Cosmetology, Cosmetology Instructor, Esthetics Technology, and Manicuring/Nail Technology Technical Standards

• Read and apply information from lectures, textbooks, and audio/visual materials.
• Follow and practice the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.
• Evaluate client/guest reactions/responses and make sound conclusions.
• Develop and implement a service and maintenance plan.
• Analyze product instructions/ingredients for proper usage according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Measure and calculate the correct amounts of products according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Analyze and utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) materials properly.
• Properly analyze hair, skin, and nails and prescribe appropriate services and products.
• Apply color theory to achieve the desired effect.
• Demonstrate short-term and long-term memory when designing and/or completing hair, skin, and nail services.
• Apply knowledge skill set in hygiene, infection control, and safety during personal and salon practices.
• Apply fundamentals of hair, skin, and nail structure and chemistry.
• Detect and handle hair, skin, and nail disorders safely and correctly.
• Apply safe practices before, during, and after all services.
• Collect data, prioritize needs, and anticipate reactions.
• Maintain attention to detail.

Behave appropriately in both self-directed and shared learning environments.

Possess personal qualities of integrity, concern for others, compassion, interpersonal skills, and motivation.

• Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
• Follow through with responsibilities.
• Work diligently and devote the necessary time to complete tasks.
• Persist on difficult tasks.
• Exercise good judgment.
• Remain calm while under pressure in a stressful environment.
• Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions.
• Respect and care for clients whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and values may conflict with your own.

• Express information coherently and sensitively to clients/guests in both oral and written form.
• Demonstrate listening skills.
• Write, utilizing a legible and concise documentation style, which is readable, in the English language, and in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear, concise client records.
• Speak clearly and distinctly and orally communicate to people 6’to 10’ away.
• Obtain information from oral and written sources.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Perceive non-verbal communication.
• Interact with individuals from a variety of social, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds including clients, peers, and other salon/spa professionals.

• Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
• Solve personal and interpersonal problems.
• Minimize stress and conflict.
• Balance internal needs and external demands.

Physical abilities are sufficient to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction.

Gross and fine motor abilities are sufficient to provide safe and effective cosmetic art skills.

• Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Safely and appropriately use equipment, tools, and implements.
• Operate small tools associated with intricate, detailed, cosmetic arts services; including, but not limited to, the use of tweezers, hot wax applications, etc.
• Demonstrate full manual dexterity of the upper extremities including hands, arms, and shoulders.
• Position and maneuver while servicing spa clients/guests, including bending and stretching.
• Stand and/or walk up to 10 hours per day, with or without breaks.
• Perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
• Reach above shoulder height.
• Perform skills at varying heights.
• Perform chemical treatments from start to finish within prescribed time constraints for safety purposes.
• Lift, handle, and transport materials and equipment which can weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Hand/eye coordination.

• Hear the instructor’s voice in a noisy salon lab environment.
• Hear timers and equipment alarms.

• Read product and ingredient labels.
• Read safety labels and warnings such as specific Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Read client/guest intake forms and records.
• Observe hair, skin, and nail texture.
• Examine hair, skin, and nails prior to contact for evidence of disorders.
• Detect slight differences in color or form.
• Apply products, make-up, treatments, or hair removal techniques to clients’ faces and bodies.
• Observe and replicate instructor-demonstrated procedures and treatments.

• Feel hair, skin, and nail texture.

• Perform skills frequently indoors and occasionally outdoors.
• Demonstrate skills for prolonged periods amidst sharp tools, electrical equipment, noise, chemicals and toxins, dust, moisture, and heat.
• Tolerate odors and fumes associated with salon/spa services, including products, chemical services, disinfectants, and artificial nail applications.
• Work in areas that are in close proximity to others.
• Use steps, stairs, and ramps as needed.
• Work/stand on slippery and/or uneven surfaces.
• Handle disinfectants for proper infection control of salon/spa equipment, tools, materials, and facilities.
• Lab work performed at inconsistent hours.
• Maintain attention to detail by keeping the workstation clear and using infection control procedures throughout client/guest services.

• Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
• Calmly receive feedback.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.