NC Cosmetology study plan
NC Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Infection Control, Safety, and Consumer Protection
Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and match each to the tools and surfaces it applies to
Classify pathogens by type (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and list at least three routes of transmission in a salon
Identify EPA-registered hospital disinfectants, their label contact times, and the safety-data and mixing rules that govern them
Demonstrate the correct sequence of hand washing and hand sanitizing, and state when each is required
Interpret NC Board sanitation requirements for implements, linens, foot spas, and work surfaces
Your checkpoint
A one-page salon sanitation checklist covering every implement and surface category, plus a 30-question self-quiz scored at 80% or higher
Infection Control, Safety, and Consumer Protection
Apply safety practices for electrical equipment, including cord inspection, grounding, and overload prevention
Distinguish the hazard classes of salon chemicals and describe safe storage, labeling, and ventilation for each
Outline client and operator protections: informed consent, patch tests, record keeping, and referral boundaries
Explain how consumer protection agencies and the NC Board handle complaints, inspections, and violations
Recite the exposure-incident response steps for blood and body-fluid contact
Your checkpoint
A written exposure-control scenario response (two realistic incidents, step-by-step) graded against a self-made rubric with no missed step
Hair Care and Hairdressing Services
Analyze hair structure, growth cycles, and porosity, and predict how each affects product choice
Classify hair types and scalp conditions, and select appropriate shampoo, conditioner, and treatment protocols
Sequence a draping, shampooing, and scalp-massage service with correct technique and hygiene between clients
Identify contraindications that require referral rather than service
Your checkpoint
A hair-analysis decision table mapping five client profiles to a full product and service recommendation
Hair Care and Hairdressing Services
Compare basic haircutting sectioning, elevation, and guide rules and match each to a stated result
Describe chemical texture service steps, patch-test requirements, and neutralization, and list three failure causes
Explain hair color theory, developer strengths, and the difference between temporary, semipermanent, and permanent color
Calculate a realistic study schedule for the remaining four weeks based on Week 1-4 quiz results
Your checkpoint
A 50-question Hair Care and Hairdressing mock section scored at 75% or higher, with every missed item rewritten as a corrected note card
Skin Care and Esthetics
Label the layers and functions of the skin and relate each to a facial service step
Differentiate skin types and conditions, and select cleansing, exfoliation, and mask protocols for each
Sequence a basic facial, including consultation, extractions limits, massage movements, and post-service advice
Distinguish which esthetic devices and treatments are within scope and which require referral or licensing beyond the basic license
Your checkpoint
A written facial protocol for three contrasting skin profiles, each with a step list, product rationale, and contraindication list
Nail Care and Manicuring
Diagram nail structure, growth, and common disorders, and flag the ones that bar service
Sequence a complete manicure and pedicure with correct implement handling, disinfection between clients, and safety margins
Compare nail product chemistry (polish, acrylics, gels) and state the ventilation and skin-contact precautions for each
Apply massage movements and nail-shaping rules to a described client scenario
Your checkpoint
A manicure and pedicure step sheet with a disinfection checkpoint inserted at every client-contact transition, checked against Domain 1 rules
Salon Business, Laws, and Rules
Summarize NC licensing requirements, scope of practice, renewal, and continuing education obligations
Explain salon ownership, booth rental, and employment classifications and the record-keeping each demands
Describe inspection procedures, violation categories, and the disciplinary range the Board may impose
Draft a simple salon budget covering supply cost, pricing, and retail markup
Your checkpoint
A two-page rules summary sheet plus a sample salon budget with pricing and markup calculated correctly
Infection Control, Safety, and Consumer Protection & Salon Business, Laws, and Rules
Re-test every domain with mixed 100-question practice sets and log accuracy by domain
Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains from Weeks 3-7 until each reaches 85%
Rehearse the sanitation and safety rules that recur across all service domains
Simulate exam-day pacing with two timed 60-question sittings
Your checkpoint
Two timed practice exams completed with a logged domain-by-domain accuracy report and an overall score of 80% or higher
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question Infection Control, Safety, and Consumer Protection set, and state all exposure-incident steps from memory without notes
Week 4: Score 75% or higher on a 50-question Hair Care set, with the remaining schedule locked in writing
Week 6: Score 75% or higher on combined Skin Care and Nail Care sets, and pass a verbal walk-through of one facial and one pedicure protocol
Week 8: Two timed practice exams at 80% or higher overall, with no single domain below 75%