Complete Cosmetology
Licensing Study Guide
1. General Science & Infection Control
Sanitation vs. Disinfection vs. Sterilization
Sanitation: Cleaning visible dirt and debris (soap & water).
Disinfection: Destroys most pathogens (EPA-registered disinfectants).
Sterilization: Kills all microbial life (autoclave).
Levels of Decontamination: Lowest → Sanitation → Disinfection → Sterilization
(highest).
Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and bodily fluids as infectious.
Blood Exposure Procedure:
Stop service.
Put on gloves.
Clean injured area with antiseptic.
,Bandage wound.
Dispose of contaminated items in double bag.
Sanitize hands, continue service.
Disinfectant Rules: Always follow manufacturer’s directions, change solution daily,
immerse tools completely.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Provide info on hazards, handling, and first aid for
chemicals.
2. Anatomy & Physiology Basics
Cells & Tissues: Basic units of life, body systems work together.
Skeletal System: 206 bones, protects organs, framework.
Muscular System: Voluntary & involuntary muscles, facial muscles important in
massage.
Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves. Controls body activities.
Circulatory System: Heart, blood, blood vessels.
Skin (Integumentary System): Largest organ; 5 layers of epidermis.
Hair Structure: Cuticle, cortex, medulla.
Nail Structure: Nail plate, matrix, cuticle, lunula.
3. Hair Care & Services
, Hair Cutting
Sectioning: Four or more quadrants for precision.
Angles: 0° (blunt cut), 45° (graduated), 90° (layered).
Tools: Shears, razors, clippers, trimmers.
Hair Coloring
Levels & Tones: 1 (black) → 10 (lightest blonde).
Hair Color Categories:
Temporary
Semi-permanent
Demi-permanent
Permanent (oxidation process).
Developers: Hydrogen peroxide strengths (10, 20, 30, 40 volumes).
Lightening: Bleach + developer. Watch for overlapping (damage).
Color Wheel: Complementary colors neutralize (e.g., blue cancels orange).
Chemical Texturizing
Perms: Alkaline (cold waves) vs. Acid-balanced.
Licensing Study Guide
1. General Science & Infection Control
Sanitation vs. Disinfection vs. Sterilization
Sanitation: Cleaning visible dirt and debris (soap & water).
Disinfection: Destroys most pathogens (EPA-registered disinfectants).
Sterilization: Kills all microbial life (autoclave).
Levels of Decontamination: Lowest → Sanitation → Disinfection → Sterilization
(highest).
Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and bodily fluids as infectious.
Blood Exposure Procedure:
Stop service.
Put on gloves.
Clean injured area with antiseptic.
,Bandage wound.
Dispose of contaminated items in double bag.
Sanitize hands, continue service.
Disinfectant Rules: Always follow manufacturer’s directions, change solution daily,
immerse tools completely.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Provide info on hazards, handling, and first aid for
chemicals.
2. Anatomy & Physiology Basics
Cells & Tissues: Basic units of life, body systems work together.
Skeletal System: 206 bones, protects organs, framework.
Muscular System: Voluntary & involuntary muscles, facial muscles important in
massage.
Nervous System: Brain, spinal cord, nerves. Controls body activities.
Circulatory System: Heart, blood, blood vessels.
Skin (Integumentary System): Largest organ; 5 layers of epidermis.
Hair Structure: Cuticle, cortex, medulla.
Nail Structure: Nail plate, matrix, cuticle, lunula.
3. Hair Care & Services
, Hair Cutting
Sectioning: Four or more quadrants for precision.
Angles: 0° (blunt cut), 45° (graduated), 90° (layered).
Tools: Shears, razors, clippers, trimmers.
Hair Coloring
Levels & Tones: 1 (black) → 10 (lightest blonde).
Hair Color Categories:
Temporary
Semi-permanent
Demi-permanent
Permanent (oxidation process).
Developers: Hydrogen peroxide strengths (10, 20, 30, 40 volumes).
Lightening: Bleach + developer. Watch for overlapping (damage).
Color Wheel: Complementary colors neutralize (e.g., blue cancels orange).
Chemical Texturizing
Perms: Alkaline (cold waves) vs. Acid-balanced.
