Cosmetology study materials
Cosmetology study resources

Cosmetology (Kenya TVET CDACC Beauty & Cosmetology) study plan

Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Scientific Concepts and Hair Care

  • Define the structure and growth cycle of hair (anagen, catagen, telogen) and label each phase on a self-drawn diagram

  • Distinguish the three hair types and explain how texture, porosity, and density affect product choice

  • Identify the layers of the hair shaft and relate cortex vs. cuticle damage to chemical service outcomes

  • Build a 40-term glossary covering hair anatomy and trichology vocabulary, defining each in your own words

Your checkpoint

A one-page labeled hair anatomy diagram plus a 40-term glossary scored at 90% or better on a self-quiz

Week 2

Scientific Concepts and Hair Care

  • Explain the pH scale and place shampoo, conditioner, relaxer, and color products on a drawn scale

  • Describe how surfactants clean hair and how conditioning agents restore the acid mantle

  • Compare shampoo types (clarifying, moisturizing, medicated) and match each to a client hair condition

  • Summarize the elements of a basic hair and scalp analysis before a service

Your checkpoint

A two-column product-selection chart pairing eight client scenarios with a justified shampoo and conditioner choice

Week 3

Scientific Concepts and Hair Care & Health, Safety, and Infection Control

  • Explain the principles of electricity relevant to salon tools (volt, amp, ohm, watt) and safe equipment use

  • Describe the safe handling, storage, and disposal of professional chemicals in the salon

  • Outline the body's natural defenses and how they relate to preventing cross-contamination in services

  • Demonstrate (or narrate) proper handwashing and tool sanitation steps in the correct order

Your checkpoint

A written sanitation and chemical-safety procedure sheet with step order checked against a textbook, scoring 100% on sequencing

Week 4

Health, Safety, and Infection Control

  • Define bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites and give one salon-relevant example of each

  • Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization and state which is required for which salon tool

  • Explain standard precautions, universal precautions, and when to refuse a service

  • List the regulatory agencies (federal and state) and what each governs in a salon

Your checkpoint

A 20-question self-made quiz on infection control with an answer key, scoring 85% or better on your own attempt

Week 5

Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services

  • Map the head into the standard reference points and sections used for haircutting

  • Explain the four basic haircut structures and the elevation and projection that produce each

  • Describe the hair color wheel, level system, and the difference between temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent color

  • Outline the chemistry and safety checks for a relaxer or permanent wave service, including a patch and strand test

Your checkpoint

A haircutting and chemical services cheat sheet covering reference points, four structures, and color levels, self-tested to 85%

Week 6

Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services & Skin Care and Nail Care

  • Explain thermal styling safety and the heat settings appropriate for different hair types and textures

  • Summarize the structure and functions of skin and identify skin types and common disorders requiring referral

  • Describe the basic steps and safety limits of a facial service and a manicure service

  • Identify nail structure, common nail disorders, and when a nail service must be declined

Your checkpoint

A side-by-side skin and nail reference card listing structures, disorders, and referral triggers, reviewed against notes with no factual errors found

Week 7

Professional Practices, Business, and Law

  • Compare the business structures common in the industry (booth rental, commission, employee) and their tax and licensing implications

  • Explain client record keeping, informed consent, and confidentiality obligations

  • Summarize the scope of practice and key licensing rules for your state, citing the regulating board

  • Draft a simple pricing sheet showing service price, product cost, and time to calculate an hourly rate

Your checkpoint

A one-page salon business and law summary plus a sample pricing sheet with calculated hourly rate

Week 8

Scientific Concepts and Hair Care & Haircutting, Hairstyling, and Chemical Services & Skin Care and Nail Care & Professional Practices, Business, and Law & Health, Safety, and Infection Control

  • Complete two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed item by domain

  • Re-study the two weakest domains using your own glossary, charts, and cards

  • Recite the safety and infection-control sequences from memory without notes

  • Build a one-page final review sheet covering high-yield facts from all five domains

Your checkpoint

A final review sheet plus a scored practice-exam log showing at least 80% overall and improvement on the second attempt

Milestones

Week 2: Score 80% or better on a 25-question self-quiz limited to Domain 1 (scientific concepts and hair care)

Week 4: Score 85% or better on the infection-control quiz and correctly sequence all sanitation steps without notes

Week 6: Complete both the haircutting/chemical and skin/nail reference materials and pass a 20-question mixed quiz at 80%

Week 8: Achieve 80% or better on a full-length timed practice exam and show a higher second-attempt score with all missed items logged by domain