Cosmetology Training in California

Making people look their best is a passion for many people, and if you have a good eye for style and beauty, you can find a stable career in the field of cosmetology.

Cosmetology Training at Trade Schools

    Aveda Institutes (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
    The Aveda Institute Cosmetology Program offers comprehensive training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, makeup, nail care, and business development using Aveda’s patented techniques and products. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced texture curriculum and client retention strategies, preparing them for diverse career paths such as salon stylist, makeup artist, or beauty influencer. Graduates join a prestigious network of award-winning professionals, benefiting from Aveda’s industry-leading education and reputation.

    • San Francisco, San Jose

    Bellus Academy
    The Bellus Academy Cosmetology programs prepare students for state licensure through several paths: the California-only Cosmetology Foundation requires 1,000 hours and can be completed in 7 months full-time, while the Advanced Cosmetology program requires 1,500 hours and takes 10 months. In Kansas, the Cosmetology 102 program is the longest option at 1,650 hours (11 months full-time), including an extra 150 hours of Make-up Designory (MUD) curriculum and a professional MUD branded kit. All programs provide business training and supervised hands-on experience in a student salon to prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers in the beauty industry.

    • Chula Vista, El Cajon, Poway

    California College of Barbering and Cosmetology (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
    The California College of Barbering & Cosmetology’s Cosmetology Program is a 1,500-hour course completed in about 10 months, with classes held Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Training is led by licensed instructors and industry specialists, covering hairstyling, coloring, makeup, treatments, advanced design, and salon business skills, with hands-on experience through live client work and salon apprenticeships. Graduates are prepared to meet California’s state licensure requirements for cosmetologists, opening doors to diverse beauty industry careers.

    • Stockton

    California Hair Design Academy (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
    The California Hair Design Academy in La Mesa offers a 1,000-hour Cosmetology program that combines state-of-the-art training with hands-on experience, exceeding California State Board requirements. Students learn advanced skills in hair artistry, spa treatments, makeup, and skincare while working with real clients and participating in student competitions. Graduates are prepared for licensure and a variety of career paths, such as hairstyling, skincare, and makeup artistry.

    • La Mesa

    Institute of Technology (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
    The Cosmetology program at IOT equips students with the technical skills, creative techniques, and business knowledge needed for entry-level careers in the beauty industry. Combining classroom instruction with salon floor practice, the program covers hairdressing, skincare, makeup, nail care, and professional standards. Graduates receive a diploma and are prepared for roles such as cosmetologist, hairstylist, makeup artist, or beauty advisor.

    • Clovis, Modesto, Redding

    Lawrence & Company, College of Cosmetology (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
    The Cosmetology program offers 1,600 hours of comprehensive training over 35 hours per week, blending classroom instruction with hands-on practice to master beauty industry skills. Students receive practical training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nails, and salon management, along with preparation for mock state board exams. With personalized teacher interaction and a focus on creative excellence, this program equips students for a successful career in cosmetology.

    • Selma

    Milan Institute (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
    The Milan Institute's Cosmetology program offers a comprehensive 34-week* training curriculum in California, Nevada, and Texas, preparing students for state licensure and entry-level careers in beauty. Students gain technical expertise in hairstyling, chemical treatments, skin care, nail services, and professional development, along with essential sanitation and safety practices. Graduates are equipped to excel in various beauty industry roles and take the State Board examination with confidence.

    • Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Palm Desert, Visalia, Fairfield, La Quinta

    Paul Mitchell Schools (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
    The Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Program trains students, known as Future Professionals, for careers as licensed cosmetologists through a structured three-level curriculum: Core, Adaptive, and Creative. Students gain hands-on experience, receive a comprehensive professional kit, and are thoroughly prepared to pass the Cosmetology State Board Examination. With personalized guidance and financial aid support, graduates are equipped to achieve their dream careers in the beauty industry.

    • Pleasant Hill, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Francisco, Costa Mesa, Pasadena, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, Temecula

    San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
    SFIEC offers a 1,000-hour California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology-approved program designed to prepare students for licensure and a career in cosmetology. This course trains students in hair, skin, makeup, nails, sanitation, business skills, and professionalism through hands-on practice and technical instruction. With class sizes limited to 20, graduates are well-equipped to excel in the beauty industry.

    • San Francisco

    San Jose City College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
    The Cosmetology Program provides a comprehensive education in hair, skin, nails, and salon management, emphasizing professionalism, sanitation, and compliance with the Cosmetology Act. Full-time students can complete the program in two semesters and a summer session, totaling 1,200 clock hours, at an estimated cost of $6,000. Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Science degree and are prepared to pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam to become licensed professionals.

    • San Jose

Cosmetology schools will teach students about hair styling, hair cutting, chemical treatments, weaving, straightening and coloring hair, as well as skin care and make-up techniques. You will also learn about hygiene and sanitation techniques. 

The programs consist of 1,600 hours, which is a number mandated by the state.

Most cosmetology schools will have you practicing on real people who come in for discounted services to allow students to perfect their skills, although you may have to pass a round of exams before you are allowed to practice on real clients.

At the L.A. Trade Technical College, each unit is priced at $26, and you are scheduled to take 12 units per semester, meaning each semester, tuition will be about $312. Other costs include equipment priced at about $600, in addition to $658 for textbooks.

The program requires 48 units for the certificate program, or two years. The Associate program requires 48 units in cosmetology as well, but adds 18 units in general education.

Other schools, like at the Paul Mitchell school, textbooks and a kit with equipment is included in a total tuition price that varies from campus to campus.

Cosmetology programs must be approved by the state in order for the class time to count for your license.

Career Overview

California may be considered the ideal state for ambitious cosmetologists as it is home to many top dollar clients like Hollywood actresses and other celebrities.

However for the same reason, the state has strict regulations on the cosmetology industry to ensure that the proper skills are learned and that sanitary and safety measures are followed.

The career title of cosmetologist can mean different things to different people, but because of oversight by the Department of Consumer Affairs – Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in California, the title does have as specific definition:

  • A cosmetologist is allowed to prep, style, cut and color hair on the body including eyelashes.
  • Cosmetologists are also allowed to give facials, do waxing or tweezing, and give manicures and pedicures, and apply makeup or false eyelashes.

On the other hand, an esthetician for example, is limited to providing less services but can apply makeup and false eyelashes.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships in California

Apprenticeship committees provide classroom instruction and help you navigate the apprenticeship process, but you must find a salon to work in yourself.

The program is typically a full-time 2-year program, but can be completed in 19 months by working more hours per week.

Apprenticeship Sponsors

The state provides a list of approved program sponsors, that you must contact if you are interested in getting an internship.

The program sponsor can help you through the process, and may be able to give you contact information so you can find a trainer at a salon.

Cosmetology Apprenticeship Requirements

As an alternative to a cosmetology school, you might consider an cosmetology apprenticeship.  To qualify, you must be 16 years old and have completed 10th grade or equivalent.

Getting your Cosmetology License

After you are set up for the apprenticeship, you will be required to attend a 39 hour training session prior to starting work. For the apprenticeship, you must complete 3,200 hours in a salon, and 220 supplemental hours in the classroom.

All work completed for the apprenticeship must be done with the trainer present.

Cosmetology Exam

At the end of the trade program or apprenticeship program, you must take a state exam to get your license.

Written Section

The exam consists of a written and a practical part. The written consists of 100 multiple choice questions that you must complete in two hours.

Practical Section

The practical exam tests you for basic skills, with a focus on proper disinfection and sanitary techniques, or proper consumer safety protocol.

Depending on which type license you are pursuing (Cosmetologist, Barber, Electrologist, Esthetician, or Manicurist), the license must be renewed every two years, by taking the exam again. 

You can learn more about the exam at the California Department of Consumer Affairs – Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website.