COS 141: Introduction to Cosmetology

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 8
Total Contact Hours: 200
Lecture Hours : 120
Lab Hours: 80
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 240
Total Student Learning Hours: 440
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This is the introductory course for students majoring in cosmetology and/or hairstyling. The course includes theoretical and practical instruction in a variety of subjects including health & safety, disinfection & sanitation, infection control, scalp care, trichology, basic haircutting, and basic hairstyling. A material fee is required for this course. 120 lecture hours, 80 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Define and introduce various subjects applicable to the field of cosmetology such as: infection control, disinfection & sanitation, health & safety, trichology, hairstyling, haircutting.
  • Consult and correctly recognize and identify hair and skin conditions/treatments.
  • Analyze and select the appropriate style and haircutting tools needed to meet the client's total personal image.
  • Develop basic dexterity skills, techniques and proper work habits needed for cosmetology.
  • Demonstrate proper safety and sanitation procedures using correct chemical agents when sanitizing tools.
  • Comprehend the importance of communication and interpersonal skills for a service driven industry.

Major Course Content

Health & Safety

  1. Instruction on hazardous substances
  2. Chemical safety
  3. Safety data sheets
  4. Protection from hazardous chemicals 
  5. Preventing chemical injuries
  6. Health and safety laws and regulations
  7. Preventing communicable diseases

Board Approved Health and Safety Course (B&P 7389(a))

  1.  Instruction on hazardous substances
  2.  Basic labor laws
  3.  Physical and sexual assault awareness

Disinfection & Sanitation

  1. Instruction on proper disinfection procedures to protect the health and safety of consumers as well as the technician
  2. Proper disinfection procedures for equipment used in establishments
  3. First aid
  4. Microbiology & infection control

Treatments

  1.  Scalp
  2.  Hair
  3.  Shampooing
  4.  Treatments/Conditioners
  5.  Disinfection & sanitation

 Histology

  1. Trichology
  2.  Properties of the scalp
  3.  Properties of the hair
  4.  Scalp Diseases and Disorders 

Anatomy

  1.  Building blocks of human body 

Electricity

  1.  Basic Principles of Electricity
  2.  Salon Usage
  3.  Safety

Hairstyling

  1. Draping
  2. Hair analysis
  3. Cleansing
  4. Shampooing
  5. Arranging (with and without rollers)
  6. Blow drying
  7. Thermal curling
  8. Thermal straightening

Haircutting

  1. Draping
  2. Safe use of shears
  3. Palming
  4. Sectioning
  5. Parting
  6. Basic hair cuts

Communication

  1. Client consultation
  2. Record keeping
  3. Interpersonal skills/communication
  4. Life skills

Lab Content

Cosmetology Procedures

  1. Rules and regulations
  2. Step-by-step applications
  3. Sanitation and disinfection
  4. Health & Safety procedures

Hair Treatments

  1. Draping/Shampooing
  2. Hair and scalp treatments
  3. Scalp and hair products
  4. Disinfection & sanitation

Hairstyling

  1. Draping
  2. Wet hair design
  3. Braiding
  4. Thermal styling
  5. Blow drying
  6. Disinfection & sanitation

Safety and Sanitation

  1. Draping
  2. Safety to protect consumer
  3. Infection Control
  4. Preventing communicable diseases

Haircutting

  1. Draping
  2. Palming
  3. Sectioning/Parting
  4. Haircut/Shapes
  5. Solid Form Haircut (0 degree)
  6. Increased Layered Haircut (180 degree)
  7. Uniform layered Haircut (90 degree)
  8. Graduated Haircut (45 degree)
  9. Disinfection & sanitation
  10. Safety to protect consumer

Communication

  1. Client consultation
  2. Record keeping
  3. Interpersonal skills

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Modern Hair Magazine American Salon Behind the Chair Magazine

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Choose an icon from the hair or beauty industry and create a PowerPoint presentation explaining their early life, education, clients, editorial work, awards, film credits, and contribution to the industry.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Design and create a long layered haircut Design and create a Pinterest page of hair designs/cuts

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lecture