LA Barber study plan
LA Barber · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Sanitation, Sterilization, and Infection Control
Define and distinguish cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and state which level of kill is required for each barber implement type (shears, clippers, straight razor, combs, bowls).
List the EPA-registered hospital disinfectants approved for barber use in Louisiana and explain label contact-time requirements for each.
Demonstrate the correct sequence for processing a blood-exposed straight razor: gloves, removal of visible debris, disinfection, and disposal or reprocessing.
Identify the three most common routes of transmission in a barbershop and write one control measure for each.
Explain when a tool must be taken out of service and what the shop must do with contaminated waste.
Your checkpoint
A one-page laminated-style flowchart of the tool-processing sequence for reusable vs. single-use implements, plus a 20-question self-quiz scored at 90% or higher.
Sanitation, Sterilization, and Infection Control & Tools, Equipment, and Implements
Set up a simulated workstation and perform a full wet and dry sanitation routine within 10 minutes without skipping steps.
Compare shear types by edge, size, and intended use, and state the sharpening and maintenance interval for each.
Describe correct clipper blade care, oiling frequency, and the sanitation step between every client.
Explain electrical safety for clippers and dryers, including cord inspection and grounding.
Practice safe handling and storage of straight razors, including honing and stropping basics.
Your checkpoint
A completed tool inventory sheet listing every implement in a starter kit with its sanitation method, maintenance schedule, and replacement trigger.
Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Haircutting
Perform a client consultation that identifies hair type, density, porosity, and scalp condition before shampooing.
Demonstrate shampoo and conditioner selection for normal, oily, dry, and product-buildup hair, and justify each choice.
Execute a shampoo service with correct water temperature, scalp manipulation, and rinsing technique.
Explain the purpose and correct use of a scalp treatment or tonic during a shampoo service.
Identify contraindications that require deferring or modifying a shampoo service.
Your checkpoint
A written service script for a 15-minute shampoo and scalp treatment, plus a video or live demonstration scored against a 15-point checklist.
Hair and Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Haircutting & Anatomy and Physiology of the Hair, Skin, and Scalp
Map the sections, subsections, and growth patterns used in a standard men's haircut and explain how each affects the final shape.
Describe the structure of the hair shaft, follicle, and growth cycle, and connect each stage to cutting and chemical decisions.
Explain the layers of the skin and scalp and how each responds to clipper friction, shampoo, and chemical services.
Perform a haircut using at least three techniques (scissor-over-comb, clipper-over-comb, freehand) and self-evaluate the blend.
Identify common scalp disorders and distinguish those a barber may serve from those requiring referral.
Your checkpoint
An annotated haircut diagram labeling sections, elevation, and growth patterns, plus a completed haircut evaluated against a technique rubric.
Shaving, Beard Trimming, and Facial Hair Services
Set up a shaving station with hot towels, lather, and a honed razor, and demonstrate the correct razor grip and stroke angles.
Perform the standard shave sequence for the face and neck, including skin stretching and direction of stroke for each region.
Explain the difference between a shave-ready edge and a dull edge, and demonstrate stropping before service.
List the steps for beard trimming and outlining, including symmetry checks and finishing with a razor outline.
Identify the causes and prevention of razor burn, ingrown hairs, and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and adjust technique accordingly.
Your checkpoint
A full shave and beard trim performed on a model or mannequin, scored against a 20-point safety and technique checklist with all critical items passed.
Chemical Services: Permanent Waves, Relaxers, and Hair Color
Explain the chemistry of permanent waving, including the reducing and neutralizing steps, and state why each is necessary.
Compare relaxer types and describe the correct application, timing, and neutralization process for each.
Describe the hair color wheel and formulate a color choice for grey coverage, toning, and grey blending.
Perform a patch test and strand test and explain when each is required before a chemical service.
Identify the most common chemical service failures and their causes, and state the corrective action for each.
Your checkpoint
A chemical service decision chart covering at least four client scenarios with the chosen product, processing time, and safety check for each.
Facial Massage, Treatments, and Related Skin Care & Professional Ethics, Safety, and Shop Practices
Demonstrate the standard facial massage manipulations in the correct sequence and direction.
Explain the benefits and contraindications of facial massage and identify when to refer a client.
Perform a basic facial treatment including cleansing, exfoliation, massage, and mask application within a set time limit.
Describe professional ethics expectations for client confidentiality, hygiene disclosure, and scope of practice.
Explain how to handle a client complaint or a suspected communicable disease exposure in the shop.
Your checkpoint
A timed facial massage and treatment demonstration with a written contraindication checklist and a one-page scope-of-practice summary.
Louisiana Barber Law, Rules, and Regulations & Sanitation, Sterilization, and Infection Control
Summarize the Louisiana Barber Board licensing requirements, including renewal cycles and continuing education expectations.
State the shop sanitation, inspection, and record-keeping rules a barber must follow and where required items are posted.
Explain the rules on advertising, pricing, and prohibited practices in a Louisiana barbershop.
Complete a full mock exam across all nine domains and review every missed item to a correct rationale.
Build a final one-week review schedule targeting the two weakest domains from the mock exam.
Your checkpoint
A mock exam score of 80% or higher with a written error log showing the correct answer and rationale for every missed question.
Milestones
Week 2: Pass a sanitation practical: correctly process all reusable tools after a simulated blood exposure with zero critical errors.
Week 4: Complete a full men's haircut using at least three techniques and score 80% or higher on the technique rubric.
Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 30-question quiz covering chemical services, patch testing, and contraindications.
Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on a full-length mock exam across all nine domains and document a remediation plan.