NABTEB Cosmetology study plan
NABTEB Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Hairdressing and Hair Care (shampooing, conditioning, styling, cutting, chemical services)
Distinguish the four hair types and their sub-classifications, and match each to an appropriate shampoo and conditioner choice
Sequence the full shampooing procedure from client consultation and draping through scalp massage, rinsing and towel-dry finishing
Explain the action, purpose and correct dilution or application method of at least three conditioning treatments (surface, penetrating and protein)
Demonstrate safe detangling and blow-dry stretching technique on wet hair without causing breakage, listing the heat-protection steps used
Your checkpoint
A one-page shampoo-and-conditioning procedure card covering draping, massage movements, rinse temperature and three conditioner types, plus five client scenarios each matched to a recommended product class
Hairdressing and Hair Care (shampooing, conditioning, styling, cutting, chemical services)
Identify the reference points, angles and sectioning patterns used in a blunt, layered and graduated cut
Explain the difference between a wet cut and a dry cut and state when each is preferred
Describe the correct holding tension and elevation for scissors-over-comb and club-cutting
List the cutting-tool safety rules that prevent nicks, including blade direction and client-position checks
Your checkpoint
A labelled sectioning diagram and written cutting plan for one layered and one graduated shape, each stating elevation, angle and expected result
Hairdressing and Hair Care (shampooing, conditioning, styling, cutting, chemical services) & Cosmetology Science: Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Cosmetic Products
Explain the chemistry of relaxers, thioglycolate waving and oxidative hair colour, including pH range and the role of the reducing or oxidising agent
Interpret a patch test and strand test result and state the action to take for each outcome
Describe the hair growth cycle and how the anagen, catagen and telogen phases affect chemical service timing and client suitability
Match hair porosity and elasticity findings to a safe chemical service decision
Your checkpoint
A chemical services decision sheet that converts porosity, elasticity and strand-test results into a proceed, modify or refuse recommendation for relaxer and colour services
Occupational Health, Safety and Hygiene in the Salon & Cosmetology Science: Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Cosmetic Products
Apply the salon hygiene routine: tool disinfection levels, towel and linen handling, and hand-washing sequence between clients
Explain the difference between sterilisation, disinfection and sanitisation and give one salon example of each
Identify the common skin and respiratory hazards of bleach, relaxers, acrylic monomers and acetone, and state the control measure for each
Describe the correct response to a chemical burn, a cut and a suspected allergic reaction in the salon
Your checkpoint
A salon safety and hygiene checklist covering tool disinfection, waste disposal, ventilation and first-aid steps, written so a new junior stylist could follow it unaided
Tools, Equipment and Salon Implements: Identification, Use and Maintenance & Barbering and Men's Grooming
Name and state the purpose of the main cutting, styling, barbering and nail implements, including clippers, trimmers, razors, shears, thinning shears and nippers
Outline the cleaning, oiling and storage routine that keeps clippers and shears in working order
Describe the standard men's taper, fade and outline shave sequence, including clipper-guard progression
Explain the skin and hair considerations for beard shaping and moustache trimming, including direction of growth and skin tension
Your checkpoint
An equipment maintenance log template listing at least ten implements with their cleaning method, frequency and storage requirement, plus a step list for one fade haircut
Nail Technology and Manicure/Pedicure Services & Skin Care, Facial Treatments and Make-up
Sequence a manicure and a pedicure from consultation and hand or foot soak through cuticle care, shaping, massage and polish
Identify nail disorders and conditions that must be referred rather than treated, such as paronychia and fungal infection
Describe the skin analysis steps for a facial and select cleansing, exfoliating and masking products to match dry, oily and combination skin
Explain the make-up application order and the colour-selection principle for foundation matching a client's undertone
Your checkpoint
Two client service plans: one full manicure or pedicure routine and one facial with make-up, each with product choices justified by the client's skin or nail assessment
Salon Business, Client Care, Ethics and Entrepreneurship & Practical Trade Practice and Professional Conduct
Draft a simple salon business plan covering start-up costs, pricing, breakeven and a monthly cash forecast
Describe the elements of a professional client consultation record and explain why consent and confidentiality matter
Explain how to handle a client complaint and a late or missed appointment using a stated salon policy
List the professional conduct standards expected of a cosmetologist, including appearance, punctuality, communication and scope of practice
Your checkpoint
A two-page salon business and client-care pack containing a price list, a breakeven calculation and a written complaints and lateness policy
Occupational Health, Safety and Hygiene in the Salon & Tools, Equipment and Salon Implements: Identification, Use and Maintenance & Hairdressing and Hair Care (shampooing, conditioning, styling, cutting, chemical services) & Barbering and Men's Grooming & Nail Technology and Manicure/Pedicure Services & Skin Care, Facial Treatments and Make-up & Cosmetology Science: Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Cosmetic Products & Salon Business, Client Care, Ethics and Entrepreneurship & Practical Trade Practice and Professional Conduct
Recap every domain using timed practice questions and log the weak areas by domain
Rehearse the practical sequence for one hair, one barbering, one nail and one skin service under time pressure
Review the safety, hygiene and chemistry facts most often missed in practice tests
Confirm readiness by scoring at least 70 per cent on a full mixed mock paper
Your checkpoint
A completed mock exam score sheet showing per-domain results, a list of the three weakest areas and a written revision action for each
Milestones
Week 2: Can state the elevation, angle and sectioning for three haircut shapes without notes, and explain wet versus dry cutting
Week 4: Can name the three levels of decontamination with a salon example of each, and describe first aid for a chemical burn and a cut
Week 6: Can list five nail or skin conditions that must be referred, and justify a product choice for dry, oily and combination skin
Week 8: Scores at least 70 per cent on a full mixed mock paper and has a written revision plan for the three weakest domains