IN Cosmetology study materials
IN Cosmetology study resources

IN Cosmetology study plan

IN Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Chemical Texture Services

  • Diagram the three phases of a relaxer service (swelling, diffusion, fixation) and label what happens to the hair at each phase

  • Differentiate hydroxide relaxers from thio/ammonium thioglycolate relaxers by active ingredient, pH range, and neutralization requirement

  • Sequence the 10 steps of a virgin relaxer application in correct order, including base control and scalp protection

  • List at least six contraindications and safety checks that must be performed before any chemical texture service

  • Calculate expected processing variables for three client scenarios (resistant, fine, previously colored hair) and justify each adjustment

Your checkpoint

A one-page chemical texture reference sheet (pH ranges, active ingredients, neutralization rules) plus a closed-book 25-question self-quiz scored at 85% or higher

Week 2

Hair Coloring

  • Explain the hair color level system from 1 to 10 and place six swatches or described hair samples at the correct level

  • Match developer volume (10, 20, 30, 40) to its lift capability and list which volume is used for deposit-only vs. high-lift

  • Apply color wheel principles to name the correct corrective tone for six unwanted-color scenarios (brass, green, ash, orange)

  • Outline the patch test, strand test, and allergy/sensitivity screening steps required before a color service

  • Distinguish temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color by molecule size, penetration, and lift ability

Your checkpoint

A completed color formulation worksheet with 10 written client scenarios, each showing target level, developer choice, processing time, and corrective reasoning

Week 3

Haircutting & Hair Styling

  • Identify the four basic haircutting sections and the lines, angles, and elevations that produce one-length, graduated, layered, and square cuts

  • Demonstrate on a mannequin (or describe step by step) a blunt one-length cut and a 45-degree graduated cut with consistent subsectioning

  • Explain the purpose and correct use of texturizing shears, razors, and clippers, including when each is contraindicated

  • Classify the five basic styling tools and match each to its thermal or wet-setting technique

  • Describe the three parts of a blow-dry (parting, wrapping, shaping) and the safety distance for thermal irons on each hair texture

Your checkpoint

A written walkthrough of two complete haircuts (subsection map, elevation, cutting line per section) plus a scored self-check of tool-and-technique matching at 90% accuracy

Week 4

Indiana Laws and Administrative Rules

  • Locate and summarize the Indiana cosmetology licensing statute and administrative rules governing scope of practice and licensure

  • State the Indiana requirements for sanitation, disinfection procedures, and shop/salon inspection standards cited in rule

  • Identify Indiana rules on licensee display of license, continuing education, and renewal cycles

  • Describe the Indiana penalties and disciplinary actions for unlicensed practice and sanitation violations

  • Translate five rules into plain-language 'what I must do on the floor' action statements

Your checkpoint

A two-page Indiana law fact sheet covering licensing, sanitation, renewal, and discipline, verified against the official state source, plus a 20-question law quiz at 90% or higher

Week 5

Infection Control and Safety

  • Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization and state which is required for implements, surfaces, and linens

  • Classify at least ten specific items as single-use, reusable-nondisposable, or porous and state the correct handling for each

  • List the EPA-registered disinfectant label requirements: contact time, dilution, and proper storage

  • Demonstrate the correct sequence for handwashing and for handling an exposure incident such as a cut or blood spill

  • Identify the signs of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and the conditions that require a client to be rescheduled

Your checkpoint

A completed infection-control checklist for a full salon workday (open, between clients, close) plus a scored safety scenario set of 15 items at 90% or higher

Week 6

Hair Styling & Hair and Scalp Care

  • Perform or write out the draping, shampooing, and scalp massage sequence, including massage contraindications

  • Identify the hair and scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea, alopecia) that limit or prohibit service

  • Explain the hair growth cycle and how pH, moisture, and protein balance affect hair condition and styling results

  • Describe the four basic styling categories (thermal, wet, roller, updos) and select the appropriate one for three given client profiles

  • Describe how to analyze hair texture, density, porosity, and elasticity and record the findings on a consultation card

Your checkpoint

Three completed client consultation cards with hair/scalp analysis, recommended styling method, and contraindication screening notes, plus a 20-item scalp and hair care quiz at 85%

Week 7

Nail Care and Services & Skin Care and Services

  • Describe the nail structure and identify which diseases and disorders of the nail require referral rather than service

  • Sequence a basic manicure and pedicure with the sanitation steps between each stage, including implement disinfection

  • Explain skin structure (epidermis, dermis layers), skin types, and the difference between a facial treatment and a medical service

  • List the contraindications for facial massage, exfoliation, and waxing, including the use of retinoids and recent chemical peels

  • Match cleansers, toners, exfoliants, and moisturizers to three given skin types or conditions

Your checkpoint

A written service protocol for one manicure and one basic facial, each with step number, product type, sanitation action, and contraindication check, plus a 25-question combined quiz at 85%

Week 8

Professional Practices and Business

  • Describe the elements of a professional resume, portfolio, and job-search strategy for an entry-level cosmetology position

  • Explain the difference between booth rental and commission/employee compensation and list the tax and record-keeping implications of each

  • Apply basic retail math to calculate a product markup, service price, and weekly revenue goal

  • Outline the client record-keeping, confidentiality, and informed-consent practices required in a salon setting

  • State the professional communication and conflict-resolution steps for a dissatisfied-client situation

Your checkpoint

A one-page business starter plan (pricing, compensation model, record-keeping, and retail math calculations) plus a full-length timed practice exam across all 10 domains scored at 80% or higher with an error log of every missed item

Milestones

Week 3: Score 85% or higher on a 30-item quiz covering chemical texture services, hair coloring, and haircutting; any missed item is logged with the correct concept written out in your own words

Week 4: Score 90% or higher on the Indiana law quiz and confirm every law fact sheet statement matches the official state statute or rule; mid-point cumulative mock exam at 75% or higher

Week 6: Complete all infection-control, hair and scalp, and styling deliverables and score 85% or higher on a 40-item cumulative exam over weeks 1-6 domains

Week 7: Complete both service protocols and pass the combined nail and skin quiz at 85%; all remaining weak domains identified and listed for week 8 review

Week 8: Score 80% or higher on a full-length timed practice exam covering all 10 domains, with no domain below 70% and a written error log of every missed question