Plaiting and Braiding Notes
Plaiting and Braiding Notes
Definition of terms
1.Consultation
Consultation is the process of communicating with a client to gather information about their
preferences, needs, health conditions, and expectations before performing any treatment or
service.
A professional discussion that helps the stylist understand the client’s desired outcome.
Involves reviewing the client's hair type, scalp condition, lifestyle, and previous
treatments.
Essential for building trust and ensuring client satisfaction.
Often includes a patch test (for chemical services) and reviewing contraindications.
2. Plaiting
Definition:
Plaiting is a hairstyling technique where three or more strands of hair are interlaced to form a
woven pattern.
Often used for neat, secure styles that can last for days.
Can be simple (like a three-strand plait) or complex (like fishtail or four-strand plaits).
Common in natural hair care, traditional hairstyles, and protective styles.
Types of Plaits:
Tools Used:
Tail comb
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Sectioning clips
Hair bands
Hair moisturizer or gel (optional)
3. Braiding
Definition:
Braiding is the technique of interweaving three or more sections of hair to create a structured
pattern, often used in cultural, protective, or decorative hairstyles.
Braiding is a broader term that includes many complex styles, including cornrows, box
braids, and micro braids.
Offers versatility, can be used for both styling and hair protection.
May incorporate extensions or decorative elements (beads, threads).
While plaiting is usually flat and simple, braiding includes intricate designs and can be
done close to the scalp or free-hanging.
Braiding is often more time-consuming and involves cultural significance.
Cornrows
Box braids
Twists
Fulani braids
Ghanian braids
Definition:
A client record card is a documented form that contains personal, medical, and service-related
information about a client, maintained by professionals for reference and follow-up.
Includes client’s name, contact details, medical history, allergies, and previous services.
Tracks client preferences, hair conditions, and treatment outcomes.
Legally important for health and safety, especially when using chemicals.
Personal details
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Health history
Treatment record
Patch test results
Notes and observations
Client Consultation
1. Definition of Client Consultation
2. Client Consultation is the initial interaction between a beauty
professional and a client, where information is gathered,
analyzed, and discussed to determine the most suitable
treatments or services based on the client’s needs, preferences,
and physical conditions.
Ensures client satisfaction Helps understand what the client wants and avoids miscommunication
Builds trust and professionalism Shows you care about the client’s wellbeing and expectations
Helps with treatment planning Helps choose the right technique, product, and tools
Legal protection A signed consultation form can be used for liability purposes
B. Collecting Information
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Client's expectations and preferences
Medical history (allergies, skin sensitivities, medications)
Lifestyle and daily routines
Past services and their outcomes
D. Making Recommendations
Consultation form/record card To record all client info and treatment details
Active listening “So you’re looking for a low-maintenance haircut, is that right?”
Clarifying questions “Can you show me a picture of the look you’re aiming for?”
Empathy “I understand how sensitive your skin is—let’s choose a hypoallergenic option.”
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7. Patch Testing and Contraindications
Patch Testing
Required 24–48 hours before chemical treatments (e.g., hair dye, eyelash tint).
Helps prevent allergic reactions.
Document results on the client’s consultation form.
Contraindications
Skin infections
Recent surgeries
Scalp conditions
Allergies
Pregnancy (in some cases)
Lifestyle “How much time do you spend on styling your hair daily?”
To protect both the cosmetologist and client from contamination, infection, chemicals, and
accidental injury.
Ensures hygiene, professionalism, and safety in the salon environment.
Protective
Uses
Gear
Worn by cosmetologists to protect clothing from chemicals, hair clippings, and products
Apron
during treatments.
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Protective
Uses
Gear
Draper Covers the client to protect their clothing from hair, water, and chemicals. Used during
(Cape) haircuts, coloring, and styling.
Used for drying hair, wiping spills, or padding between client and draper for extra
Towel
protection and comfort.
Worn to reduce inhalation of dust, fumes, or hair particles. Also prevents spread of germs
Face Mask
between client and cosmetologist.
Purpose:
To evaluate the client’s hair and scalp to determine the best treatment, products, and styling techniques
while avoiding any contraindications.
Aspect Explanation
Scalp Check for oiliness, dryness, flaking, inflammation, or tenderness. Determine if scalp is
Condition healthy or has abnormalities.
Texture Refers to the thickness of individual hair strands. Can be fine, medium, or coarse.
Refers to the number of hair strands per square inch. Classified as low, medium, or high
Density
density.
The hair’s ability to absorb moisture. Low porosity (tight cuticle), normal, or high porosity
Porosity
(damaged cuticle).
The hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. Indicates hair
Elasticity
strength.
Diseases Contagious conditions like ringworm (tinea capitis), lice (pediculosis), or scabies. These
require referral to a medical professional.
Disorders and diseases of scalp, skin and hair
Introduction
Micro-organism is a very tiny organism that cannot be seen by necked eyes. They
are also known as germs or microbes. Many microorganisms are quite harmless and
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Aspect Explanation
are known as non-pathogenic but some can cause diseases and are known as
pathogenic\germs.
The microorganisms that are found in body tissues and hair are;
1. Bacteria
2. Virus
3. Fungi
4. Parasites
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Aspect Explanation
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Aspect Explanation
1. Acne
Disorder of hair follicle and sebaceous glands caused by increase in sebum products
and other matters block of follicle and also hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms
Raised spots or bumps in the skin commonly on the face and forehead irritation and
inflammation.
Treatment is by doctor
2. Alopecia
Baldness or thinning of hair.
Example
Alopecia areata
Name given to baldness in circular areas. It is common to the scalp. If the condition
continues, they join to form alopecia totalis that is total baldness.
Alopecia universalis
This is a complete baldness of the body. Symptom- the hair is too thin near the scalp
Alopecia traction
It is the loss of hair that result from puling such in plucking, rolling, fight, curling,
brushing, straightening or leaving the hair in tight parts or pleat for a long period.
Areas of thinning hair are commonly to be seen on front hair line and the side.
3. Canities
Grey or white hair. Caused by uneven colour pigments.
Symptoms; white hair are seen on the scalp.
Treatment by tinting \ colouring
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Aspect Explanation
4. Eczema\ dermatitis
Caused by allergic reactions of chemicals. It may be due to physical injury or
irritation. Avoid handling chemical products with bare hands
5. Pityriasis capities (dandruff)
Is the shedding of accumulation of large visible clumps of skin\scalp cells.
To treat use antidandruff medicine and shampoos
Tool/Equipment Uses
Crotchet Needle Used for installing crochet braids by pulling synthetic hair through cornrows.
Scissors Used for trimming extensions, shaping braids, or cutting ends for neatness.
Weaving Needles Curved or straight needles used to sew weaves onto braided tracks.
Blow Dryer Used to dry and stretch natural hair before braiding; also helps set styles.
Head Dummy Used for practice by students or professionals. Helps in learning techniques
(Mannequin Head) and testing products safely.
Maintenance of Tools:
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Product Uses
Shampoo Cleans hair and scalp before plaiting. Removes oil, dirt, and product build-up.
Conditioner Restores moisture and manageability. Helps with detangling and softening hair.
Hair Nourishes the scalp and hair; often contains oils and vitamins. Used to reduce dryness
Food/Cream and promote hair growth.
Moisturizes and relieves itching on the scalp when hair is braided. Maintains shine and
Braid Spray
softness.
Sheen Spray Adds a glossy finish to braids or plaits. Used to give a polished, healthy look.
Storage Guidelines:
Objective:
To prepare the client's hair and scalp properly before any plaiting or braiding service. This ensures
hygiene, ease of styling, and protects the hair and scalp during manipulation.
2. Detangling
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o Apply conditioner or detangling product if needed.
o Handle hair gently to avoid damage.
3. Shampooing
Purpose: Cleanses hair and scalp by removing dirt, oil, product build-up, and bacteria.
Process:
o Wet the hair with warm water.
o Apply shampoo and massage into scalp using fingertips (not nails).
o Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
4 Conditioning
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Contain special chemicals or drugs that are very effective in reducing excessive dandruff and
other scalp conditions. They are strong and affect the colour of the tinted or lightened hair.
Powder dry shampoo
This is given to clients whose health doesn’t require wet shampooing. A few of these products
are available in the market today.
Colour lightening shampoos
They add temporary colour to hair
Neutralizing shampoos
Stops further chemical reaction on hair
They return back hair to its normal PH
They lock the hair into its new straight form
Factors to consider while choosing the right shampoo
Texture, type and condition of the hair and scalp.
Fine hair requires shampoos that will that will not decrease or make it flappy. Instead choose a
shampoo that will add body or consider using hair thickener. Course air require a shampoo that
will tend to soften and make it more playable. Thick hair requires shampoo that will penetrate
and make good contact with all the hair and scalp.
Frequency of shampoo
If hair is washed once or more frequently choose a shampoo specially designed for frequently
usage e.g mild.
Water quality
If the water used in the salon is hard, use a soap less shampoo. If the water used in the salon is
soft water most types of shampoos can be used.
The function of the shampoo
Is the shampoo intended to colour, tone, condition or just clean the hair?
Hair treatment plan
What are you going to do with the hair later? some shampoo ingredients e.g lanolin coats the hair
shaft. This would prevent the penetration of the product into the cortex. So choose a shampoo
that opens the hairs cuticles and does not coat the hair shaft.
Chemistry of a shampoo
Shampoos contain two main ingredients water (ionized) and a base surfactant molecule. Water is
common in all shampoos and it has the highest percentage of composition. A base surfactant
molecule has got two ends; the tail and the head. The head is called hydrophilic meaning water
loving and the tail is called lipophilic meaning oil loving.
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process, the hydrophilic which is the head attracts water while the lipophilic which is the tail
attracts grease and oil. The tail enters the hair first. The attraction action causes a push and pulls
force that causes all oil, dirt and all deposits on hair to roll up into small balls or globules that
can be easily washed away by water and rinsed out.
Figure3; how a shampoo molecule works (extracted from Milady (2012). Standard Cosmetology,
Metric Edition
Conditioning
This is done after shampooing or as part of treatment. It helps return natural oils that has been
removed by a shampoo from the hair.
Effects of conditioning
Closes hair cuticles and makes the hair smooth
It balances the acidity and alkalinity of the hair
It detangles the hair
Leaves air easy to manage
It repairs the broken or damaged hair fibers
Types of conditioners
1. Surface conditioner
They remain on hair shaft
They coat and smoothen hair
They add sheen to the hair and make it easy to manage.
2. Deep penetrating conditioners/treatments
They enter into the cortex through capillary action. They are designed to repair the chemical
structure fibers within the cortex which have been damaged or affected by the previous
hairdressing process.
3. Leave-in treatment
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are applied to the hair but not rinsed out. They work in the surface of hair and penetrate deep as
well.
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5. Blow Drying
Purpose: Dries and stretches the hair to prepare it for easier styling.
Tools: Blow dryer with nozzle/comb attachment, heat protectant.
Process:
o Apply heat protectant spray.
o Section the hair.
o Blow dry from roots to ends, using medium heat.
o Use a comb attachment or brush for stretching.
Objective:
To learn various plaiting and braiding techniques used in hairstyling for both aesthetic and protective
purposes.
Description: Neat, narrow rows of braids that lie flat against the scalp.
Method:
o Part the hair into straight or curved sections.
o Use underhand technique (pulling strands under each other) to create raised lines.
o Maintain even tension for neatness and comfort.
2. Twisting
3. Three-Strand Braiding
4. Piece Line
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Description: A technique involving added hair (extensions) to create longer or thicker braids.
Method:
o Section natural hair and add synthetic hair piece as you braid.
o Blend both natural and synthetic hair for uniform look.
Description: Coiled buns made by twisting small sections of hair and wrapping them around
themselves.
Method:
o Divide hair into small sections.
o Twist each section tightly and wrap into a knot.
o Secure at the base with a pin or tuck ends in.
6. Crocheting
Description: Hair extensions are added using a latch hook through cornrows.
Method:
o Start with cornrow base.
o Use crochet hook to pull pre-looped hair through the braid.
o Loop and tighten the extension.
Aftercare Advice
Objective:
To maintain healthy hair and scalp after braiding/plaiting and ensure the style lasts longer with minimal
damage.
Guideline Explanation
Moisturize Regularly Use braid spray, leave-in conditioner, or oils to keep scalp and hair hydrated.
Cleanse Scalp Use a mild, diluted shampoo or scalp cleanser to remove buildup without
Weekly disturbing braids.
Protect at Night Wear a satin bonnet, scarf, or sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
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Service Aftercare Tips
Cornrows / Plaits Moisturize every 2–3 days; do not leave in for more than 6–8 weeks.
Twists / Bantu Knots Re-twist or re-knot as needed to maintain neatness; avoid overwashing.
Clean scalp with dry shampoo or diluted shampoo; avoid heavy oils on synthetic
Crochet Braids
hair.
Added Hair Styles Use lightweight products; avoid pulling when styling to prevent loosening.
Importance:
Prevents the spread of infections and diseases (e.g., lice, fungal infections).
Ensures tools remain effective and durable.
Maintains professionalism and client safety.
1. Combs
Step Description
Remove hair, dirt, and product residue by soaking combs in warm soapy water. Use a
Cleaning
brush to scrub between teeth.
Soak in EPA-registered disinfectant (e.g., Barbicide) for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly
Disinfection
and air dry on a clean towel.
Store in a clean, covered container or UV sterilizer. Do not place used and cleaned combs
Storage
together.
2. Blow Dryers
Step Description
Unplug the dryer. Remove filter (if detachable) and clean out lint using a small brush or
Cleaning
cloth. Wipe the outer surface with a damp cloth.
Wipe handle and nozzle with disinfectant spray or wipes after each use. Avoid spraying
Disinfection
directly into motor vents.
Maintenance
Regularly inspect cords for wear. Never immerse in water.
Tip
3. Crotchet Needles
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Step Description
Cleaning Wipe off hair and product residue using warm soapy water. Dry completely.
Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol or soak metal tips in disinfectant for 10 minutes. Avoid
Disinfection
soaking wooden/plastic handles.
Objective:
Maintain cleanliness to reduce cross-contamination, promote safety, and present a professional image
to clients.
Guideline Purpose
Use bins with lids Prevents odor and keeps pests away.
Line bins with disposable bags Makes disposal easier and more hygienic.
Method Description
Burning Used for disposing of contaminated single-use items (e.g., gloves, tissues). Suitable
(Incineration) only in areas with proper facilities.
Separate plastic bottles, cans, paper, and unused packaging for recycling. Rinse out
Recycling
product containers before recycling.
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Cardboard boxes and paper materials
Use Shelves or Cabinets Keep items off the floor to maintain hygiene and reduce clutter.
Separate Clean vs. Used Always store cleaned recyclable items separately from used ones.
Designated Recycle
Set up a recycling station in the salon for ease of use and education.
Corner
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