MD Cosmetology study plan

Map the hair shaft's cuticle, cortex, and medulla to how each chemical service (color, relaxer, lightener) damages or protects them, writing one sentence per layer

Sequence the standard shampoo, condition, and scalp-massage procedure from client consultation through final rinse, and rehearse the verbal consultation script aloud

List the pH ranges of shampoo, conditioner, permanent wave, and relaxer and state which products swell versus close the cuticle

Define sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization and give one Maryland-relevant example of each

Demonstrate the two-stage cleaning routine (wash with soap and water, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product) for combs, shears, and clips

Explain the patch test and strand test for oxidative color and why each is required before a virgin application

Differentiate temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent color by penetration depth and lift capability, and predict the outcome of a retouch on previously colored mid-lengths

Outline the relaxer application sequence including base cream, timing, smoothing, rinsing, neutralizing shampoo, and pH verification

Identify the physical and chemical signs of over-processing and describe the corrective action for each

Apply Maryland's client-record expectations by drafting a service record that logs formula, developer volume, timing, and patch-test date

Label the layers of the skin and match each to its barrier, sensory, and pigment functions

Classify skin types and conditions and select a cleansing and moisturizing regimen for each of four client profiles

Sequence a basic facial: consultation, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, and finishing products, noting contraindications at each step

List the conditions that require referral rather than treatment (for example, undiagnosed lesions, active infection, or severe inflammation) and state why

Describe disinfection of reusable esthetic implements and the single-use rule for items that cannot be disinfected

Explain how chemical exfoliants, masks, and massage movements affect the epidermis and underlying circulation

Compare the active ingredients in common professional treatments and state one precaution for each

Apply Maryland sanitation rules to esthetic treatment rooms, linens, and waste disposal

Practice a client-intake conversation that surfaces allergies, medications, and recent cosmetic procedures before treatment

Recall the required actions after an exposure incident, including washing, reporting, and documentation

Identify nail plate, nail bed, matrix, cuticle, eponychium, and hyponychium and state the function of each

Describe the recognized nail disorders and diseases and distinguish those a manicurist may service from those requiring medical referral

Sequence a basic manicure and a basic pedicure, including foot soak, cuticle care, shaping, massage, and polish application

Explain disinfection and single-use requirements for files, buffers, nippers, and footbath liners, and state why porous items cannot be reused after contact with blood

Describe the safe handling of nippers and cuticle work to avoid client injury and the required response if bleeding occurs

Outline the acrylic and gel application process, including nail preparation, primer or base, product control, shaping, and finishing

Describe safe product handling: ventilation, skin protection, monomer and powder storage, and waste disposal

Summarize Maryland's licensing, scope-of-practice, and salon-standards requirements as they apply to a nail technician

List the records a Maryland salon must keep and the posting and inspection expectations for a licensed establishment

State the consequences of practicing without a license or outside scope

Explain the Maryland cosmetology licensing pathway, including education hours, examination, and renewal requirements

Distinguish the scope of practice for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians and identify services that cross those lines

Apply Maryland sanitation and safety rules to a mock salon inspection, citing the standard for each finding

Describe the complaint, disciplinary, and enforcement process and the role of the state board

Draft a client-communication script for a service refusal based on a contraindication or sanitation concern

Review the highest-yield facts from each domain using spaced-repetition cards built in earlier weeks

Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and analyze every miss by domain and error type

Re-teach one weak topic per domain in your own words, checking accuracy against your notes

Finalize a one-page quick-reference sheet for each of the five domains

Simulate exam-day logistics: confirm test location, identification requirements, and timing