Maryland Cosmetology State Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using a scalp treatment?

1. To add color to the hair

2. To cleanse and maintain a healthy scalp

3. To style the hair

4. To remove dandruff only

The correct answer is: To cleanse and maintain a healthy scalp

Using a scalp treatment primarily serves to cleanse and maintain a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth and overall hair health. Scalp treatments can help remove buildup from products, excess oil, and dead skin cells, which can contribute to various scalp conditions. By addressing any issues with the scalp, these treatments enhance the overall health of the hair, improve its appearance, and can prevent problems such as dryness or irritation. While some may think that a scalp treatment could add color to the hair or style it, these functions pertain more to hair coloring products and styling tools rather than to scalp care. The statement regarding the removal of dandruff is too narrow, as scalp treatments target the health of the scalp as a whole and may address a variety of issues, not just dandruff. Therefore, maintaining a healthy scalp encompasses more than just treating a specific condition, which underlines why cleansing and maintaining scalp health through these treatments is the primary purpose.