MI Cosmetology study plan
MI Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Scientific Concepts (infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity)
Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and match each implement type to its required level of decontamination.
Diagram the layers of the skin and the structures of the hair follicle, labeling at least 20 landmarks from memory.
Categorize bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites by type, portal of entry, and the salon services that create exposure risk.
Demonstrate the correct sequence for handwashing, glove use, and workstation sanitation between clients.
Your checkpoint
A 40-term infection-control and anatomy flashcard deck plus a self-made 50-question quiz scored at 85% or higher.
Scientific Concepts (infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity) & Hair Care and Hairdressing (cutting, styling, chemical services, coloring)
Classify 10 salon products as acidic, alkaline, or neutral and state their approximate pH ranges on a chart.
Explain oxidation, reduction, and neutralization as they apply to hair and skin services.
Identify electrical safety practices including GFCI protection, grounding, and safe use of galvanic and high-frequency devices.
Sequence the hair growth cycle and label the cuticle, cortex, and medulla functions.
Your checkpoint
A one-page pH and product-chemistry reference chart plus a 30-question chemistry/electricity quiz scored at 80% or higher.
Hair Care and Hairdressing (cutting, styling, chemical services, coloring)
Execute four basic haircuts on a mannequin (blunt, graduated, layered, and uniform layer) using consistent sectioning and elevation.
Select appropriate styling tools and products for fine, medium, and coarse hair textures and justify each choice.
Compare razor cutting and shear cutting, stating when each is indicated and the safety precautions for each.
Describe the sectioning, tension, and product requirements for blow-dry, thermal, wet, and updo styling.
Your checkpoint
Photographs and a written self-critique of two mannequin haircuts scored against a sectioning-and-elevation checklist.
Hair Care and Hairdressing (cutting, styling, chemical services, coloring)
Sequence a virgin relaxer application from patch test through neutralization, including base control and scalp protection.
Predict the effect of developers, lighteners, and permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent colorants across hair levels 1 through 10.
Calculate processing intervals and identify when a patch test or strand test is required.
Diagnose three common chemical failures (overprocessing, uneven lift, scalp irritation) and state the corrective service.
Your checkpoint
A set of 10 procedure cards covering color and relaxer services plus a 40-question quiz scored at 80% or higher.
Skin Care and Esthetics & Nail Care and Manicuring
Perform a skin analysis, identify skin types, and list five contraindications that postpone or cancel a facial service.
Sequence a basic facial including cleansing, exfoliation, massage manipulations, mask, and product selection.
Demonstrate a basic manicure and pedicure sequence, including nail shaping, cuticle care, and safe filing technique.
Distinguish nail and skin disorders from conditions and identify which findings require referral to a physician.
Your checkpoint
Two completed service checklists (facial and manicure) with 90% or more of the steps performed correctly and signed off.
Michigan Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations
Cite the Michigan requirements for obtaining, renewing, and reinstating an individual cosmetology license.
List Michigan sanitation rules for implements, linens, and salon premises, including required frequencies and recordkeeping.
Explain Michigan scope-of-practice boundaries, stating what a licensed cosmetologist may and may not perform.
Describe the disciplinary actions and penalties that apply to violations of the Michigan cosmetology statute and administrative rules.
Your checkpoint
A 25-item Michigan law flashcard set built directly from the official act and rules, self-tested to 100% recall.
Salon Business, Ethics, and Professional Practices & Scientific Concepts (infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity)
Draft a salon budget covering booth or chair rent, supply costs, insurance, and estimated taxes.
Write a client consultation script and a recordkeeping system that protects client confidentiality.
Compare employee and booth-renter arrangements and their differing tax and insurance implications.
Apply ethical standards to 20 workplace scenarios involving confidentiality, pricing, and advertising.
Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains from the week 4 milestone until each reaches 85% or higher.
Your checkpoint
A one-page salon business plan plus 20 written ethics scenario decisions with justifications.
Scientific Concepts (infection control, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity) & Hair Care and Hairdressing (cutting, styling, chemical services, coloring) & Skin Care and Esthetics & Nail Care and Manicuring & Michigan Cosmetology Law, Rules, and Regulations & Salon Business, Ethics, and Professional Practices
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam-day conditions.
Convert every missed item into a flashcard and re-test until recall is 100%.
Recite Michigan sanitation and safety rules from memory without notes.
Prepare exam-day logistics including identification, paperwork, testing-center rules, and a pacing strategy.
Your checkpoint
A final 100-question cumulative exam scored at 85% or higher with a written error log of every missed item.
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 50-question cumulative quiz covering all four Domain 1 subareas.
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 100-question practice set combining Domains 1 and 2, with no domain below 70%.
Week 6: Achieve 100% recall on the Michigan law flashcard set and 85% or higher on a 40-question skin and nail services quiz.
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on both full-length timed practice exams and demonstrate zero repeat errors on the written error log.