WI Cosmetology study plan
WI Cosmetology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Scientific Concepts (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, infection control)
Label a blank outline of the head, neck, and shoulders with at least 20 bones and muscles from memory
Write out the growth cycles and structures of hair, skin, and nails without notes
Match 30 anatomy and physiology terms to their definitions with 90% accuracy on a self-made quiz
Build a 50-card flashcard deck covering cells, tissues, and the body systems most relevant to salon services
Your checkpoint
A scored 30-question anatomy and physiology self-quiz with at least 80% correct, plus the completed 50-card deck
Scientific Concepts (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, infection control)
Classify 25 salon products as acidic, neutral, or alkaline and predict their effect on hair and skin
Distinguish physical from chemical changes using 10 original examples from salon work
Sequence the correct cleaning and disinfection steps for implements and describe what an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant must do
Sort 15 salon items into single-use versus reusable categories and justify each choice using standard precautions
Your checkpoint
A one-page infection-control standard operating procedure plus a 25-question chemistry and infection-control quiz scored at 80% or higher
Hair Care and Hair Services (cutting, styling, chemical texture, coloring)
Describe the sectioning, parting, and elevation used for the four basic haircuts in writing, without reference materials
Match 20 styling and thermal tools to the effects they produce and the hair types they suit
Perform and record a hair and scalp analysis checklist that flags at least five contraindications for service
Outline the ordered steps of a shampoo, blow-dry, and wet-set service including client protection and draping
Your checkpoint
A typed three-page procedure guide covering haircutting, styling, and hair analysis, checked against your notes for accuracy
Hair Care and Hair Services (cutting, styling, chemical texture, coloring)
Explain the chemistry of perms and relaxers, including the role of the reducing and neutralizing agents, in your own words
Diagram the color wheel and predict the outcome of 10 given color correction scenarios
Calculate developer volume and mixing ratios for 10 practice problems with no errors
List the client-screening steps, patch test rules, and strand test procedures required before chemical services
Your checkpoint
A timed 25-question chemical texture and coloring quiz scored at 80% or higher, plus a hand-drawn color wheel with mixing notes
Skin Care and Skin Services
Identify the skin types and 15 common skin lesions or disorders from written descriptions alone
Sequence the steps of a basic facial, naming the purpose of each product applied
Name and describe the five basic massage manipulations and their intended effects
Compare the methods of temporary hair removal and state one contraindication for each
Your checkpoint
A skin analysis checklist with at least 12 assessment points, plus a 25-question skin care quiz scored at 80% or higher
Nail Care and Nail Services
Label the structures of the natural nail and surrounding tissue from memory
Distinguish 12 nail diseases and disorders from written descriptions and state whether each is serviceable
Sequence a complete manicure and a complete pedicure, including sanitation and client safety steps
Compare the application, filling, and removal procedures for the major types of artificial nails
Your checkpoint
Two step-by-step service sheets for manicure and pedicure plus a 30-question nail care quiz scored at 80% or higher
Business Practices, State Laws and Rules, Salon Safety
Summarize Wisconsin licensure, sanitation, and scope-of-practice requirements in your own words
Locate and interpret the safety data sheet information required for products stored in a salon
Apply salon safety and fire-safety practices to five written emergency scenarios
Solve 10 retail pricing, markup, and compensation math problems with no errors
Your checkpoint
A one-page Wisconsin rules and salon safety cheat sheet plus a 40-question business, law, and safety quiz scored at 80% or higher
Scientific Concepts (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, infection control) & Hair Care and Hair Services (cutting, styling, chemical texture, coloring) & Skin Care and Skin Services & Nail Care and Nail Services & Business Practices, State Laws and Rules, Salon Safety
Complete two timed 100-question practice exams under exam conditions
Categorize every missed item by domain and re-study the two weakest domains
Re-drill all flashcards and cheat sheets until recall reaches 90% or better
Write a final one-page summary sheet linking each domain to the services it governs
Your checkpoint
A final timed 100-question mock exam scored at 85% or higher, with a written error log of every missed question
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 50-question cumulative quiz covering all of Domain 1, and be able to state the disinfection steps aloud without notes
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 60-question cumulative exam over Domains 1 and 2, and correctly solve all 10 developer and mixing-ratio problems
Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 50-question cumulative quiz over Domains 3 and 4, and describe a full manicure and a full facial from memory
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on a timed 100-question mock exam spanning all five domains, with no single domain below 75%