CDACC Hairdressing study plan
CDACC Hairdressing · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Hair Cutting and Styling
Map the four foundation cutting forms (one-length, graduated, layered, uniform-layered) and sketch the elevation, distribution and finger-position for each from memory
Demonstrate sectioning and parting patterns on a mannequin, taking and recording the nine head-section reference points
Practise blunt and point-cutting on wet and dry hair, logging which produces a clean line versus a soft interior weight line
Identify the cutting tools in a professional kit and state the maintenance and disinfection routine for each
Your checkpoint
A photographed mannequin set of three finished cuts (blunt one-length, 45-degree graduated, and a layered shape) with a written rationale for the elevation and distribution used in each
Hair Cutting and Styling & Hair Colouring and Lightening
Explain the colour wheel and the underlying pigment of each natural depth level from 1 to 10, and predict the result of lightening without toning
Classify developers by volume and state the lift and deposit behaviour of each
Perform a patch test and a strand test on a mannequin, documenting timing, development and the final result
Cut and finish a style using blow-drying and thermal tools, then evaluate the finish against a client brief
Your checkpoint
A colour-theory one-page reference sheet plus a strand-test log showing at least three developer strengths with recorded lift and deposit outcomes
Hair Colouring and Lightening
Differentiate full-head, partial and foil highlighting placement patterns and choose one for a stated client goal
Apply a global tint and a foil highlight on a mannequin, correctly mixing, applying, timing and removing product
Describe the chemistry of oxidation and how hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and dye intermediates interact in permanent colour
Identify the signs of an allergic reaction and the corrective steps for a colour that develops too dark or too warm
Your checkpoint
A completed mannequin colour service (one global application plus foil highlights) with before-and-after photographs and a written mixing and timing record
Chemical Hair Services (Perming and Relaxing) & Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon
Explain the chemistry of perming and relaxing, including the role of the reducing agent, the neutraliser and the disulphide bond
Perform a perm wind on a mannequin using at least two rod sizes and a consistent subsection and tension pattern
State the safety controls for chemical services: ventilation, gloves, barrier cream, client record-keeping and the manufacturer's maximum processing time
Conduct a salon hazard walk-through and record the control measures for chemical, electrical, slip and ergonomic hazards
Your checkpoint
A completed mannequin perm with a written processing and neutralising record, plus a salon risk-assessment sheet covering at least eight identified hazards
Braiding, Weaving and Extensions & Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care
Prepare hair for braiding and extensions by sectioning, detangling and applying the correct base product
Execute at least three braid types (for example box braids, cornrows and a two-strand twist) with even tension and a neat parting
Explain the difference between braiding, weaving and bonding extensions and state the tension and scalp-health checks for each
Demonstrate shampooing, conditioning and a scalp massage, selecting products for dry, oily and sensitive scalps
Your checkpoint
A photographed braiding portfolio of three distinct styles with a written note on the tension, sectioning and aftercare advice given for each
Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation & Salon Business, Entrepreneurship and Customer Relations
Run a structured client consultation using a checklist that covers hair history, lifestyle, allergies, expectations and the agreed service plan
Draft a price list and a simple service-costing sheet that includes product, time and overhead
Build a client-record card template and explain the data-protection and confidentiality rules that apply to it
Practise handling an unhappy client and a service complaint using a scripted resolution sequence
Your checkpoint
A complete consultation pack containing a client-record card, a price list with three costed services, and a written complaint-handling procedure
Salon Business, Entrepreneurship and Customer Relations & Occupational Safety and Health in the Salon
Identify the legal and regulatory obligations of a small salon, including licensing, waste disposal and record retention
Calculate a break-even point from a set of fixed and variable costs and interpret what it means for pricing
Outline a basic marketing plan for a new salon covering positioning, channels and a client-retention tactic
Explain the correct procedures for chemical spillage, fire evacuation and first aid in a salon setting
Your checkpoint
A one-page salon business plan summary with a break-even calculation, a marketing outline and an emergency-procedure appendix
Professional Ethics, Communication and Employability Skills & Salon Reception, Client Care and Consultation & Hair Colouring and Lightening
Demonstrate professional communication in a role-play consultation, including active listening, questioning and explaining technical information in plain language
State the ethical duties of a hairdresser regarding informed consent, hygiene, honesty about achievable results and client confidentiality
Build a personal employability profile listing transferable skills, a CV outline and answers to common interview questions
Complete a timed mock exam across all nine domains and review every incorrect answer against the source material
Your checkpoint
A timed mock-exam score sheet with a written review of every missed question, plus a two-page CV and a role-play consultation self-assessment
Milestones
Week 2: Can cut a blunt one-length and a graduated shape from memory and explain the elevation and distribution used, and can state the underlying pigment for any natural depth level
Week 4: Can complete a perm wind and a colour service on a mannequin with full safety controls recorded, and can list at least eight salon hazards with controls
Week 6: Can run a full client consultation from a checklist, produce a costed price list, and complete three braid styles with even tension
Week 8: Scores at least 70 percent on the timed all-domain mock exam, with a written review of every missed question and a completed CV and consultation self-assessment