ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 study plan
ie-hairdressing-craft-l6 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Cutting and Hairdressing Techniques & Colouring and Lightening
Map the cutting and colouring syllabus into a one-page checklist of every technique and product system you must be able to explain
Demonstrate and narrate four foundational cutting sections (uniform layer, graduation, one-length, fringe) on a training head, stating elevation and distribution for each
Explain the colour wheel, developer strengths and the difference between permanent, quasi-permanent and semi-permanent colour in your own words
Complete ten timed calculation drills converting developer ratios and mixing quantities for a given target shade
Your checkpoint
A photographed training-head portfolio of four finished cuts with a written elevation/distribution note per cut, plus a scored ratio-calculation worksheet (target 90% or better).
Colouring and Lightening & Cutting and Hairdressing Techniques
Describe the full lightening process from patch test through strand test, application, development check and removal, without notes
Identify the signs of scalp sensitivity, overlapping, and product incompatibility, and state the corrective action for each
Practise point cutting, slide cutting and texturising on three separate wefts, then justify each choice against a stated client hair type
Write a client-facing explanation of why a colour correction may need multiple sessions
Your checkpoint
A one-page lightening and colour-correction decision flowchart you can redraw from memory, plus three labelled texturising weft samples with a written rationale for each.
Perming and Chemical Texture Services & Styling, Dressing and Finishing
Explain the chemistry of perming (reduction, neutralisation, disulfide bonds) and list the test curls required before full application
Compare perm lotion strengths and processing variables against hair porosity and previous chemical history
Execute a wet-set and a blow-dry finish on the same head, documenting tool, tension and product choices
Diagnose three common styling failures (frizz, collapse, root lift loss) and state a corrective technique for each
Your checkpoint
A written perm risk-assessment template covering test curl, porosity, previous treatments and aftercare, plus before-and-after photos of one wet-set and one blow-dry style.
Client Consultation and Hair/Scalp Analysis & Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Treatments
Conduct a full consultation role-play covering lifestyle, history, expectations, contraindications and informed consent
Perform and record a hair and scalp analysis using at least six observable criteria (porosity, elasticity, density, texture, scalp condition, growth pattern)
Explain the purpose and sequence of shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment products against diagnosed conditions
Adapt a service plan when the analysis contradicts the client's stated request, and document the reasoning
Your checkpoint
Two completed consultation records (one straightforward, one with a conflict between request and analysis) with the analysis findings and the agreed service plan written up.
Health, Safety and Hygiene in the Salon & Professional Standards, Ethics and Salon Practice
List the salon's legal duties on hygiene, waste disposal, COSHH-style product storage and accident reporting, and match each to a daily practice
Demonstrate and explain cross-infection controls: tool disinfection, hand hygiene, single-use items and linen handling
Apply a professional code of conduct to four ethical scenarios (confidentiality, competence limits, conflict of interest, social media use of client images)
State the correct first-aid response to a chemical burn, an allergic reaction and a slip injury
Your checkpoint
A completed salon safety and ethics audit of your own workspace against a 20-point checklist, with a short written note on every point you could not tick and how you will fix it.
Barbering and Facial Hair Services & Styling, Dressing and Finishing
Demonstrate clipper and trimmer work: fade progression, outline shaping and neckline finishing, explaining guard and blade choices
Perform a beard shape and moustache trim including consultation on growth pattern, skin sensitivity and aftercare
Explain the hygiene and skin-safety considerations specific to facial hair services, including patch testing for colour on beard hair
Combine a barbering finish with a styled top section and justify the transition between the two
Your checkpoint
A photographed barbering set of three looks (skin fade, scissor-over-comb, beard shape) with a written note on blade/guard sequence and skin-safety checks for each.
Salon Business, Client Care and Communication & Professional Standards, Ethics and Salon Practice
Build a service price list with cost breakdowns covering product, time, overhead and margin for six services
Draft and rehearse a retail recommendation conversation that links a diagnosed hair condition to a specific product and usage instruction
Handle four difficult client conversations (late arrival, dissatisfaction, price objection, rebooking refusal) using a structured response
Explain data protection and record-keeping duties for client consultation cards and images
Your checkpoint
A six-service costing spreadsheet with margin per service, plus a written script bank of four difficult-conversation responses you have rehearsed aloud.
Colouring and Lightening & Cutting and Hairdressing Techniques & Client Consultation and Hair/Scalp Analysis
Complete three full timed mock services end to end (consultation, analysis, service, finish, aftercare advice) within realistic salon timings
Self-mark each mock against the domain weighting and list your three weakest knowledge areas with a revision action for each
Re-derive the colour and lightening decision flowchart and the perm risk assessment from memory without prompts
Write a personal exam-day plan covering timing per section, calculation checking and how you will handle an unfamiliar scenario question
Your checkpoint
Three completed mock-service records with timings, self-marked scores by domain, and a one-page revision and exam-day plan targeting your three identified weak areas.
Milestones
Week 2: You can draw the lightening and colour-correction flowchart from memory and explain every branch aloud in under five minutes without notes.
Week 4: Two consultation records are complete with hair and scalp analysis findings, and you correctly identified and documented the request-versus-analysis conflict in the second case.
Week 6: Your 20-point salon safety and ethics audit scores at least 17 ticks with written remediation notes for the remainder, and all three barbering looks are photographed with blade sequences recorded.
Week 8: All three timed mock services are completed within salon-realistic timings, self-marked by domain, with a written exam-day plan naming your three weakest areas and the action for each.