Cert III Hairdressing study plan
Cert III Hairdressing · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Hair cutting and shaping (including men's and women's styles)
Identify and label the cutting lines, elevation angles and finger positions used in blunt, graduated and layered cuts
Demonstrate correct sectioning and parting patterns for a one-length women's cut and a uniform-layer men's cut
Explain how head shape, growth patterns and hair density change a cut plan for at least three client profiles
Practise safe tool handling and scissor-over-comb technique for a minimum of 30 minutes per session
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn cutting map for two styles (one-length and uniform layer) showing sectioning, elevation and cutting lines, plus a written 150-word rationale for each
Hair cutting and shaping (including men's and women's styles)
Compare texturising techniques (point cutting, slicing, thinning shears) and state when each is appropriate
Break down a men's clipper-and-scissor fade into its guide-line stages and describe each stage in order
Evaluate three finished cuts against a checklist of balance, line and blend, and record specific corrections
Sequence the steps of a dry-cut correction on a previous haircut
Your checkpoint
A one-page cutting technique comparison table covering five texturising methods with purpose, tool, effect and risk of over-use
Hair colouring and lightening
Classify colour products by level system, tone and developer strength, and match each to a stated lift or deposit goal
Explain the colour wheel relationships used to neutralise unwanted warmth in at least four scenarios
Describe the patch test, strand test and skin-stain removal procedures in correct order
Outline the safety limits for lightening on previously coloured or damaged hair
Your checkpoint
Four written colour formulas (full head, root retouch, highlight, toning) each stating target level, developer, ratio, processing time and neutralising choice
Hair colouring and lightening & Work health and safety, hygiene and infection control in the salon
Plan a full-head foil placement pattern and justify section size and spacing for a blended result
List the salon's hygiene controls for colour tools, bowls, capes and contaminated waste
Identify the PPE, ventilation and skin-protection requirements for colour and lightening services
Explain the salon's emergency response for a chemical burn or an allergic reaction during a colour service
Your checkpoint
A colour-service safety and hygiene checklist of at least 12 items, cross-checked against the foil placement plan from this week
Chemical waving and straightening
Explain the chemistry of waving and relaxing in plain language, including how the bonds are broken and reformed
Distinguish between a test curl, a porosity check and an elasticity check, and state what each result changes in the service plan
Sequence the steps of a perm wind and a relaxer application, including processing checks and neutralising
Identify the contra-indications that rule out a chemical service and the questions that reveal them
Your checkpoint
A side-by-side perm versus relaxer procedure sheet listing each step, timing, safety check and possible failure point
Hair styling, blow drying and finishing & Client consultation, communication and service planning
Select the correct brush, nozzle and heat setting for three different finish styles and justify each choice
Demonstrate sectioning and tension control for a smooth blow-dry and a root-lift blow-dry
Structure a consultation that covers hair history, lifestyle, budget and maintenance commitment, and record it on a client card
Convert a client's descriptive language into technical service options and confirm agreement before starting
Your checkpoint
A completed mock consultation record plus a styling plan for one client, including product choice, tool choice and a home-care recommendation
Client consultation, communication and service planning & Shampooing, conditioning and scalp and hair treatments
Adapt consultation questions for a client with a sensitive scalp, a child client and a client wanting a major change
Explain the purpose and correct application of shampoo types, conditioner types and a scalp treatment
Describe the massage movements used in a scalp treatment and their intended effect
Identify when a scalp condition must be referred rather than treated in the salon
Your checkpoint
A two-page client scenario pack: three short scenarios, each with the questions to ask, the recommended treatment and the referral trigger
Salon operations, sustainability and product knowledge & Teamwork, professional practice and industry knowledge & Work health and safety, hygiene and infection control in the salon
Compare product ranges on cost per service, active ingredients and sustainability claims, and recommend one for each of three service types
Describe at least five salon waste, water and energy reduction practices and the correct disposal route for colour waste
Explain the roles within a salon team and the communication expected when assisting a senior stylist
Summarise the industry bodies, award conditions and professional development expectations relevant to a new graduate
Complete a timed mixed-topic revision set covering all nine domains and review every wrong answer
Your checkpoint
A one-page sustainability and product recommendation brief for the salon, plus a scored 40-question practice test with a written review of each error
Milestones
Week 2: Can draw and explain the sectioning and elevation for both a one-length and a layered cut without notes, and name three texturising techniques with their risks
Week 4: Can write a complete colour formula and justify the developer and neutralising choice, and can list the hygiene and PPE controls for a colour service from memory
Week 6: Can run a full mock consultation in under 10 minutes and convert the client's words into two technical options with a styling plan
Week 8: Scores at least 80% on the mixed 40-question practice test and can state a correction for every missed item