IN Esthetician study materials
IN Esthetician study resources

IN Esthetician study plan

IN Esthetician · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety

  • Distinguish between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and give one esthetics example of each.

  • Identify the Indiana-required EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant contact times and list which implements are single-use versus reusable.

  • Demonstrate the correct sequence for handwashing and for donning and doffing gloves in a facial service.

  • List the standard precautions and bloodborne-pathogen rules that apply when a waxing service causes bleeding.

  • Explain how to handle an exposure incident, including reporting and documentation steps.

Your checkpoint

A one-page sanitation checklist covering setup, between-client turnover, and end-of-day procedures, scored at 90% or higher on a 20-question self-quiz.

Week 2

Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety & Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology

  • Diagram the layers of the skin and appendages from memory, labeling at least 10 structures.

  • Explain the functions of the sudoriferous and sebaceous glands and the acid mantle.

  • Match each skin layer to the cell types found there and describe their roles.

  • Describe how skin barrier function relates to product penetration and treatment safety.

  • Practice safe tool handling and electrical equipment precautions for facial machines.

Your checkpoint

A hand-drawn, fully labeled skin cross-section diagram with a written explanation of barrier function and two safety implications for treatments.

Week 3

Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology & Skin Analysis, Conditions, and Disorders

  • Differentiate the Fitzpatrick skin types and predict treatment and product adjustments for each.

  • Classify at least 15 skin conditions as treatable in the esthetics scope versus requiring medical referral.

  • Perform a mock client consultation using a skin analysis form that records skin type, condition, and contraindications.

  • Explain the difference between dehydration and dry skin and how each is addressed.

  • Identify signs of contagious conditions that require service refusal.

Your checkpoint

Three completed mock consultation forms with skin analysis findings, contraindication notes, and a referral-or-treat decision for each.

Week 4

Skin Analysis, Conditions, and Disorders & Facial Treatments and Client Services

  • Sequence a complete basic facial from consultation through closing, listing each step and its purpose.

  • Select appropriate cleansers, exfoliants, masks, and moisturizers for five different client profiles.

  • Describe contraindications and modifications for exfoliation and massage.

  • Explain the purpose and safe use of facial massage movements and electrical modalities.

  • Draft a client aftercare instruction sheet for a basic facial.

Your checkpoint

A timed, written step-by-step protocol for a 60-minute basic facial with product rationale for each step and an aftercare handout.

Week 5

Facial Treatments and Client Services & Hair Removal and Waxing

  • Compare soft wax, hard wax, and sugar paste by hair type, body area, and technique.

  • List the contraindications and medications that affect waxing safety and skin integrity.

  • Describe the correct hair growth direction, application thickness, removal technique, and post-wax care for the face, underarms, and legs.

  • Explain prevention and management of waxing complications such as bruising, lifting, and ingrown hairs.

  • State the sanitation and patch-test requirements specific to waxing services.

Your checkpoint

A waxing reference card covering three wax types, five contraindications, and step-by-step protocols for two body areas, verified against your notes with no factual gaps.

Week 6

Hair Removal and Waxing & Makeup Application and Lash and Brow Services

  • Match foundation formulas and undertones to five skin types and conditions, including mature and oily skin.

  • Describe color theory applications for corrective makeup and concealer placement.

  • Explain lash and brow services within scope, including contraindications, patch testing, and sanitation.

  • Outline the steps for a brow design and a basic lash application with client consent and aftercare.

  • Identify when a client should be referred out for lash or brow concerns.

Your checkpoint

A face chart set with three completed makeup looks, each with a written product and color-theory justification, plus a lash and brow consent and aftercare form.

Week 7

Makeup Application and Lash and Brow Services & Chemistry, Ingredients, and Product Selection

  • Read an ingredient label and classify at least 10 ingredients by function (humectant, emollient, surfactant, preservative, active).

  • Explain pH, acids, and bases and how pH affects skin and product performance.

  • Identify common allergens, irritants, and photosensitizers and describe client counseling for each.

  • Distinguish claims from regulated facts on product labels and explain how to evaluate a new product line.

  • Match product categories to skin types and conditions using ingredient knowledge.

Your checkpoint

A product comparison sheet for five products with ingredient-function breakdowns, pH notes, and a recommended client profile for each.

Week 8

Indiana Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Professional Ethics & Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety

  • State the Indiana licensing, scope-of-practice, sanitation, and recordkeeping requirements relevant to an esthetician.

  • Describe professional ethics scenarios involving confidentiality, informed consent, and refusing service.

  • Review the highest-risk sanitation facts and retake a full mixed practice exam under timed conditions.

  • Build a personal error log from practice results and close the top five gaps.

  • Finalize an exam-day plan covering timing, materials, and stress management.

Your checkpoint

A timed 100-question mixed practice exam scored at 80% or higher, with a written remediation log for every missed item.

Milestones

Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a 30-question self-quiz combining infection control and skin anatomy, with all missed items corrected in writing.

Week 4: Complete a full mock consultation and facial protocol walkthrough in under 75 minutes with no missed sanitation step on your checklist.

Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question quiz spanning waxing, makeup, and lash and brow services.

Week 8: Score 80% or higher on the final timed 100-question mixed exam and submit a completed remediation log covering all missed items.