At one time, OSHA compliance was considered an issue only important to and applicable for industry. Because salons do not use heavy equipment or have issues regarding noise levels or high-level chemical spills, people assumed that they were safe. Employee injuries were documented, and business went on as usual. However, OSHA now mandates that salons and spas have written safety compliance plans, specific to their company and location, that address the safety standards for their industry

Victims of domestic violence may suffer emotional, psychologic, and/or physical abuse. In many cases, victims suffer in silence for years, and salon and spa professionals are in a unique position to help these individuals. Salons are often considered a "safe space," because they are one of the few places a victim is allowed to visit without her/his abuser. It is important that we educate ourselves to enhance awareness of domestic violence in every salon and spa.

Salon and spa professionals are no exception. Work-related stress that is left unaddressed has the potential to develop into burnout over a period of time. The costs of burnout are even higher than those for stress and affect not only the well-being of the individual but that of the individual's family, friends, and colleagues. This course will define burnout as it applies to salon and spa professionals, including signs and risk factors. Methods of self-care are explored as a means to prevent and reduce the symptoms of burnout in salon and spa professionals.

Salon professionals often spend more than 40 hours a week at work and therefore should be knowledgeable of the safety issues present in their work environment. Studies show that those in industrialized nations spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Issues such as indoor air quality, water quality, fire hazards, and exposure to chemicals are present every day in the workplace. In fact, the concentrations of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors. Many take for granted that their workplace is safe, not realizing that problems may exist and go unnoticed. It is imperative that salon professionals be aware of their working environment and the possible dangers that exist around them. In addition to health concerns for the occupants of a building, business owners and employers should also be well-versed on environmental issues in the work place.

Diseases are considered communicable if they spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person. Most diseases spread due to direct contact with an infected person or his/her blood, but some diseases may be spread by sharing implements or through the air or contaminated water. Because salon professionals work very closely with their clients, they are at risk for both contracting and spreading communicable diseases. It is our responsibility as salon professionals to protect our clients and ourselves to the best of our abilities. This course will review the most common communicable diseases, with a special focus on diseases often encountered in the salon or spa environment.

The professional makeup artist should be familiar with currently available products and should know how to apply these products using proper techniques. A knowledge of proper techniques includes an understanding of human skin, facial anatomy and features, color theory, makeup tools and equipment, safety, and client consultation.

A hair color service is a common procedure in professional salons today. As such, all stylists should be familiar with the hair color service process, regardless of whether they will actually be coloring clients' hair or if their salon has dedicated hair colorists. By refreshing your basic understanding of hair color products and building on your knowledge, you can ensure that clients are happy and will return for additional services.

Used in the salon or spa, aromatherapy can help clients to relax, help lift moods, soothe sore muscles and feet, be used in shampoos, creams and massage oils, and much more. Aromatherapy can provide many health benefits when used correctly and responsibly. It is always important to remember that, while natural, essential oils and aromatherapy can affect one's health positively or negatively, depending on the respect and care that the aromatherapist has for the work that they do. Used in the wrong way, oils can have serious health consequences and, while rare, can even cause death. However, the use of aromatic plants and essential oils throughout history has shown the great importance aromas and our sense of smell have on our general well-being.

Although nutrition is a familiar term, many people are unaware of the complexity of nutrition and how many components are needed to help the body function. In addition, nutrition and the overall idea of health are rarely discussed when considering problems common in hair, nails, and skin. Having an understanding of how nutrition affects the hair, nails, and skin is important for cosmetologists to be able to counsel clients or refer them to their healthcare provider when they are experiencing the issues discussed throughout this course. Through this knowledge, cosmetologists are in a unique position to have an impact on their clients' lives and are able to help them become healthier individuals through their chosen profession.

Clients with cancer have unique needs in terms of hair, skin, and nail care, and professionals should be aware of basic recommendations to best help these individuals. This course has provided an overview of the most common types of cancer therapies that affect the hair, skin, and as well as a more in-depth look at specific issues that affect these areas of the body. Care guidelines and suggestions for issues discussed have been outlined, with an emphasis on tailoring these guidelines to each client's individual needs. Finally, a review of client resources, including online resources specifically designed for individuals with cancer, has been provided. Given the unique emotional challenges faced by cancer patients, including lowered self-esteem, depression, and worry regarding their quickly changing appearance, salon professionals are in a unique position to help these people regain confidence and improve their outlook on daily life during this extremely difficult time.

When safe and appropriate, salon treatments for skin, hair, or nails can be greatly beneficial to the client. However, it is the duty of the salon professional to be cautious and refuse service if necessary. If a service endangers the client or the salon professional, it cannot be performed. Being in the salon industry, professionals will definitely come in contact with clients who may have a hormonal disorder or who are experiencing the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout life. Cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians must understand how hormones play a role in their profession and how hormones affect the skin, hair, and nail health of their clients.

In order to offer safe and effective services to the public, cosmetology professionals must be aware of the chemical makeup, growth, and structure of hair, skin, and nails. Cosmetologists' basic knowledge and their commitment to increased understanding will translate into client satisfaction.