M Y F IRST C LIENT Manikin Care

Most of the practical work performed during your training will be on a fabricated head form – a mannequin.

Mannequins do not complain, they do not talk back, they are patient, long- suffering and they provide you with endless opportunity for practice and self-improvement. Give your mannequin the best of care. Treat it like a client --- take good care of your first client.

As with any friend or client, you would not scald them with hot water, splash water all over their face, or pull their hair unnecessarily. Nor would you flood them with styling aids, let your client sit under the dryer for long periods of time, or over bleach their hair. You would not give them an over-processed permanent wave, lay them down on their nose, write or draw all over their neck or face, or carelessly drop them. As with any good client, they deserve the best treatment you can give.

Do not work on a cold mannequin. The hair may have become somewhat dry and brittle. The cold will cause the hair to break easily if it is brushed or combed roughly (esp. if it is curly hair). Room temperature is ideal.

If the hair becomes tangled, remove the tangles by combing the hair gently with a large tooth comb or pick. Start at the nape and work from underneath using thin sections of hair. Remove the tangle carefully as you work around the head and up to the crown.

The mannequin should be shampooed when it becomes heavily soiled following this procedure: 1.Remove any tangles as described above. 2.Adjust the water pressure and temperature while holding the hose nozzle down in the sink. NEVER USE HOT WATER. This will cause the hair to tangle. Only use lukewarm temperature water. 3.Place the mannequin face up in the groove of the shampoo bowl while holding in place with the left hand. 4.Manipulate the hose with the right hand and saturate the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.

5.Apply a small amount of mild pH balanced shampoo into the palm of your hand, then distribute the shampoo through the hair from the hairline down to the scalp and out through the hair ends. Do not manipulate the hair in a back-and- forth motion. This will cause the hair to tangle. 6.Rinse the hair thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo. 7.Apply conditioner to the hair and work it through the hair in the same manner as you did the shampoo. Using a large wide tooth comb, gently comb the conditioner through the hair to evenly distribute. Allow the conditioner to remain in the hair for at least three minutes, and then rinse again with cooler water.

8.Squeeze the excess water from the hair and towel blot. To prevent tangling, do not rub the hair. Take the damp towel and clean the face and neck of the mannequin. 9.Wrap a clean towel around the mannequin and return to your work station. Do not allow water to drip onto the floor or over your work area. To prevent this, wrap a towel around the base of the mannequin. 10.Detangle the hair as described above in preparation for the practical service

General Tips Shampoo the hair only when heavily soiled. Do not use a strong (high pH) shampoo on the hair. Do not excessively back-comb (tease) the hair. Do not over use hair spray (if at all). Test thermal irons before using on the hair (this type of hair is sensitive and it does not grow back!)

The hair should be 100% dry before using a thermal iron on it. Do not put the mannequin under a hot hooded dryer or use hot blow dryer setting (use medium). When blow drying, use a vent bush or pin brush and do not use excess tension. Prior to working on your mannequin, wet the hair with lukewarm water before combing to avoid hair loss. When you are finished working with your mannequin, comb the hair flat to the head and cover with a towel. Let it rest comfortably and neatly until you are ready to use it again.