ID Cosmetology study plan

Define and correctly spell the core anatomy terms for skin, hair, and nails (integumentary structures, hair follicle layers, nail plate and matrix) and label them from memory on a blank diagram

Explain the three stages of hair growth and identify which stage chemical services and waxing must avoid

Describe the physiology of sweat and sebaceous glands and connect each to a client safety decision such as contraindications for waxing or scalp treatments

List the six links in the infection chain and give one salon-specific break point for each link

Compare the pH scale, acid and alkaline balance, and the pH of shampoo, relaxer, and color products, and predict how each shifts the hair's cuticle

Distinguish physical from chemical changes and classify oxidation, reduction, and neutralization as they occur in perming and coloring

Identify the active ingredients and hazards of the disinfectants used in Idaho salons and state the correct contact time and mixing ratio for each

Apply standard precautions to three realistic scenarios: a nick during a haircut, a blood spill, and reuse of a porous implement

Demonstrate the four basic haircut sections and the corresponding subsection parting patterns, and explain how elevation and overdirection change the resulting shape

Match blade, guard, and clipper-over-comb techniques to the length and blend each produces

Execute a blunt, a graduated, and a layered cut on a mannequin and photograph each from three angles

Explain the difference between a guideline and a perimeter line and show where each is established in your three cuts

Explain the color wheel, level system, and tone as used in formulation, and convert a target level and tone into a specific formula with developer strength

Describe the difference between permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent color in terms of deposit and lift, and select the right one for three client scenarios

Outline the perm process from pre-wrap test to neutralization and identify the two most common causes of over-processing

Perform a patch test and a strand test and record the timing and outcome for each

Identify nail disorders and diseases that must be referred rather than serviced, and distinguish them from cosmetic conditions you may treat

Demonstrate the manicure and pedicure sequence including shaping, cuticle care, massage, and polish application without contamination between steps

Explain the skin analysis steps for a basic facial and name the Fitzpatrick skin types and what each means for product selection and waxing

Describe the layers of the skin and how each responds to exfoliation, massage, and waxing temperature

Summarize the Idaho licensing structure for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians, including hour requirements, license renewal, and continuing education obligations

Explain the Idaho Board of Cosmetology's authority, the complaint and disciplinary process, and the consequences of unlicensed practice

List the sanitation and safety rules that apply to implements, linens, foot spas, and workstations, and state how often each must be cleaned or disinfected

Describe Idaho's requirements for salon licensure, inspection, and posting of licenses and consumer notices

Draft a client consultation script that covers lifestyle, history, medications, prior chemical services, and expectations, and use it on two practice clients

Practice recognizing contraindications and documenting a refusal to service in a way that protects both client and licensee

Build a simple pricing and retail-math exercise: calculate service cost, markup, and a retail commission on three products

Explain professional ethics and scope of practice, including when to refer a client to a physician or another licensed professional

Take two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed question by domain

Re-teach your five weakest concepts out loud or in writing as if explaining them to a new student

Review your week 1 through week 7 deliverables and rewrite any notes that are unclear or incomplete

Build a final one-page quick-reference sheet covering anatomy terms, color formulation, referral conditions, and Idaho sanitation rules