COSMETOLOGY: COURSE GUIDE
Each subject taught begins in the classroom and is practiced and refined throughout the entire program. Accountability and criteria are maintained through daily progress sheets that are strictly monitored by instructors. Once students are working in the public clinic and they reach the 700-hour mark, they are eligible to participate in the advanced classes. These classes expand on different techniques, services and product knowledge. We also accommodate out-ofstate students with a 1500-hour program that will satisfy most states' board examination and licensing requirements.
The Cosmetology Program is divided into two parts: a 250-hour segment and a clinic segment. The 250-hour segment is approximately 8 weeks in duration and covers the fundamental core classes a student must learn in order to proceed to working with clients on the clinic floor. The following is a breakdown of the 250-hour curriculum schedule, subject to change at any time.
WEEK 1
- Orientation
- Kit Distribution
- Station Set-up
- Sanitation and Safety
- Manikin Care
- Draping and Shampooing
- Blow Drying and Finishing
- Introduction to Permanent Waving/Texturizing
Section; Basic Wrap - Introduction to Haircutting – Bones of the Head;
Vocabulary; Implements; Zero Elevation Blunt Cut - Introduction to Color Theory – Basic Laws and
Theory; Color Choices; Color Wheel; Color
Application #1: Virgin Hair Color Application
WEEK 2
- Manicure
- Thermal Iron
- Permanent Waving – Basic Wrap
- Haircutting – Elements of Haircutting;
Categories; Guidelines; Zero Elevation Bob Cut - Paul Mitchell Color Theory #1: Retouch Application
WEEK 3
- Pedicures
- Scalp Treatments
- Permanent Waving – Halo and Brick-lay Wraps
- Haircutting – Client Analysis; Face Shapes;
45 Degree Elevation Bob Cut - Paul Mitchell Color Theory #2: Folded Foil
Application
WEEK 4
- Hair Removal
- Fingerwaving
- Permanent Waving – Spiral Wraps
- Haircutting – Face Framing; Angle Cut; Long
Layered Cut; Guidelines – Traveling vs. Stationary - Paul Mitchell Color Theory #3: Stacked Foil
Color Application
WEEK 5
- Facials
- Roller Setting and Comb-out/Finishing
- Permanent Waving – Gemini Wrap
- Haircutting – Review Elements of Haircutting;
Client Consultation; Wedge Cut - Paul Mitchell Color Theory #4: Cap Highlighting
WEEK 6
- Makeup Theory and Application
- Pin Curls
- Chemical Relaxing
- Haircutting – Short Layer Cut; Razor Cutting
- Product Knowledge; Retail
WEEK 7
- Up-do's And Formal Hair Styling
- Haircutting – Clipper Cutting; Blending
Techniques; Barbering Techniques; Thinning
Shears; Texturizing - Review
WEEK 8
- Practical Testing; Timed Applications; Clinic
Floor Protocols; Project Assignments
Cosmetology Class Descriptions
*Denotes fulfilling State Board exam requirement.
- Consultation – This is the first connection we, as professionals, make with our clients. As a student, you will learn the importance of effective communication skills, documentation and having a plan of action.
- Sanitation and Safety* – This is the first line of defense in protecting yourself and your client. You will learn the importance of maintaining high standards for a clean workplace, sanitizing work tools and implements, the hazards of contamination and effective disinfection in the salon/spa environment.
- Draping and Shampooing* – This is where we make our biggest second impression – at the shampoo sink! You will learn how to properly drape and protect your client and the art of giving a thorough cleansing and massage of the scalp and hair.
- Precision and Artistic Haircutting* – As a student, you will learn the foundations of implementing a haircut, the variety of tools used, and how to develop a blueprint for achieving the finished result. Students will receive three manikins in their kit for initial practice and a fourth for work in the advanced classes.
- Wet Hairstyling* – Always the foundation of hairdressing, wet hairstyling encompasses everything from developing your dexterity skills to the various means of achieving specific looks and how to integrate those skills in today's styles. In this segment, you will learn: scalp treatments, finger waves, pin curls, roller sets, and comb-out techniques.
- Hot Iron Styling* – This means of styling hair dates back to the turn of the twentieth century, but styling tools have come a long way since then. You will learn about the numerous hot styling tools used in today's styling trends and how to choose the appropriate tools for the desired results.
- Permanent Waving* – This service ebbs and flows, but it is always a staple of all hairdressing generations. As technology changes, so does the chemistry behind it, and this generation of perms and perming tools shows an updated and current use of texture in the hair.
- Braiding – Braiding is always in the forefront of long hair design. This is where your own creativity can come forward. Whether you become proficient in French braids, multibraids, cornrows or updo work, the demand for braiding has never been higher.
- Hair Coloring* – When you have a thorough background in the laws of color, the chemist in you can shine! The concept of hair color can be daunting, but our program sets you on the right track for learning these concepts and putting them into play. You will learn in great detail how to conduct a thorough consultation, how to formulate, apply and finish a professional color service.
- Blow Drying and Finishing* – The lost art of hairdressing, blow drying and finishing are essential to providing your client with an ultimate salon experience.
- Updo and Formal Work – Many students find they have a real flair for doing updo's and formal hairdressing. This specialty of hairdressing is always in high demand and one can develop quite the niche upon becoming accomplished in this area.
- Foiling Techniques – This category falls under Hair Coloring, but because it is very specific and there are various techniques and criteria, we offer foiling as a separate entity on its own.
- Manicures* – A well-rounded cosmetologist knows the importance of performing a detailed manicure from shaping, cuticle work and massage to the finishing polish.
- Pedicures – Although not a state board requirement, pedicures are an extremely popular service. You will learn the procedure for performing a great pedicure, from the refining work and the massage to the finishing work.
- Facials* – The fundamentals of performing a professional facial service are addressed in this class.
- Waxing – The fundamentals of professional waxing are explained and demonstrated in this class.
- Makeup* – The art of basic makeup application and the rules of color are learned in this class.
- Salon Business/Retail – This information is integrated throughout the entire program as well as individual classes as you learn valuable retail skills and the business end of the salon and spa industry.
- Interview and Resumes – This class gives an informative and highly useful lesson on building a professional resume including tips on job searching and how to conduct a successful interview.
- Master classes – Once you reach the 700-hour mark, you will be able to take advantage of smaller advanced classes that target specific topics or techniques. These classes are typically offered twice a month. You will be provided with an additional manikin or will work on other students for these classes. Some of the subjects taught are: Advanced Haircutting, Advanced Color, Advanced Texture Theory, Product Knowledge, Advanced Retail and Customer Service *(all classes are subject to change).
- Paul Mitchell Educational Classes – Students gain a great advantage through these national educators from the Paul Mitchell Team, who visit the school on a regular basis throughout the calendar year. Each presentation focuses on a specific topic, such as color, haircutting, finishing, retail, etc.

