CO Barber study plan
CO Barber · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Scientific Concepts (hair, skin, scalp, chemistry, anatomy)
Label the layers of the hair shaft, follicle, and papilla on a blank diagram from memory
Describe the three stages of the hair growth cycle and state which stage is the resting phase
Differentiate the layers of the skin and list one function of each
Explain how sebaceous and sudoriferous glands influence scalp condition and hair texture
Your checkpoint
Hand-drawn, fully labeled hair and skin anatomy diagram scored against a 12-point answer key at 90% or better
Scientific Concepts (hair, skin, scalp, chemistry, anatomy)
Compare the pH of hair, skin, and at least six product categories, and explain the acid mantle
Classify temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color by their chemistry and deposit level
Identify common scalp and hair disorders, and sort each as contagious or noncontagious
Explain, at a conceptual level, how relaxers and permanent waves alter the hair's structural bonds
Your checkpoint
One-page pH and product-chemistry comparison table plus an 80% or better score on a self-written 25-question quiz covering both weeks of Domain 1
Hair Care and Haircutting Services
Demonstrate correct draping for shampoo, haircutting, and chemical services in the proper order
Sequence a full shampoo and conditioning service, including scalp massage manipulations and their benefits
Select the correct shampoo and conditioner for four written client scenarios based on hair and scalp condition
State the safety and sanitation steps required before, during, and after a wet service
Your checkpoint
Timed role-play of a shampoo and conditioning service scored on a 20-step rubric at 90% or better
Hair Care and Haircutting Services
Identify each haircutting tool, its purpose, and its maintenance requirement
Explain elevation, distribution, and sectioning, and predict the resulting line for each combination
Describe the four basic haircuts and the clipper techniques used in a standard men's taper
Match facial shapes to recommended design lines and explain each recommendation
Your checkpoint
A written cut plan for three different client scenarios, each with a face-shape rationale and a labeled sectioning diagram
Shaving, Facial Hair Design, and Client Services
Identify shaving tools and describe the honing, stropping, and disinfection care for each
Sequence a complete shave: preparation, lather application, stroke direction by region, and finishing
Design beard and mustache outlines that suit three given facial shapes
Conduct a shaving consultation that screens for contraindications and skin conditions
Your checkpoint
A step-by-step written shave protocol with a contraindication checklist, plus an 80% or better score on a 20-question quiz
Infection Control, Safety, and Business Practices
Differentiate sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization, and state when each level is required
Explain the roles of OSHA, the state board, the FDA, and the EPA in barbering practice
List the correct procedure for handwashing, tool disinfection, and blood or body-fluid exposure response
Identify electrical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards at a barber station and state the control for each
Your checkpoint
A completed infection-control and safety checklist applied to a mock station, plus a 90% or better score on a 30-question quiz
Shaving, Facial Hair Design, and Client Services & Infection Control, Safety, and Business Practices
Apply the steps of a client consultation, including needs assessment, recommendations, and record-keeping
Compute service pricing, commission, retail markup, and inventory cost for five practice scenarios
Compare booth rental, commission, and employment arrangements, including insurance and licensing obligations
Respond to a written client complaint scenario following a professional service-recovery sequence
Your checkpoint
A one-page business-math reference sheet with all five scenarios worked correctly, plus a scored consultation role-play
Scientific Concepts (hair, skin, scalp, chemistry, anatomy) & Hair Care and Haircutting Services & Shaving, Facial Hair Design, and Client Services & Infection Control, Safety, and Business Practices
Complete two timed 100-question practice exams and log every missed item by subdomain
Re-study the two weakest subdomains using flashcards and a rewritten summary sheet
Recite key terminology and pH, growth-cycle, and disinfection facts from flashcards without notes
Walk through a full practical routine that combines a cut, a shave, and a station turnover
Your checkpoint
A practice exam score of 85% or better on both attempts, with a remediation log listing every missed topic and the action taken
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or better on a 25-question Domain 1 quiz and explain the acid mantle and bond-breaking in plain language without notes
Week 4: Deliver three complete cut plans with correct face-shape rationale, and pass the shampoo role-play rubric at 90% or better
Week 6: Score 90% or better on the infection-control and safety quiz and correctly classify ten tools into sanitation, disinfection, or sterilization
Week 8: Score 85% or better on two timed 100-question practice exams and show a remediation log with no unaddressed missed topic