Cosmetology Curriculum 2026: What’s Included?

Program
Written By Guest User

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Wondering what you’ll be learning once you’re enrolled in cosmetology? At Aveda, students learn through a balance of theory, hands-on education, and guest experience, focusing on skills that translate directly to the salon floor and support long-term career growth.

Our program supports licensing requirements while preparing students for modern expectations around guest service, retail, teamwork, and professionalism.

Let’s get into the details:

Haircare

  • Plant aromaology

  • Product knowledge

  • Ingredient analysis

  • Hair cleansing

  • Detangling

  • Damage treatment/repair

Professional Development

  • Time management

  • Communication

  • Interview skills

  • Salon Operations

  • Guest Services

Financial Literacy

  • Budgeting

  • Employee wages and benefits

  • Business building tools

  • Salon owner financials

Hair Styling

  • Texture essentials

  • Twists, coils & curls

  • Curl diffusion

  • Wet styling

  • Finger waving

  • Pin curl techniques

  • Roller setting

  • Comb out techniques

  • Artistry in hair styling

  • Flat irons

  • Marcel irons

  • Curling irons

  • Blow dry

  • Upstyles/event styling

  • Finishing

Hair Cutting

  • Tools and techniques

  • Sectioning

  • Scissor handling

  • Guest consultation

  • Core fundamentals of cutting

  • Texturizing

Barbering

  • Core short cut techniques

  • Clipper-cutting

  • Razor-cutting

  • Facial hair grooming

Hair Colouring

  • Colour theory

  • Demi, Semi & Permanent colour

  • Colour formulation & placements

  • Texture colour placements

  • Current trends

  • All over colour

  • Foiling techniques

  • Highlights

  • Balayage

  • Enlightening/Toning

  • Vibrant colours

  • Colour blocking

  • Colour melt

  • Corrective colouring

  • Advanced colour techniques

Chemical Retexturing

  • Equipment, tools & materials

  • Chemistry of solutions

  • Perming and relaxing techniques

  • Application techniques

  • Custom perm design & wrapping

Makeup

  • Fundamentals

  • Natural & photoshoot applications

Chemistry

  • Scalp and hair analysis

  • Bacteriology

  • Infection control

  • Sanitation/sterilization

Anatomy & Physiology

  • Muscular system

  • Nervous system

  • Circulatory system

  • Skeletal system

Hair Enhancements

  • Wigs and hairpieces

  • Braiding and advanced braiding

  • Sewn-In hair extensions

Nail Care

  • Foundations of nail care

Editorial Hairstyling

  • Creative direction

  • Hair design

  • Makeup design

  • Photoshoot design

Provincial Rules/Regulations

  • Provincial laws and regulations

  • Government exam preparation

  • Safety & sanitation requirements (including WHMIS)

Marketing

  • Social media

  • Photography

  • Videography

  • Guest recruitment

  • Personal branding

Confidence comes with practice—and you’ll get plenty of it. By working with guests, receiving feedback, and building your skills step by step, you’ll gain the confidence to step into your career feeling prepared and capable.

Ready to make your passion your profession? Your next step is to get more info: 

GET MORE INFO
 

We’re always levelling up, so our curriculum changes from time to time. This page was last updated May 2026.

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