Introductory courses on professionalism will likely examine the rules, state codes and health regulations for beauticians. Among these important public health concerns will be the procedures for sterilization and sanitation. Cosmetology students may study the types of bacteria that will develop without such sterilization and the consequences. The preparation of sterilizing solutions will likely be practiced in the classroom. Courses on professionalism may also cover how to handle customer requests, sell products and perform consultations.
In these courses, students begin practicing with different shampoos, rinses, oils and chemicals, as well as study how these chemicals work and proper safety precautions. Other topics include physiology (mostly of head, face, hair, and hands), dermatology, bacteriology, anatomy and structure of hair, scalp, skin and nails. Students will study various conditions that cause hair, scalp and skin damage and the restorative elements in various chemicals and shampoos.
Students will learn design concepts and techniques behind different haircuts and styles, and become familiar with the equipment used to obtain such styles, such as rollers, pin curls and different combs and brushes. Different types of curls, angled cuts and will be taught, along with proper permanent coloring and waving, hair straightening, and blow drying and curling techniques. The student will demonstrate these skills on mannequins or human subjects.
Students will use their knowledge of nail physiology to learn and demonstrate proper nail filing and shaping, cuticle trimming and nail polish application. Students will also learn nail design using acrylic and brush-ons (liquid and powder), how to perform nail extensions and massage techniques for hands and feet, as well as performing nail repair. Different kinds of oils and chemicals will also be used by students for either water or oil manicures.
Students will use what they've learned in introductory theory classes about dermatology, skin functions, conditions and disorders to perform a proper facial and professional application of makeup. They will learn various procedures for using different chemicals and facial treatments, such as mud packs, masks and scrubs. Also, massage techniques and safety procedures will be taught. Students will also study the related chemistry and art of cosmetics, and will practice skin analysis for proper application. Students will learn about color theory as it applies to makeup, as well as different types of makeup application, such as dramatic theater application and subtler, natural application.