NY Barber study plan
NY Barber · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Haircutting and Styling & Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Care
Map the head into its bone landmarks and growth patterns, then label each on a blank diagram from memory
Identify the four basic sectioning patterns and state which face shapes each one flatters
Demonstrate zero-elevation and 45-degree elevation cuts on a mannequin while narrating the technique aloud
Explain the difference between a guide line and a cross-check, and perform a cross-check on both sides of a mannequin cut
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn head diagram with bones, growth patterns, and sectioning lines labeled, plus two photographed mannequin cuts at zero and 45-degree elevation with written self-critique notes
Haircutting and Styling & Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Care
Execute 90-degree and 180-degree elevation cuts and articulate how elevation changes graduation and layering
Differentiate the hair texture types and density categories, and select an appropriate cutting approach for each
Sequence a taper and a fade from guard selection through blending, and justify each guard choice
Describe the hair growth cycle and identify at least three scalp conditions that affect cutting decisions
Your checkpoint
Three completed mannequin cuts (90-degree, 180-degree, and a full fade) photographed from front, side, and back with a one-page written rationale for each elevation and guard choice
Haircutting and Styling & Shaving and Facial Hair Services
Perform a shear-over-comb and a clipper-over-comb technique with consistent blending on a mannequin
Set up a wet shave station in correct order and demonstrate proper razor angle and stroke direction on a balloon
Identify the facial hair zones and shape a beard line to a client's face shape
Explain the hair shaft structure and how cuticle condition affects styling product selection
Your checkpoint
A recorded 20-minute practical session covering one shear-over-comb cut and one balloon shave, reviewed against a self-made technique checklist
Shaving and Facial Hair Services & Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Care
Execute a complete hot towel wet shave including lather, grain-direction strokes, and finishing astringent
List the muscles of the face and neck and state how each affects shaving stroke direction and skin tension
Demonstrate three facial massage movements and explain their effect on circulation
Recognize contraindications for shaving such as skin irritation, moles, and infections, and state the correct response
Your checkpoint
One full hot towel shave performed on a mannequin or consenting model with a written anatomical justification sheet mapping each stroke to grain direction and muscle anatomy
Sanitation, Safety, and Infection Control & Shaving and Facial Hair Services
Implement a complete station disinfection routine between clients, from tool sorting to storage
Compare hospital-grade disinfectant contact times and dilution ratios for implements, and state which tools require which level
Demonstrate safe handling and disposal of razor blades and sharps in a closed container
Identify the signs of bacterial and viral skin infections and state the barber's legal obligation when one is observed
Your checkpoint
A written sanitation protocol card for your station listing every tool, its required disinfection level, contact time, and storage method, validated by a self-audit checklist
Sanitation, Safety, and Infection Control & New York State Barbering Law and Regulations
Differentiate cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and assign each to the correct barbering tool category
Recite the New York State requirements for barber shop licensing, sanitation inspections, and display of licenses
State the scope of practice for a licensed barber and identify services that require referral or are outside the license
Explain the rules for client records, informed consent, and handling of blood exposure incidents
Your checkpoint
A two-page law and safety summary written from memory and then corrected against source materials, with every missed item flagged for week 8 review
New York State Barbering Law and Regulations & Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Care
Outline the New York State licensing pathway from apprentice or school hours through examination and renewal
State continuing education and renewal requirements, and note the penalties for unlicensed practice
Describe the anatomy of the skin layers and identify which layer is affected by shaving irritation and razor burn
Explain the circulatory and lymphatic systems well enough to justify why facial massage and hot towels are used
Your checkpoint
A one-page licensing roadmap timeline plus a ten-question self-quiz on skin and circulatory anatomy with a scored answer key
Haircutting and Styling & Shaving and Facial Hair Services & Sanitation, Safety, and Infection Control & Anatomy, Physiology, and Skin Care & New York State Barbering Law and Regulations
Complete a timed full practical run covering one haircut, one facial hair service, and full station sanitation
Complete a timed 100-question mixed practice exam across all five domains and score each domain separately
Re-drill every missed item from weeks 6 and 7 until each is answered correctly twice in a row
Recite the sanitation and licensing facts aloud without notes as a final confidence check
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam report with per-domain percentages, a corrected error log, and a signed-off practical checklist showing all sanitation steps completed in order
Milestones
Week 2: Complete three mannequin cuts at three distinct elevations and explain aloud why each elevation produces its result, with no notes
Week 4: Perform a full hot towel shave start to finish in under 30 minutes with correct grain direction and no missed sanitation step
Week 6: Score at least 75 percent on a self-made 40-question sanitation and New York law quiz, with every miss written into an error log
Week 8: Score at least 80 percent overall on the timed mixed practice exam with no domain below 70 percent, and complete the practical run with all sanitation steps verified