Cosmetology Course Information

Cosmetology Course Descriptions

COSMETOLOGY: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5012.00, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0401

The curriculum involves 1000 hours to satisfy New York state requirements. The course includes extensive instruction and practical experience in cutting, hair coloring, perming, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, sanitation, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.

*Graduates are prepared to be entry-level cosmetologists.

This program is taught in English. Textbooks and Course Materials are only offered in the English Language. 

COSMETOLOGY COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Hours: 1000 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinic classroom learning experiences.

  1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 200 hours are devoted to preclinical classroom instruction where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction, and guided practice. Instruction emphasizes design principles, technical procedures, safety and sanitation, professional conduct, and readiness for supervised services.
  2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Future Professionals apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services. With coaching and guidance from Learning Leaders, they refine technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience, product recommendations, and professional work habits. Learning continues through mini-classes, feedback, and structured practice.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE

  1. Core Curriculum: The Core Curriculum introduces the foundational principles and skills of the program through theory instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Future Professionals build essential technical knowledge, safety and sanitation practices, client care, and professional habits. Learning Leaders monitor progress, and learning is evaluated through written, oral, and practical methods, as applicable. Completing Core successfully prepares students for the next phase of their education, including supervised clinic classroom experiences.
  2. Protégé Learning Experience: The Protégé Learning Experience supports the transition from Core into the Adaptive Curriculum and clinic classroom learning. Future Professionals continue guided practice, strengthen service readiness, and prepare to apply their skills in supervised guest experiences.
  3. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: In the clinic classroom, Future Professionals provide services to guests under Learning Leader supervision. They keep learning and reinforce classroom instruction through coaching, mini-classes, practical worksheets, and progress evaluations. They practice consultations, service planning, technical proficiency, guest communication, sanitation and safety, and professional service habits.
  4. Classroom Learning Experience: Classroom education throughout the program includes cutting, coloring, texture, makeup, skin, and nails. Instruction combines theory, demonstrations, and practical application. Additional learning opportunities may address retailing and product knowledge, communication, professional development, motivation, and career readiness, facilitated by appropriate school team members or guest artists.
  5. Adaptive Phase: During the Adaptive phase, Future Professionals expand their knowledge through specialty classroom instruction and progressively challenging practical work. They continue developing technical consistency, problem-solving, guest service, confidence, and professionalism, with feedback and assessments supporting their progress.
  6. Creative Phase: The Creative phase focuses on refining technical and professional abilities as Future Professionals prepare to enter the industry. They apply artistic judgment, strengthen independence and accountability, and practice the standards of guest experience, teamwork, and professional conduct expected in a salon environment, with continued Learning Leader guidance.

    During the creative curriculum you will have the option to apply to be in our Phase II honors program. This is open to all who meet the criteria. Future Professionals must have an academic average of 90% or higher, exceptional attitude, and above a 90% attendance. Future Professionals must apply by submitting a resume and be interviewed by our education team. In Phase II, Future Professionals will have the opportunity to mimic the true salon environment. This means they are held to higher standards such as speed and creativity. They will have the opportunity to work in a designated area in the clinic area.

 

COSMETOLOGY COURSE SUBJECTS

The instructional program of Paul Mitchell the School NYC meets or exceeds the state requirements:

RequirementsTotal Clock Hours

Professional Requirements

  • New York State License Requirements
  • State and Federal Payroll Requirements
  • New York State Sales Tax Requirements
  • Career Opportunities and Placement
  • Professional Ethics, Conduct and Attitude
  • Professional Organizations, Trade Shows and Publications
  • View and discuss the mandatory Domestic Violence and Sexual Awareness online course
24

Safety and Health

  • New York State Laws, Rules and Regulations
  • OSHA Regulations Concerning Hazardous Materials Communications
  • Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms (Bacteria, Viruses, Molds, Fungus)
  • Growth and Reproduction of Infectious Organisms
  • Infections and Their Prevention
  • Immunity and Body Defenses
  • Decontamination and Infection Control
  • Physical and Chemical Agents
26

Anatomy and Physiology

  • Cells, Tissues and Organs
  • Body Systems
  • Basic Principles of Nutrition
  • Overview of Bones and Muscles of the Head, Arms, Hands, Legs and Feet
15

Hair Analysis

  • Hair Types - Fine, Medium, Thick
  • Structure
  • Porosity
  • Growth Patterns
  • Elasticity
  • Hair Texture - Straight, Wavy, Curly, Wiry, Coily, and Afro Textures
  • Density
10

Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases

  • Dandruff
  • Infestation
  • Alopecia
  • Infections
  • Fungal Infections
10

Chemistry as applied to Cosmetology

  • Forms and Properties of Matter
  • The pH Scale
  • Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
  • FDA Laws Governing Hair Care
  • Chemical Reactions and Solutions Products and Product Safety
  • Chemistry as Applied to Hair Care Products and Natural Hair Styling
5

Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners and Treatments

  • Client Preparation, Analysis and Consultation
  • Hair Analysis Instruments and Equipment
  • Shampooing Products, Composition and Procedures
  • Rinsing Products, Composition and Procedures
  • Conditioning Products, Composition and Procedures
  • Procedures for Hair and Scalp Disorders
  • Scalp Manipulations
  • Identification of Hair Types and Curl Patterns (straight, wavy, curly, coily, and kinky textures, including multi-textured hair)
  • Procedures for Hair and Scalp Disorders Specific to Textured Hair (traction alopecia, breakage patterns, product buildup from protective styles) 
  • Detangling and Treating for Coily and Curly Textures
30

Haircutting and Shaping

  • Fundamentals, Principles and Concepts of Design
  • Scissor Haircutting
    • Nomenclature and Care of Scissors
    • Techniques and Procedures
  • Razor Haircutting
    • Nomenclature and Care of Razor
    • Techniques and Procedures
  • Clipper Haircutting
    • Nomenclature and Care of Tools
    • Techniques and Procedures
  • Removal/Trim of Superfluous Hair
  • Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting
    • Female Styles; Male Styles
    • Children Styles
    • Curly
    • Coily Styles
  • Mustache and Beard Shaping
    • Shaving
    • Dexterity of the Hands and Razor; Preparation and Procedures
175

Hairstyling

  • Fingerwaving
  • Pincurling
  • Skipwaving
  • Roller Styling
  • Patterns in Hairstyling
    • Waves, Pin Curls, Rollers and Combinations
  • Finishing Techniques
  • Twisting, Wrapping, Weaving, Extending, Locking and Braiding
  • Traditional Weaving and Styling
  • Services in Hairstyling
    • Tools and Implements
    • Thermal Curling
    • Hair Pressing and Silk Press on Natural Hair
  • Blowdrying / Diffusing
    • Blowdrying with Controlled Tension
    • Diffusing Curly and Coily Hair
  • Flatiron and Thermal Iron
    • Preventing Heat Damage
  • Hair Pieces
  • Styling Textured Hair & Other Hair Patterns
245

Chemical Restructuring

  • Chemistry
  • Preliminary Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
  • Chemical Restructuring Products
  • Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
  • Client Consultation and Texture Hair Integrity
  • Corrective Chemical Restructuring
  • Hair Loss and Potential Health Risks Associated with Chemical Restructuring
180

Hair Coloring and Lightening

  • Color Theory
  • Hair Coloring Procedures
  • Chemistry
  • Hair Lightening and Texture Hair Integrity
  • Preliminary Procedures of Hair Coloring
  • Special Effects
  • Client Consultation
  • Corrective Procedures
180

Nail Care and Procedures

  • Nail Structure
  • Nail Disorders and Diseases
  • Nail Shape and Color Analysis
  • Basic Manicuring and Pedicuring
  • Manipulations of the Hand, Arm, Leg and Foot
  • Nail Tip Application
    • Adhesives; Fitting, Design and Application
  • Nail Wrap Application
    • Silk, Fiberglass and Linen Procedures; Surface Wrapping Natural Nail and Mending; Tip

Overlay Wrapping; Repair, Maintenance and Removal

  • Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions
    • Application Procedures for Tips with Overlays, Natural Nails and Sculptured Nails; Repair, Maintenance and Removal; Chemical Reactions to Liquid and Powder
40

Skin Care and Procedures

  • Structure and Function of the Skin
  • Skin Conditions and Disorders
  • Facial and Body Procedures
    • Client Preparation; Skin Analysis and Consultation
  • Wet and Dry Exfoliations and Applications
  • Use of Various Products to Enhance the Appearance of the Skin
    • Seaweed, salt, paraffin, mud, ampules, creams, etc.
  • Discussion for Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques Such as Aromatherapy and Water Therapies
  • Temporary Methods of Hair Removal
    • Manual Tweezing; Depilatory Lotion; Waxing; Bleaching
  • Make-Up Application
    • Color Analysis; Morphology of the Face; Product Knowledge, Chemistry and Related Composition; Eyebrow Contouring; Corrections and Contouring; False Eyelashes; Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques
60
Hours required by NYS Regulations1000

The institution offers employment assistance to help graduates’ efforts to secure education-related employment that includes, but is not limited to training in professionalism, resume’ development, job interview preparation and job search skills.

COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE

  1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
  2. 200-hour orientation practical skills evaluation test: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher. If a student fails to pass this evaluation test on their second attempt, they may be asked to withdraw and re-enroll in the next Core class start date.
  3. Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all final exams.
  4. Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, New York state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all final exams.
  5. Clinic Practical Skill Assessment: Future Professionals progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor using Course Key app. All assignments must be completed in order to complete the program.

COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The 1000 cosmetology programs are provided through a sequential set of learning steps which address specific tasks necessary for State Board preparation, graduation, and job entry level skills. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. Each student will receive instruction that relates to the performance of useful, creative and productive career-oriented activities. The course is presented through well-developed lesson plans that reflect the latest educational methods. Subjects are presented by means of lectures, demonstration, distance education, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.