AR Cosmetology study materials
AR Cosmetology study resources

AR Cosmetology study plan

AR Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Scientific Concepts (theory and practical application of cosmetology sciences)

  • Define and correctly spell 60 core anatomy and physiology terms (cells, tissues, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems) from memory

  • Diagram the layers of the skin and label at least 8 structures on a blank outline

  • Explain the pH scale and classify 10 given substances as acid, neutral, or alkaline

  • Match each of the three main skin types and their subtypes to the correct cosmetic chemistry term

Your checkpoint

A self-made 50-question quiz on anatomy and chemistry, scored at 80% or higher without notes

Week 2

Scientific Concepts (theory and practical application of cosmetology sciences)

  • Describe the composition and function of hair, including the three layers of the hair shaft and the growth cycle phases

  • Identify the three types of side bonds in hair and state which chemical services break each one

  • Summarize the principles of electricity (conductors, insulators, galvanic/thermal/mechanical) and list 5 electrical safety rules

  • Explain the basics of sanitation science, including the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization

Your checkpoint

A one-page reference sheet mapping each side bond to the services that break it, plus a 10-item electricity safety checklist

Week 3

Hair Care and Hair Services (haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair coloring)

  • Demonstrate and describe the four basic haircutting sections and the elevation/angle system used for each

  • List the standard haircutting tools and state the purpose and safety rule for each

  • Explain the wet and dry styling principles, including the role of heat and tension in thermal styling

  • Identify the hair types and textures and match each to an appropriate styling technique

Your checkpoint

A written step-by-step procedure for one blunt cut and one layered cut, including sectioning, elevation, and safety notes

Week 4

Hair Care and Hair Services (haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair coloring)

  • Compare the three categories of hair lighteners (oil, cream, powder) by strength and use

  • Explain the color wheel, level system (1-10), and the difference between temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent color

  • Describe the patch test and strand test procedures and when each is required

  • Outline the chemical texture service process, including consultation, test curl, processing, and neutralizing

Your checkpoint

A color and chemical service decision chart that maps a client scenario to a product type, developer volume, and processing step

Week 5

Skin Care and Facial Services (esthetics, skin analysis, facial treatments)

  • Perform and document a skin analysis using the standard categories (skin type, condition, oiliness, pore size)

  • Sequence the steps of a basic facial and state the purpose of each product used

  • Identify contraindications and conditions that require referral rather than treatment

  • Explain the principles of massage movements and their order in a facial

Your checkpoint

A completed sample client consultation and skin analysis form with a recommended facial protocol

Week 6

Nail Care and Nail Services (manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails)

  • Describe the structure of the nail and identify at least 8 parts on a blank diagram

  • List the steps of a basic manicure and a basic pedicure in correct order

  • Explain the difference between a nail disorder and a nail disease and give 3 examples of each

  • Outline the safe application and removal process for one artificial nail enhancement type

Your checkpoint

A labeled nail anatomy diagram plus side-by-side step lists for manicure and pedicure, checked against your textbook

Week 7

Salon Business, Safety, and Arkansas Law (sanitation, infection control, regulations, professional practices)

  • State the Arkansas rules on sanitation, disinfection, and implement storage as they apply to a salon

  • Explain the difference between a bacterial infection, a viral infection, and a fungal infection and the standard precautions for each

  • Describe the requirements for salon licensing, individual licensing, and continuing education in Arkansas

  • Identify the elements of professional ethics and client confidentiality in a salon setting

Your checkpoint

A 20-item Arkansas law and sanitation practice test, scored at 85% or higher

Week 8

Scientific Concepts (theory and practical application of cosmetology sciences) & Hair Care and Hair Services (haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair coloring) & Skin Care and Facial Services (esthetics, skin analysis, facial treatments) & Nail Care and Nail Services (manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails) & Salon Business, Safety, and Arkansas Law (sanitation, infection control, regulations, professional practices)

  • Review all five domains using a timed full-length practice exam and record the score

  • Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains until practice scores reach 80% or higher

  • Create a one-page summary sheet of the highest-yield facts for each domain

  • Recite the Arkansas sanitation and licensing rules from memory without notes

Your checkpoint

A timed full-length practice exam score report plus a completed one-page summary sheet for all five domains

Milestones

Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question Domain 1 practice set covering anatomy, chemistry, hair structure, and electricity

Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question Domain 2 practice set and correctly explain two chemical service procedures aloud without notes

Week 6: Score 80% or higher on combined Domain 3 and Domain 4 practice sets and complete both the skin analysis form and nail diagram from memory

Week 8: Score 80% or higher on a timed full-length practice exam with no domain below 75%