Curriculum

The Orlo School of Hair Design and Cosmetology’s 1000-hour Cosmetology curriculum prepares students for the many responsibilities faced by industry professionals such as estheticians and hairdressers. Our courses are presented by a combination of lecture, demonstration and student practice, with approximately 680 hours devoted to practical application. Students demonstrate their knowledge through theory and practical exams and their completion of required clinic activities.

Introduce yourself to the units our students study at Orlo every day, and then explore the various course schedules available to full and part-time students.

Hairstyling (245 hours)

Practice techniques such as finger waving, pin curling, roller setting and hair wrapping. Learn about hair pressing, long hair techniques, and blowdry styling techniques, and combine these techniques to achieve results your future clients will seek.

Chemical Restructuring (180 hours)

Chemical restructuring allows stylists to change the texture of the clients’ hair in order to achieve the desired appearance. Study the various chemical texture services and practice their application.

Haircoloring & Lightening (180 hours)

Understand how porosity and melanin affect hair color, and learn how to successfully lighten, darken and highlight hair. Work includes the study of hair color formulation, gray hair coverage, color correction and more.

Haircutting & Shaping (175 hours)

Before you can begin to cut hair, you must be able to identify the best haircuts for the shape of your client’s head. Study the basic principles of haircutting and shaping, including handling various hair densities and textures, managing client consultations, and managing the various tools associated with haircutting. Classroom study will be followed by practical application.

Skin Care & Procedures (60 hours)

People aren’t just concerned about their hair – they’re worried about their skin and make-up, too. Study and practice skin care, facial services, make-up application and hair removal.

Nail Care & Procedures (40 hours)

From manicuring and pedicuring to nail tips, wraps and enhancements, study and practice everything you need to know to work as a nail technician.

Shampoo, Rinses, Conditioners & Treatments (30 hours)

Shampooing – it’s more than just washing hair. At this time, you can also identify and address hair and scalp conditions that require solutions. Here we explore the various shampoos, conditioners and other treatments available to treat clients with specific hair-care needs, and we walk through each process with practical applications.

Safety & Health (26 hours)

Be educated on the principles of infection and prevention, precautions and procedures that are necessary for both cosmetologists and their clients.

Professional Requirements (24 hours)

Study budgeting, time management techniques, client communication tips, ethics, image and more to prepare you for work in a professional setting.

Anatomy & Physiology (15 hours)

Learn about the human body to understand why your nutrition, exercise and health conditions can affect your appearance. Study how body systems such as the circulatory system, digestive system and respiratory system can influence the health and appearance of skin, hair and nails.

Hair Analysis (10 hours)

Study the properties of the hair and scalp. Learn about the structure and chemical composition of hair, the causes of hair growth and loss and how to analyze the hair of your clients.

Hair & Scalp Disorders & Diseases (10 hours)

Study and learn to identify the many disorders of the hair and scalp, including the technical terms for abnormal hair growth, splits ends, brittle hair, beaded hair and dandruff, among other conditions.

Chemistry as Applied to Cosmetology (5 hours)

Why study chemistry? Cosmetologists must be able to use professional products safely and effectively, and each of these products contains chemicals. A background in chemistry helps you solve problems that may occur with chemical services provided to clients.