NH Esthetician study plan

Define and distinguish disinfection, sanitation, and sterilization, and state which level of pathogen kill each NH-required step must achieve.

Memorize the EPA hospital-grade disinfectant label requirements and the contact time for the products you will actually use, then recite them from memory.

Sequence a full sanitation workflow for a facial: before client arrival, between services, end of day, and weekly deep clean, listing every surface and tool touched.

Identify the routes of transmission for common skin and nail infections and describe the barrier, hand-hygiene, and single-use item controls that interrupt each route.

Explain how to handle an accidental blood or body-fluid exposure, including glove removal, spill cleanup, and waste disposal.

Draw and label the layers of the skin from memory, including the sublayers of the epidermis and the two layers of the dermis.

Describe the function of each epidermal sublayer and name the cell type that dominates each one.

Trace the path of a keratinocyte from the stratum basale to desquamation and state how long the turnover cycle takes.

Explain the roles of sebaceous glands, eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, hair follicles, and the acid mantle in barrier function.

List the skin functions most affected by esthetic treatments and predict which layer each modality targets.

Classify Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI and justify each classification using the burn-and-tan criteria.

Differentiate primary lesions (macule, papule, pustule, vesicle, wheal, nodule, cyst) and secondary lesions (scale, crust, fissure, ulcer, scar, excoriation) by description.

Distinguish conditions an esthetician may treat (comedones, dehydrated skin, mild hyperpigmentation) from disorders requiring referral (cystic acne, rosacea with papules, suspected melanoma, impetigo).

Perform a structured skin analysis routine using magnification and lighting, and record findings in objective, non-diagnostic language.

Identify the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma and the circumstances that require stopping a service and referring out.

Build a consultation script that captures medications, allergies, pregnancy status, recent cosmetic procedures, and prior reactions.

Match at least 15 common contraindications to the specific services they block, such as isotretinoin and waxing, or recent chemical peel and exfoliation.

Draft intake and consent language that a client can understand without clinical training, and explain why each field exists.

Practice documenting a treatment note that another provider could read and repeat, including products, timing, response, and aftercare.

Apply the correct response when a client discloses a condition mid-service, including stopping, documenting, and referring.

Sequence a standard facial in correct order and justify the position of each step, including when analysis occurs.

Compare chemical exfoliants by mechanism and pH range: AHAs, BHAs, enzymes, and physical scrubs, and state who should avoid each.

Describe safe extraction technique, including skin prep, pressure direction, when to stop, and which lesions must never be extracted.

Select cleansing and massage movements appropriate to oily, dry, sensitive, and mature skin, and adapt pressure accordingly.

Explain the purpose and correct use of masks, serums, and finishing products by skin type, and list aftercare instructions for each.

Map hair growth cycles to waxing timing and explain why hair length and growth stage affect results.

List every contraindication and precaution for waxing and sugaring, including retinoids, Accutane, recent peels, varicose veins, and compromised skin.

Describe patch testing, hard versus soft wax, sugaring paste handling, and the hygiene rules for double-dipping and spatula use.

Detail pre- and post-wax care instructions for the face and body, including ingrown hair prevention and sun exposure.

Explain the difference between a normal histamine reaction and a true burn or allergic response, and state the correct action for each.

Match foundation formulation and undertone to skin type and Fitzpatrick type, and demonstrate correct shade testing on the jawline.

Describe color theory corrections for redness, sallowness, and dark circles using complementary shades.

Outline lash and brow service options, their contraindications, patch testing requirements, and hygiene rules for tools and adhesives.

Explain pH, acids and bases, emulsions, surfactants, and humectants versus occlusives, and how each affects product selection.

Read an ingredient list and identify the function of the first five ingredients and any known sensitizers or irritants.

Summarize NH licensing, sanitation, and scope-of-practice rules for estheticians, including what must be posted and how to verify current requirements.

Apply an ethical decision framework to scenarios involving scope of practice, confidentiality, upselling pressure, and client refusal of service.

Rehearse the referral and refusal conversation for a client whose condition is outside your scope.

Complete a full-length timed practice exam and analyze every missed item by domain.

Build a final review sheet of the 30 facts you missed most often across all eight weeks.