MS Barber study plan
MS Barber · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Haircutting, Tapering, and Hairstyling
Identify and sketch the four basic haircut structures (solid, graduated, layered, clipper-over-comb) and label the elevation and blade position used for each.
Map the seven areas of the head and the reference points used to establish guide lines and balance.
Sequence a taper fade step by step: list the guard/blade progression from initial guide through blending to finishing.
Practice sectioning, parting, and clipper-hold mechanics on a mannequin across three 45-minute sessions.
Your checkpoint
A one-page haircutting reference sheet linking guard number, blade position, and elevation to each fade step, plus three completed timed mannequin tapers.
Haircutting, Tapering, and Hairstyling & Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety Practices
Compare shear-over-comb, clipper-over-comb, and freehand techniques and state the safe cutting angle for each.
Demonstrate correct tool holds for shears, clippers, razor, and comb, and explain why each grip reduces strain and injury.
Classify barbering implements as porous or non-porous and assign the required cleaning and disinfection method to each.
Distinguish the categories of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants and read a label for contact time and dilution.
Your checkpoint
A 25-question self-written quiz on haircutting technique plus infection control, scored at 80% or higher with corrections noted.
Infection Control, Sanitation, and Safety Practices
Sequence the full sanitation cycle for a workstation before, during, and after a service, including handwashing steps.
Apply correct mixing, dilution, and contact-time rules for disinfectant solutions and explain how to test and log them.
Write out the blood-exposure incident protocol in order, naming the barrier precautions required during shaving services.
Inspect a work area and record every safety hazard found (electrical, chemical, slip, ergonomic) with a fix for each.
Your checkpoint
A laminated station sanitation checklist and a written five-step blood-exposure protocol, both verified against a 10-item self-test at 100%.
Shaving, Beard Design, and Facial Hair Services
Label the facial hair zones and describe how growth pattern and grain direction dictate shaving stroke direction.
Sequence a traditional straight-razor shave from client consultation and skin prep through lather, towel, and finishing steps.
Name the standard shaving strokes and identify the facial area each stroke is used on.
Match pre-shave, lather, and post-shave products to skin type, and list the signs of irritation that require stopping a service.
Outline a beard design plan: outline shape, neckline and cheek line placement, and symmetry checks.
Your checkpoint
A labeled 14-step straight-razor shave procedure card plus a live or mannequin demonstration of a full shave with finished beard outline.
Hair Coloring and Chemical Texture Services
Explain the law of color and sort given shades into primary, secondary, tertiary, and complementary groups.
Calculate developer volume, processing time, and resulting level for ten lift-and-deposit scenarios using the 1-10 level system.
Differentiate temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color and lighteners by action, deposit, and lift.
Describe the chemical process and pH range for permanent waving and chemical relaxing, and state the required pre-service tests.
Your checkpoint
A completed color formula worksheet with ten practice problems solved, each showing developer choice, ratio, and predicted level result.
Hair Coloring and Chemical Texture Services & Scalp, Hair, and Facial Skin Treatments
Perform and document patch and strand tests, including timing rules and how to interpret a positive reaction.
Sequence the five scalp massage manipulations and state the direction and purpose of each.
Analyze hair and scalp conditions and select an appropriate treatment service for each, naming contraindications that block service.
Explain the effects and safety rules for high-frequency current, steam, and paraffin treatments on the face and scalp.
Your checkpoint
A treatment recommendation chart matching six scalp or hair conditions to the correct service, product type, and contraindication.
Barbering Laws, Rules, and Regulations & Shop Business Practices, Client Services, and Professional Conduct
Outline the barber scope of practice, listing services a licensed barber may and may not perform.
Summarize your state board rules on licensing, renewal, continuing education, shop sanitation, and record keeping into a single reference.
Describe client intake, contraindication screening, and informed consent as required before a chemical or shave service.
Apply pricing, retail recommendation ethics, and client-retention practices to three sample client scenarios.
Your checkpoint
A one-page state law and rules summary sheet plus a 15-question law quiz scored at 80% or higher.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders of the Hair and Skin & Haircutting, Tapering, and Hairstyling & Shaving, Beard Design, and Facial Hair Services & Hair Coloring and Chemical Texture Services
Label the structures of the skin, hair follicle, and sebaceous and sudoriferous glands and state the function of each.
Identify the skull and facial bones and the facial muscles involved in expression and shaving contours.
Differentiate the phases of hair growth and classify common hair and skin disorders as treatable-in-shop or refer-to-physician.
Complete a full-length timed practice exam under test conditions and log the reason for every missed item.
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed practice exam with a written error log, plus a re-test of any domain scoring below 80%.
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on the self-written 25-question haircutting and infection control quiz, and complete three timed mannequin tapers without a sanitation error.
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question mixed practice test covering domains 1, 2, and 3, and demonstrate a full straight-razor shave sequence from memory.
Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 30-question practice test covering domains 4 and 5, and correctly solve all ten color formula problems on the first attempt.
Week 8: Score 75% or higher on the full-length timed practice exam, with no single domain below 70%, and complete the re-test for every weak domain.