IN Esthetician study plan
IN Esthetician · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.