MS Cosmetology study plan

Build a one-page color-theory reference that defines level, tone, undertone, developer volumes (10, 20, 30, 40) and their lift capability, then recite it from memory twice by week's end

Diagram the hair lightening curve from dark brown to pale blonde and label the underlying pigment exposed at each level

Write the patch-test and strand-test procedure as a numbered checklist you can perform without notes

List the Mississippi board's color-service sanitation requirements (tools, capes, bowls, brushes, mixing ratios) and cross-check each against your checklist

Complete 60 practice questions on color and lightening with a written log of every miss and the reason

Work through ten full color-formula scenarios (gray coverage, going two levels lighter, correcting brass) and write the formula, developer, timing, and predicted result for each

Explain the difference between double-process blonding and single-process lift, and identify when each is appropriate

Demonstrate (on a mannequin or swatch) a virgin-application, a retouch application, and a foil placement pattern, timing each

Describe the color-correction sequence for a banded, over-lightened client and justify each step

Answer 40 mixed questions on developer strength, toners, and filler use, scoring 85% or better

Map the relaxer process step by step: client analysis, scalp protection, base application, smoothing, processing, rinsing, neutralizing, and conditioning

Differentiate thio relaxers, hydroxide relaxers, and ammonium bisulfite, listing the strength, pH, and hair type each suits

List every contraindication and pre-service check for a relaxer service, including scalp abrasions, prior metallic or henna color, and recent lightening

Practice a full relaxer application on a mannequin within the manufacturer's timing and self-critique the smoothing pattern

Write the neutralizing-shampoo verification steps and explain why residual relaxer causes breakage

Identify all nine hair sections and the four basic cuts (blunt, graduated, layered, uniform) and sketch each with the elevation and finger angle used

Explain the difference between a guide, a subsection, and a traveling guide, and demonstrate each on a mannequin

Perform blunt, graduated, and layered cuts on mannequins, checking balance and line against the opposite side

Practice blow-drying, thermal curling, and wet-set styling, then list the heat-protection and tool-safety rules for each

Answer 40 questions on elevation, tension, and sectioning, scoring 85% or better

Draw and label the hair-growth cycle (anagen, catagen, telogen) and the layers of the hair shaft (cuticle, cortex, medulla)

Map the scalp and list the five scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea, pediculosis) with their visible signs and referral rules

Explain the difference between a hair treatment (protein, moisture, medicated) and identify which hair condition each addresses

Sequence a shampoo and conditioning service, including scalp massage movements and the client-consultation questions asked before it

Answer 40 questions on hair structure, growth, and scalp disorders, scoring 85% or better

Read the Mississippi cosmetology statute and board rules and write a one-page summary of licensing, renewal, and scope-of-practice requirements

List the board's sanitation and disinfection rules for implements, workstations, and linens, and explain the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization

Explain the manicure and pedicure sequence, including nail-shape, cuticle care, massage, and polish application

List the nail disorders and diseases (onychomycosis, paronychia, onycholysis, psoriasis) and the referral rule for each

Answer 40 questions on Mississippi rules and nail technology, scoring 85% or better

Identify the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous) and the functions of each

List the skin types (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and the products and treatments suited to each

Explain the facial sequence (cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, massage, mask, moisturizer) and the sanitation step between each

List the skin conditions requiring referral (acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melanoma warning signs) and the esthetician's scope limits

Answer 40 questions on skin anatomy, skin typing, and facial procedures, scoring 85% or better

Write a client-consultation script covering needs assessment, contraindications, and informed consent

Explain the business basics: pricing, retail, appointment management, and the record-keeping a salon must keep

Review the professional-conduct rules and the board's grounds for discipline, and summarize them in one page

Take two full-length practice exams under timed conditions and score 80% or better on each

Review every missed question from both exams and write the corrected fact for each