Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Hairdressing and Cosmetology course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Students deciding to enter the field of Hairdressing & Cosmetology will be introduced to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene, as well as equipment identification and use. Students are introduced to professional image, sterilization and sanitation methods, draping, product knowledge, hair design and styling, nail structure, skin care and permanent waving.

Prerequisite: Hairdressing & Cosmetology I
In Grade 10, students are introduced to: professional image, sterilization and sanitation, draping techniques, shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, haircutting, hair designing, permanent waving, hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm, artificial hair techniques, nails, skin care, hair removal, electric current and light therapy techniques, styling enhancers and salon business and management. Attention is focused on learning the basics, especially with haircutting, mock applications of hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm. Grade 10 students participate in school customer work only. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices.

In Grade 11, topics introduced in Grade 10 are covered in greater detail. Students will start to provide hairdressing and cosmetology services to outside customers within the school salon. The primary focus is on the development of the student’s hands-on skills. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, students continue to refine their skills in all areas. Students spend more time working with customers in the school salon and completing theory and clinical hour requirements for licensures (200 theory hours and 1,300 clinical hours). In addition, instruction focuses on preparation for the licensure examination. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, interview, to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

  • Explain the history and opportunities of Cosmetology careers
  • Explain the history and opportunities of Cosmetology careers
  • Describe life skills necessary for successful employment in cosmetology
  • Demonstrate Draping
  • Discuss effective communication within the salon environment.
  • Demonstrate infection control in the salon.
  • Define and describe the structure of the hair root
  • Recognize hair and scalp disorders
  • Perform basic hair styling techniques
  • Performing the Three basic Haircuts
  • Describe the basic principles of hair design
  • Demonstrate Haircut or style in relation face shapes
  • Demonstrate a men’s haircut
  • Define and describe basic nail structure
  • Perform basic manicure & pedicure
  • Demonstrate hair designing to include braiding and artificial hair techniques
  • Demonstrate knowledge in wigs and hair enhancements
  • Perform basic facial
  • Demonstrate application of color services
  • Demonstrate a highlighting
  • Demonstrate advanced haircutting skills
  • Perform Chemical Texturizing
  • Demonstrate advanced Styling
  • Demonstrate advanced Highlighting
  • State of CT Cosmetology License
  • Barbers
  • Hairdressers
  • Personal Appearance Workers
  • Makeup artists
  • Manicure/pedicurist
  • Skincare specialist

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a two- or four-year degree. Upon graduation from this program, students will be prepared and qualified to work in salons or spas as a State of Connecticut licensed cosmetologist. State licensure exams are offered prior to graduation. Other types of employment include retail cosmetology sales in a variety of settings.