This program will be modified for the 2026-2027 academic year to 38 credits and three semesters. Please contact an Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions.
Benefits
We’re excited to announce updates to our Cosmetology program’s curriculum that have been designed with student success in mind. These changes will help you to stay on track, balance your schedule, and build skills step-by-step. Here’s a few ways that you will benefit:
- 8-week classes for better focus: All classes will be taught in 8-week increments, with a clear start and end date. This helps students focus on a set timeline and, if you need to step away, provides easier re-entry to the program without losing momentum.
- Same great start options: You still have the flexibility to choose to begin the program in the fall or spring!
- More balance in your week: There are a reduced number of hours per week that students will be spending in class. While some 8-week sections may only have a slight reduction, the change is meant to support you to manage and balance the many other responsibilities in your lives while being successful cosmetology students.
- Purposeful course design and structure: Courses are now scaffolded, meaning they are intentionally arranged so that each one builds on the knowledge and skills from the previous course(s). You’ll learn foundational concepts first, then progress to more advanced topics to begin applying them in real situations.
- Expanded Client Services Courses: The previous three Client Services courses are now offered as four separate classes. This gives you the opportunity to incrementally build your customer service skills with confidence and perfect them.
- New Salon Communications and Salon operations courses: These two new courses will include content previously taught in other courses and add new topics, like taxes, insurance, and communication in challenging situations. These topics were identified as essential career skills by local employers.
- A focused Board Prep course: While Board Prep has always been taught as part of the program, it now has its own dedicated course. This allows you to fully concentrate on preparing for your licensing boards, improving the program’s already strong board pass rates.
If you have questions, you might find the answers in the FAQs below:
FAQs
- My friend took this program a year ago and took less credits. Why do I need these extra credits? We will have the same job.
- Northwood Tech continually reviews and updates program curriculum to reflect current industry standards and state/federal regulations while keeping student success in mind. This is common practice and ensures that the program is fully aligned with the Wisconsin Technical College System, Department of Education, and Department of Safety and Professional Services. Northwood Tech continually reviews and updates program curriculum to reflect current industry standards and state/federal regulations while keeping student success in mind. This is common practice and ensures that the program is fully aligned with the Wisconsin Technical College System, Department of Education, and Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- I was admitted before the new policies were in place and I was on the waitlist. Since I met the admission requirements before these rules were implemented, can I follow the old rules/required course list?
- While we understand this may feel unfair for those individuals on the waitlist, this approach is standard across all of the College’s programs. Any students registered to begin classes in Fall 2026 will start their studies under the updated curriculum.
- These rules make the program more expensive. Are they worth the additional costs? You are just trying to make more money.
- Northwood Tech is committed to providing a high-quality education while keeping the cost of attendance as affordable as possible. To stay current with industry standards, these curriculum changes are necessary and beneficial. Even with these enhancements, our Cosmetology program remains one of the most affordable in Wisconsin.
- I just want some of the classes. Can I just take the classes I want? (I just want to focus on one part of the program – i.e. skin care, nails, or make-up – do I have to do the rest?)
- The Cosmetology program enrolls students into the full program rather than offering individual classes. This process allows more students to enroll full-time, complete the program, graduate, and enter the workforce as licensed cosmetologists. This policy remains the same as it was with the previous curriculum.
- How many more hours/days/weeks/semesters will I be in school?
- This is a great question and shows you’re thinking ahead about time management. Class hours vary by semester ranging from 34 to 45 hours per week. While this may seem like a lot, it is actually a reduction from the previous curriculum.
- When will I be able to walk for graduation?
- It’s great that you’re already looking ahead to graduation. If you start in fall, you will complete the program in August and participate in the commencement ceremony in May. If you start in spring, you will finish in December and participate in the following May ceremony.
- Are all of the changes eligible for financial aid (FAFSA)?
- Yes, they are eligible.
- My friend from Minnesota didn’t have to wait to get into the program last year. Why do I have to wait now?
- Minnesota residents will continue to have reciprocity for enrollment. The waitlist that you are on reflects the high demand and strong reputation of the Cosmetology program. We know waiting can be tough, but the experience and training you’ll receive in the program will be worth it.
- I want to work in a salon and cut/style hair. I don’t need these other classes. Why do I have to take them?
- New courses such as Salon Operations, Salon Communication, and Board Prep were added on the recommendation of local employers and are taught by our experienced cosmetology faculty. These classes are designed to help you succeed in all parts of a working salon, not just the hands-on skills, and we think you’ll really enjoy them.
- How will my hours be tracked? If I am not able to reach the required number of hours during the courses (outline on the required course list), how can I reach them?
- Faculty track hours based on your participation in both the in-person and online portions of each class. If you are concerned about meeting the required hours, it may not be the best time for you to enroll in the cosmetology program. It’s a significant commitment, but one that is well worth it.
- Do I have to take the program as outlined on the required course list? I would like to spread the program out and be a part-time student.
- This is a great question. Currently, we are focusing on full-time cohorts to best serve students on our waitlist. While part-time options are not currently offered, it is something the college may consider in the future.
Required Courses
- Cosmetology Fundamentals 1-Introductory
- Examine fundamental cosmetology topics related to individual cosmetologist hygiene/grooming, professional communication, and personal and professional development. Focus and disorders of the hair, skin, and nails and the study of bacteriology, decontamination, safety and first aid required in establishments, including Wisconsin cosmetology state statutes and administrative codes.
- 31502401
- 2 credits
- Examine fundamental cosmetology topics related to individual cosmetologist hygiene/grooming, professional communication, and personal and professional development. Focus and disorders of the hair, skin, and nails and the study of bacteriology, decontamination, safety and first aid required in establishments, including Wisconsin cosmetology state statutes and administrative codes.
- Cosmetology Fundamentals 2-Intermediate
- Introduction to anatomy & physiology of the hair, skin & nails. Electricity will be examined as it applies to salons and classification of the effects of light therapy and electrotherapy. Students will analyze physical mixtures and chemical compounds, physical and chemical changes, the pH scale, emulsions, and common product ingredients.
- 31502406
- 1 credit
- Introduction to anatomy & physiology of the hair, skin & nails. Electricity will be examined as it applies to salons and classification of the effects of light therapy and electrotherapy. Students will analyze physical mixtures and chemical compounds, physical and chemical changes, the pH scale, emulsions, and common product ingredients.
- Hair Sculpture 1-Introductory
- Students in this course will develop skills in haircutting utilizing proper tools and equipment. Additionally, this course will focus on various types of haircuts.
- 31502402
- 2 credits
- Students in this course will develop skills in haircutting utilizing proper tools and equipment. Additionally, this course will focus on various types of haircuts.
- Hair Sculpture 2-Intermediate
- Develop skills in haircutting, hair tapering (clipper cuts), and razor cutting haircutting utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- 31502407
- 2 credits
- Develop skills in haircutting, hair tapering (clipper cuts), and razor cutting haircutting utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- Hair Design 1-Introductory
- Develop skills in hairstyling, curling, blow drying, shampooing, scalp and hair treatments, conditioning, and hair analysis utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- 31502403
- 2 credits
- Develop skills in hairstyling, curling, blow drying, shampooing, scalp and hair treatments, conditioning, and hair analysis utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- Hair Design 2-Intermediate
- Develop skills in wet hair design using roller setting, pincurls, finger waving, and skip waves with proper tools and equipment.
- 31502411
- 2 credits
- Develop skills in wet hair design using roller setting, pincurls, finger waving, and skip waves with proper tools and equipment.
- Chemical Texture 1-Introductory
- Develop skills in permanent waving applying chemistry principles utilizing proper tools and equipment. Identify the differences between different chemicals.
- 31502404
- 2 credits
- Develop skills in permanent waving applying chemistry principles utilizing proper tools and equipment. Identify the differences between different chemicals.
- Chemical Texture 2-Intermediate
- Develop skills in hair relaxing, applying chemistry principles utilizing proper tools and equipment. Identify the differences between different chemicals.
- 31502410
- 2 credits
- Develop skills in hair relaxing, applying chemistry principles utilizing proper tools and equipment. Identify the differences between different chemicals.
- Hair Color 1-Introductory
- Study the color wheel and the Law of Color. Develop skills in hair coloring and decolorizing utilizing proper tools and equipment. Incorporate chemistry principles and appropriate product selection.
- 31502405
- 2 credits
- Study the color wheel and the Law of Color. Develop skills in hair coloring and decolorizing utilizing proper tools and equipment. Incorporate chemistry principles and appropriate product selection.
- Hair Color 2-Intermediate
- Apply the color wheel and the Law of Color. Apply advanced skills in hair coloring and decolorizing utilizing proper tools and equipment. Incorporate chemistry principles and appropriate product selection.
- 31502408
- 2 credits
- Apply the color wheel and the Law of Color. Apply advanced skills in hair coloring and decolorizing utilizing proper tools and equipment. Incorporate chemistry principles and appropriate product selection.
- Client Services 1-Introductory
- Apply practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, and hair color. Students are introduced to salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- 31502387
- 2 credits
- Apply practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, and hair color. Students are introduced to salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- Client Services 2-Foundational
- Increase development of practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, and hair color. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- 31502409
- 2 credits
- Increase development of practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, and hair color. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- Client Services 3-Intermediate
- Increase development of practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, relaxer, and hair color. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- 31502413
- 4 credits
- Increase development of practical techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, relaxer, and hair color. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- Client Services 4-Advanced
- Demonstrate advanced techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, relaxer, and hair color. Apply practical techniques for esthetics and nails. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- 31502416
- 3 credits
- Demonstrate advanced techniques for hair sculpture, hair design, permanent wave, relaxer, and hair color. Apply practical techniques for esthetics and nails. Continued application of salon daily operations – reception, dispense, and daily cleaning.
- Advanced Cosmetology Techniques
- Practice advanced techniques for nails, hair color, and hair sculpture. Maintenance of artificial hair care.
- 31502389
- 2 credits
- Practice advanced techniques for nails, hair color, and hair sculpture. Maintenance of artificial hair care.
- Esthetics
- Develop skills, utilizing proper tools and equipment, in hair removal, facial treatments, makeup, and eyelashes.
- 31502394
- 1 credit
- Develop skills, utilizing proper tools and equipment, in hair removal, facial treatments, makeup, and eyelashes.
- Nail Care and Design
- Develop skills performing in manicures, pedicures, and varied nail enhancement techniques utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- 31502395
- 1 credit
- Develop skills performing in manicures, pedicures, and varied nail enhancement techniques utilizing proper tools and equipment.
- Board Prep
- Review all state board required procedures and exam guidelines as well as practical and written assessment of all state board subjects. Pack for state board exams.
- 31502414
- 1 credit
- Review all state board required procedures and exam guidelines as well as practical and written assessment of all state board subjects. Pack for state board exams.
- Salon Communications
- Demonstrate personal and professional development topics such as personal hygiene, healthy habits, communication skills, and building self-respect.
- 31502412
- 1 credit
- Demonstrate personal and professional development topics such as personal hygiene, healthy habits, communication skills, and building self-respect.
- Salon Operations
- Develop a plan for career placement. Develop basic business principles necessary to plan and operate a business establishment including basic recordkeeping and time management skills.
- 31502415
- 2 credits
- Develop a plan for career placement. Develop basic business principles necessary to plan and operate a business establishment including basic recordkeeping and time management skills.
