CT Barber study plan
CT Barber · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Sanitation, Sterilization, and Safety Practices
List and describe the classes of disinfectants used in barbering, including quats, phenolics, and bleach solutions, and state their correct contact times
Demonstrate and label the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization for implements, linens, and surfaces
Identify which items are single-use, which require disinfection after each client, and which must be stored in a closed container
Explain the safe handling and disposal rules for blood and body-fluid exposure, including the steps to take after an accidental cut
Your checkpoint
A one-page sanitation flow chart, drawn from memory, that traces a pair of clippers and a straight razor from use through cleaning, disinfection, storage, and reuse, scored at 100% against your textbook checklist
Sanitation, Sterilization, and Safety Practices & Haircutting and Hair Styling
Recite Connecticut-safe electrical and tool safety practices, including cord inspection, immersion limits, and wet-hand precautions
Identify the bones of the skull and the reference points used to divide the head into sections for cutting
Describe the four basic haircut structures and match each to a client scenario
Practice proper body stance, hand position, and shear grip on a mannequin for 30 minutes per session
Your checkpoint
A written 20-item tool-and-surface safety self-audit of your own station plus a labeled skull diagram with all reference points correctly placed
Haircutting and Hair Styling
Execute blunt, graduated, and uniform-layer cuts on a mannequin, checking sectioning and elevation each time
Explain how head shape, growth patterns, and hair density change the cutting approach for a taper, fade, and flat top
Demonstrate shear-over-comb and clipper-over-comb techniques with controlled pressure and no gouging
Compare the tools and tensions used in wet styling versus thermal styling and describe the heat-safety limits for each
Your checkpoint
Three completed mannequin cuts (one clipper cut, one scissor cut, one mixed) with a self-scored rubric covering sectioning, blending, and line quality
Haircutting and Hair Styling & Shaving, Beard, and Mustache Services
Refine finishing work: outline the neckline and sideburns cleanly and texturize to remove weight lines
Diagram the direction of hair growth across the beard, mustache, neck, and face to plan shaving strokes
Describe the setup sequence for a wet shave: towel, lather, razor angle, stroke direction, and cleanup
Identify the signs of skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs and state the appropriate response
Your checkpoint
A timed, self-recorded full haircut-plus-neck-shave sequence on a mannequin completed within 45 minutes and checked against a 15-point technique checklist
Shaving, Beard, and Mustache Services
Perform a complete wet shave on a mannequin using correct razor angle, stroke patterns, and re-lather passes
Demonstrate safe straight-razor handling, stropping, and blade disposal
Explain the steps for beard and mustache design, including outlining, trimming to a consistent length, and blending into the sideburn
List the aftercare products and skin-conditioning steps used post-shave and when to avoid shaving a client entirely
Your checkpoint
A written shave-service procedure sheet covering prep, lather, three passes, cleanup, and aftercare, plus one mannequin shave evaluated against it
Chemical Services (Coloring, Relaxing, and Permanent Waving)
Explain the color wheel, developer volumes, and the difference between temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent color
Describe the patch test, strand test, and client-record requirements before any chemical service
Outline the relaxer procedure, including base application, processing timing, smoothing, and neutralizing
Outline the permanent wave procedure, including rod selection, winding patterns, processing, and neutralization
Identify contraindications and required safety steps for chemical services, including ventilation and glove use
Your checkpoint
A side-by-side comparison chart of coloring, relaxing, and permanent waving that lists products, timing, safety checks, and failure signs, with each procedure checked against your textbook
Hair and Scalp Care and Treatment & Client Consultation, Communication, and Professional Conduct
Identify scalp and hair conditions that barbers may treat versus those that must be referred to a physician
Describe the purpose and correct application of shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments by hair type
Conduct a full client consultation that covers hair analysis, lifestyle, maintenance commitment, and expected outcome
Demonstrate professional communication and conduct in three scripted scenarios: an unhappy client, a late client, and a confidential health disclosure
Your checkpoint
Three written consultation scripts with a hair-and-scalp analysis section each, role-played once and scored on a 10-point communication rubric
Connecticut Barbering Laws, Rules, and Regulations & Sanitation, Sterilization, and Safety Practices & Haircutting and Hair Styling & Shaving, Beard, and Mustache Services & Chemical Services (Coloring, Relaxing, and Permanent Waving) & Hair and Scalp Care and Treatment & Client Consultation, Communication, and Professional Conduct
Summarize Connecticut licensing, sanitation, and shop-conduct rules that apply to barbers, including renewal and inspection expectations
Complete 150 mixed practice questions across all seven domains and log every miss by domain
Re-study your two lowest-scoring domains until you can explain each missed concept without notes
Rehearse the sanitation and chemical-safety procedures you were weakest on during the week 1 and week 6 reviews
Your checkpoint
A scored 150-question practice test with a domain-by-domain error log and a written plan for the final 48 hours before the exam
Milestones
Week 2: Pass a 25-question sanitation and safety quiz at 85% or better and demonstrate a full clipper disinfection sequence without prompting
Week 4: Complete the mannequin haircut-and-neck-shave sequence in 45 minutes or less with no missed checklist steps
Week 6: Score 80% or better on a 40-question chemical services quiz and correctly state the patch and strand test rules from memory
Week 8: Score 85% or better on the 150-question mixed practice test with no domain below 75%