Kentucky’s Gold Standard of Lawful and Humanized Beauty Education
About the Program
Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) is a Kentucky State-Licensed and State-Accredited beauty college, nationally recognized for excellence in lawful, humanized beauty education.
Our Nail Technology 450 Clock Hours Curriculum is designed to train students in the science, art, and professionalism of nail care — aligned with the standards and expectations of the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC).
All instruction is built with awareness of the Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations governing nail technology, as published by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology at:
👉 https://kbc.ky.gov
Milady as the Foundation of Theory Education
Louisville Beauty Academy’s Nail Technology curriculum is structured in alignment with the Milady Standard Nail Technology textbook and resources.
- All theory instruction,
- Chapter quizzes and tests, and
- PSI exam preparation
follow the Milady framework, ensuring that each student receives education consistent with nationally recognized standards and the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology exam outline.
In addition, LBA enhances learning with:
- Milady textbooks and online resources
- PSI exam preparation materials
- LBA’s own self-published books authored by Founder Di Tran
- Multilingual and AI-assisted study support
This combination makes LBA a gold standard hub where national curriculum, state law, and humanized education meet.
Program Structure – 450 Clock Hours
| Component | Description | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theory & Science | Infection control, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, electricity, professional image, business, exam prep | 150 hrs |
| Kentucky Statutes & Administrative Regulations | Overview and awareness of KRS 317A and 201 KAR 12 as published by KBC | 25 hrs |
| Clinic & Practice | Supervised services on mannequins and live models, sanitation, client care, application skills | 275 hrs |
| Total Program | Comprehensive Instructional Program | 450 Clock Hours Minimum |
These hours reflect Louisville Beauty Academy’s internal educational structure and are based on the most recent publicly available information from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology at the time of publication.
For current official requirements, always refer directly to https://kbc.ky.gov.
Curriculum Overview
1. Foundational Knowledge
- History and Opportunities in Nail Technology
- Life Skills, Professional Ethics, and Personal Growth
- Professional Image and Personal Presentation
- Communication Skills and Client Relations
- Building Confidence and “YES I CAN / I HAVE DONE IT” Mindset
2. General Sciences
- Infection Control and Safety Practices
- Anatomy and Physiology Related to Skin and Nails
- Nail Structure, Growth, and Health
- Nail Diseases and Disorders (recognition and referral)
- Basics of Chemistry (products, ingredients, and interactions)
- Nail Product Chemistry (monomer, polymer, gels, solvents)
- Basics of Electricity (safe use of electrical equipment, e-files, lamps)
These science topics are taught using Milady Standard Nail Technology as the core textbook, supplemented by LBA’s additional materials and visual/AI tools to help students deeply understand the “why” behind every service.
3. Nail Care & Enhancement Techniques
- Manicuring – Basic and advanced manicure procedures
- Pedicuring – Foot care, safety, and professional pedicure services
- Electric Filing (E-File) – Safe bit selection, speed control, and damage prevention
- Nail Tips and Wraps – Application, blending, maintenance, and removal
- Monomer Liquid & Polymer Powder Systems (Acrylic) – Full sets, fills, repairs
- UV/LED Gel Systems – Structure gels, gel polish, and specialty gel services
- Creative Nail Art & Design – Polish techniques, embellishments, hand-painted art
All skills are first demonstrated by instructors, then practiced on mannequins, then on live models in LBA’s supervised clinic.
4. Business and Professional Skills
- Preparing for Licensure and Employment
- Understanding the Nail Technician’s Role in a Salon or Spa
- Salon Management and Entrepreneurship Basics
- Customer Service, Client Retention, and Retail Skills
- Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and Communication in Practice
- Building a Portfolio and Social Media Presence Responsibly
These topics help students not only pass the exam, but also thrive in the workforce or as future salon owners.
Training and Lawful Practice
- Students must complete a required number of theory hours and safety education before performing services on the public.
- Early practice occurs only on mannequins and fellow students, under instructor supervision.
- All clinic hours are recorded using biometric and digital tracking to preserve accurate attendance and service records.
- Sanitation, disinfection, and safety practices are emphasized continuously in alignment with current standards published by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.
Instruction on Kentucky law is provided for educational awareness only.
LBA directs all students, graduates, and licensees to always consult the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology at https://kbc.ky.gov for the latest, official, and legally binding rules and regulations.
Why Louisville Beauty Academy Is the Gold Standard
Louisville Beauty Academy serves as a Center of Excellence for Beauty Education and Compliance in Kentucky by:
- Using Milady Standard Nail Technology as the national curriculum backbone
- Aligning training with KBC expectations and PSI exam outlines
- Supporting students with self-published LBA books, AI tools, and multilingual resources
- Maintaining transparent, documented, and humanized processes for all students
LBA graduates are trained to be:
- Technically skilled
- Lawfully aware
- Ethically grounded
- Compassionate and community-focused professionals
“Our education begins with respect for the law and ends with service to others — because lawful practice is the highest form of professionalism.”
— Di Tran, Founder & CEO, Louisville Beauty Academy
Legal and Educational Disclaimer
Louisville Beauty Academy’s curriculum materials, including this Nail Technology 450 Clock Hours Curriculum description, are provided solely for educational and sample purposes.
Any references to Kentucky statutes, administrative regulations, or board standards are general summaries and not official legal documents.
Louisville Beauty Academy assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or changes in law or regulation after the time of publication.
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) is the only official source for current and legally binding requirements.
For all official updates to KRS 317A and 201 KAR 12, please visit:
👉 https://kbc.ky.gov





