NJ Cosmetology study plan

Draw and label the four basic sections, the four base parting lines, and the 0°, 45°, and 90° elevation positions on a blank head sheet from memory.

Execute a one-length cut, a graduated cut, and a layered cut on a mannequin, timing each and recording minutes per section.

Identify the parietal ridge, apex, occipital bone, nape, and crown by touch and mark them on a mannequin with a grease pencil.

Match each cutting tool (shears, thinning shears, razor, clippers, guards) to at least two specific uses and state the safety hold for each.

Explain how head shape, growth pattern, and cowlick direction change a cut plan by writing three short client scenarios and their adjustments.

Perform two finishing styles (blow-dry with round brush and a thermal-iron curl set) and document the tool, heat setting, and product used for each.

Set a mannequin on base-direction rollers in three patterns and note which pattern produces volume versus closeness.

Define and give one salon example each of cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, and state which level applies to clippers, shears, and a shampoo bowl.

Demonstrate the full procedure for an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant on implements: dilution, immersion time per label, rinse, dry storage.

List the situations that require discarding or removing an implement from service immediately (blood exposure, nick, broken tooth, rust).

Run a porosity, elasticity, and density analysis on three hair swatches and write the service recommendation each analysis supports.

Wrap a full-head perm using a nine-section pattern, keeping tension even and checking end papers on all rods.

Perform a test curl and record processing time for two different rod sizes, then explain how you would adjust for resistant versus porous hair.

Apply a hydroxide relaxer to a mannequin with correct base, smoothing, and perimeter control, then neutralize and check the pH step sequence.

Compare perm and relaxer chemistry in a side-by-side chart: bonds broken, bonds reformed, active ingredient, and neutralizer role.

Sketch the color wheel and name the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors plus the neutralizing partner for each of six target tones.

Perform a patch test and a strand test and document the results, timing, and what each test protects against.

Formulate three color formulas for a virgin application, a retouch, and a corrective scenario, stating developer volume, ratio, and processing time for each.

Apply a single-process tint on a mannequin and complete a foil placement sequence of at least 12 foils with clean sections.

Distinguish temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent color by molecule size and level of deposit in a written comparison.

Explain how developer volume relates to lift and deposit, and calculate the mixing ratio for three lightener scenarios.

Perform a lightening service on a mannequin with correct product application order, saturation, and a strand test at each check interval.

Sequence a complete shampoo service: draping, wetting, lather, rinse, conditioning, towel, and scalp massage with the five basic massage movements.

Match four shampoo types and four conditioner types to the hair and scalp conditions each is designed for.

Identify three scalp and hair conditions (for example dryness, oiliness, dandruff-like flaking) and state the appropriate shampoo action and the point at which you refer out.

Perform a basic manicure end to end: setup, shaping (square, oval, square-oval), cuticle care, massage, and polish application with clean smile lines.

Identify the structures of the nail (matrix, lunula, plate, cuticle, free edge, sidewalls) and label them on a diagram from memory.

Recognize five nail or skin disorders and state for each whether it is serviced in the salon or referred to a physician.

Execute a basic facial: skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage with the standard movements, mask, and finishing product.

Classify skin as dry, oily, combination, or sensitive from a written observation set and select products for each type.

Build a salon safety audit of your workspace covering electrical cords, wet floors, chemical storage, and ventilation, and correct every deficiency you find.

Write the emergency response steps for a chemical burn, a cut, and an eye splash, including where the SDS and eyewash are kept.

Locate the New Jersey statutes and Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling rules that govern licensing, sanitation, and scope of practice, and summarize the requirements in your own words with citations.

Outline the licensing pathway in New Jersey: required training hours, examination steps, license renewal, and continuing education requirements, verifying each figure against an official state source.

List five actions that fall outside a licensed cosmetologist's scope and describe the correct referral for each.

Complete three timed 100-question practice sets across all domains and log the score plus every missed topic by domain.

Re-study only the two lowest-scoring domains from the practice sets and re-test each until you clear 85%.

Draft a client consultation script and a client record card covering allergies, patch tests, prior chemical services, and home care.

Calculate service pricing, product cost percentage, and retail markup for three sample services.

Build a one-page resume and a 60-second answer to 'why should we hire you' for a salon interview.