Cosmetology (Kenya TVET CDACC Beauty & Cosmetology) study plan
Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
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
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
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
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
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%
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
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
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