NH Barber study plan

NH Barber · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Barbering

Map the full Barbering domain into a checklist of subtopics (sanitation, tools, hair and skin science, cutting, shaving, chemical services, licensing rules) and rate your confidence 1-5 on each
Define and correctly sequence the four stages of sanitation: cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and safe disposal of single-use items
Classify at least 20 salon tools and materials as porous/nonporous and single-use/reusable, then state the correct disinfectant contact time or disposal method for each
Recite the standard handwashing sequence and identify when to wash hands versus use hand sanitizer during a service

A one-page sanitation and tool-classification reference sheet, self-quizzed to 90% accuracy without notes

Week 2

Label the parts of shears, clippers, razors, and combs and explain the maintenance and disinfection routine for each
Describe the layers and growth phases of hair and the three skin types, then connect each to a service decision (shampoo choice, chemical timing, shave prep)
List the signs, causes, and required barber response for common scalp and skin conditions, including when to refer out and when to refuse service
Explain the difference between a safety razor, straight razor, and electric shaver in terms of skin contact and sanitation

A 15-question self-made quiz on tools, anatomy, and contraindications scored at 80% or higher, with every miss rewritten as a corrected note

Week 3

Demonstrate the standard men's haircut sectioning pattern on a mannequin, naming each section and the order of cutting
Execute a taper and a fade with clippers using guard progression, and explain how to blend the transition line
Cut a one-length and a layered cut with shears, checking balance and elevation at each step
Explain how head shape, hairline, and growth pattern change a cut plan for at least three client profiles

Three completed mannequin cuts (taper, fade, shear cut) with a written self-assessment of balance, blending, and line quality for each

Week 4

Set up a wet-shave station in correct order and demonstrate correct razor angle, stroke direction, and stretch for each facial zone
Perform a hot-towel prep and post-shave finish, and explain how each step reduces irritation and infection risk
Outline the beard and mustache shaping process, including symmetry checks and outline cleanup
Identify shaving hazards (nicks, razor burn, ingrown hair, cross-contamination) and state the prevention and response for each

A full mannequin wet shave scored against a 10-point checklist, plus a written hazard-and-prevention list

Week 5

Describe the hair color and lightening process, including patch testing, strand testing, and developer selection
Explain relaxer and perm chemistry, the risk of overlap and chemical burn, and the correct neutralization or rinsing steps
Match shampoo, conditioner, and styling product types to hair and scalp conditions, and justify each recommendation
State the barber's legal and ethical duties around client records, consent, and reporting adverse reactions

A chemical-services decision chart (test, timing, application, neutralization, aftercare) explained aloud in under five minutes without notes

Week 6

Perform a timed, full-service mock exam on one mannequin: consultation, shampoo, haircut, shave or beard work, and cleanup
Run a timed 60-question practice test covering all Barbering subtopics and log every wrong answer by topic
Re-study the three weakest subtopics from your error log and re-test them
Practice client consultation scripts for at least four scenarios, including a dissatisfied client and a client with a scalp condition

A timed mock service completed within the target time, plus an error log with all weak topics re-tested to 85% or better

Week 7

Review every subtopic on your week-1 checklist and close any remaining confidence gaps below 4/5
Rehearse state licensing rules and scope-of-practice limits, including sanitation inspection requirements
Drill speed and accuracy on the practical skills most likely to be scored: sanitation setup, clipper work, shear work, and shaving
Build a one-page memory sheet of numbers, times, and sequences you must recall exactly

A completed confidence checklist with every subtopic at 4/5 or higher and a finished one-page numbers-and-sequences memory sheet

Week 8

Take two full-length timed practice exams and score at or above your target passing margin on both
Re-drill any question type missed twice and explain the correct reasoning aloud
Run one final full mock service under exam conditions with full sanitation and cleanup
Prepare exam-day logistics: required ID, tools, arrival time, and a short pre-exam review routine

Two passing practice exam scores plus a signed final mock-service checklist confirming every scored step was performed

Week 2: Can define all four sanitation stages and classify 20 tools correctly, scoring 80% or higher on a self-made quiz

Week 4: Three mannequin cuts and one wet shave completed and scored against written checklists, with no missed sanitation steps

Week 6: Timed 60-question practice test taken and error log showing all weak subtopics re-tested at 85% or better

Week 8: Two full-length timed practice exams passed and final mock service completed with full sanitation and cleanup