of the Scalp include:

• Dandruff – Dandruff is a common chronic scalp condition marked by flaking of the skin on your scalp. Dandruff isn’t contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and sometimes difficult to treat.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis –  Considered a chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis appears on the body where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands like the upper back, nose, and scalp. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, although genes and hormones play a role. Microorganisms that live on the skin naturally can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis including infants (“cradle cap”). However, it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 30-60 and infants under 3 months.

• psoriasis – Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, affecting your entire scalp. It can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or behind and inside your ears.
• Ringworm – If you have ringworm, you may think you have worms in your skin or a disease caused by worms. You have neither. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by fungus. No worms involved.  The name “ringworm” probably comes from the rash that many people see. On the skin, the rash often has a ring-shaped pattern and a raised, scaly border that snakes its way around the edge like a worm.
• Lice – Head lice are small, wingless, blood-sucking insects. They live in the hair on your head and feed off the blood from your scalp. A louse (a single adult) is about the size of a sesame seed. A nit (louse egg) is about the size of a small flake of dandruff.

It is very important to be able to distinguish between the diseases and disorders of the scalp.   You, the Hair Braider will always have to make the judgment call as to whether or not a hair braiding service can be performed on a client.

In Florida,  you no longer need a Hair Braiders license. However, most Hair Salons still require a Braiding Certificate proving that you have taken a Braiding Course which provided you with the knowledge needed to work in a Hair Salon in Florida. At A’s Hair Academy,  we make sure that you have the knowledge needed to protect yourself and others from diseases.  Unlike some states, which may require a full cosmetology license for those who want to braid, Florida no longer requires a state license as of 2020. All you have to do is complete the hair braiding 16 hour course to be eligible to receive your Hair Braiding Certificate of Completion and begin your new career.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you.  Please follow this blog for more informative information about Professional Hair Braider in Florida.