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K–12 Standards

Cosmetology I (2025)

Other Maryland CTE Programs of Study sets

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12.1

  • 1

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 9-12.1

INTRODUCTION2

  • A

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.2.A

  • B

    The Healthcare and Human Services Career Cluster encompasses careers for in-home and personal care support and offer esthetics and wellness services such as hairdressing, nail care, skincare, fitness, and massage therapy. Professionals in this field focus on enhancing personal appearance and promoting relaxation and well-being while remaining grounded in a thorough understanding of health and safety practices.2.B

  • C

    The Careers in Cosmetology Program is a sequential, multi-level course series designed to prepare students for licensure and successful careers in the cosmetology industry. Spanning foundational to advanced skills, the program integrates classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and work-based learning experiences. Students develop proficiency in hairstyling, chemical treatments, nail care, skincare, and wellness services while adhering to strict health and safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, customer service, and career readiness, including entrepreneurship and salon management. By the completion of Cosmetology IV, students will have gained the technical expertise, industry knowledge, and licensure preparation needed to excel in the dynamic field of cosmetology.2.C

  • D

    Cosmetology I provides students with classroom and laboratory instruction that emphasize safe use of tools, anatomy and physiology of hair and skin, and principles of customer service. Students begin accumulating hours toward licensure while exploring career opportunities in the cosmetology field. Work-based learning experiences, including guest speakers and industry tours, enhance students' understanding of career pathways.2.D

  • E

    Students will participate in at least two Career-Connected Education and Work-Based Learning experiences in this course, which might include informational interviews or job shadowing relevant to the program of study.2.E

  • F

    Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences through aligned Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs are a cocurricular requirement in the Carl D. Perkins Act, and alignment to CTSO activities is an expectation for CTE programs in the state of Maryland.2.F

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS3

  • A

    The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, maintenance of employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:3.A

    1. 1

      Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement, such as regular attendance, promptness, proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, and pride in work.3.A.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, active listening, and a willingness to learn.3.A.2

    3. 3

      Employ effective reading, writing, and technical documentation skills.3.A.3

    4. 4

      Solve problems using critical thinking techniques and structured troubleshooting methodologies.3.A.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate leadership skills and collaborate effectively as a team member.3.A.5

    6. 6

      Implement safety procedures, including proper use of software and following privacy guidelines.3.A.6

    7. 7

      Exhibit an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in the personal services field, following copyright laws and regulations.3.A.7

    8. 8

      Demonstrate time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a technical setting.3.A.8

  • B

    The student identifies various career pathways in the personal care service field. The student is expected to:3.B

    1. 1

      Develop a basic career plan that includes the necessary education, certifications, job skills, and experience for specific roles in cosmetology.3.B.1

    2. 2

      Create a professional resume reflecting emerging skills and any completed safety certifications (e.g., infection control).3.B.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate effective interview techniques for entry-level cosmetology positions.3.B.3

  • C

    The student develops technology skills relevant to salon operations. The student is expected to:3.C

    1. 1

      Use digital platforms to research and compare professional-grade tools and products.3.C.1

    2. 2

      Navigate online Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure proper chemical handling (theory only).3.C.2

    3. 3

      Use scheduling and point-of-sale software to create mock appointments and inventory lists.3.C.3

    4. 4

      Apply basic social-media strategies to build a professional brand (theory only).3.C.4

  • D

    The student integrates core academic skills into cosmetology practices. The student is expected to:3.D

    1. 1

      Apply ratios and percentages to calculate product mixtures and service pricing.3.D.1

    2. 2

      Use anatomy, physiology, and basic chemistry principles to explain hair, skin, and nail structure.3.D.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate written and verbal communication by completing client-consultation forms.3.D.3

    4. 4

      Interpret OSHA and EPA guidelines to establish a compliant salon workspace.3.D.4

  • E

    The student applies knowledge of infection control and workplace safety. The student is expected to:3.E

    1. 1

      Implement infection-control procedures (sanitation, sterilization of tools/workstations).3.E.1

    2. 2

      Recognize and mitigate hazards in compliance with OSHA and EPA guidelines.3.E.2

    3. 3

      Apply universal precautions when handling all salon materials.3.E.3

  • F

    The student develops foundational proficiency with salon tools. The student is expected to:3.F

    1. 1

      Safely use and maintain basic implements (combs, brushes, shears, blow-dryers).3.F.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate ergonomic handling of equipment to build dexterity.3.F.2

  • G

    The student demonstrates core hairstyling skills. The student is expected to:3.G

    1. 1

      Perform sectioning, finger-waving, and comb-out techniques.3.G.1

    2. 2

      Create wet hairstyles using rollers and basic implements.3.G.2

    3. 3

      Use thermal tools (flat iron, curling iron) for demonstration only, adhering to safety protocols.3.G.3

  • H

    The student demonstrates readiness for chemical hair treatments after completing foundational training. The student is expected to:3.H

    1. 1

      Explain the science of hair structure and factors affecting treatment suitability.3.H.1

    2. 2

      Understand the differences among temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent treatments (theory only).3.H.2

    3. 3

      Acknowledge that application of chemical services will begin in Cosmetology II only after meeting all safety and instructional-hour requirements.3.H.3

  • I

    The student explores business practices and career planning in the cosmetology industry. The student is expected to:3.I

    1. 1

      Formulate a sample salon service menu based on trend research.3.I.1

    2. 2

      Describe basic marketing and client-retention techniques.3.I.2

    3. 3

      Participate in career-connected awareness events (guest speakers, site tours)3.I.3

  • J

    The student demonstrates foundational knowledge of skin and nail structures, conditions, and safe care procedures. The student is expected to:3.J

    1. 1

      Describe anatomy and physiology of the skin, hair follicles, and nails3.J.1

    2. 2

      Differentiate single-use vs. multi-use implements and examine proper disinfection methods3.J.2

    3. 3

      Explain basic manicure and pedicure processes, including cuticle care, shaping, and finish3.J.3

    4. 4

      Summarize facial structures, contraindications, and basic facial procedures3.J.4

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Program of Study Guide: Careers in Cosmetology

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