What better state to start your career as a cosmetologist than California? Home to over hundreds of beauty schools, California is the ultimate beauty and fashion state.
With its thriving film and entertainment industries, California offers unique and exciting beauty careers to aspiring professionals like you.
Licensure protects the beauty industry and keeps standards high. In California, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology sets license requirements. You need at least 1600 hours of education and hands-on training to take your licensing tests. Use the list of top cosmetology schools in California below to find schools that can help you prepare for these tests.
To start your journey in cosmetology, you can find the best cosmetology school in California for your location and learning needs. There are tons of options in the state, so take some time to contact multiple schools and find one that you feel confident about. Education standards require all licensed California beauty schools to teach the same necessary skills.
Skills You Can Learn at Cosmetology Schools in California
- Hairstyling, including analysis, finger waving, pin curling, and straightening
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Hair coloring and bleaching
- Haircutting using scissors, razors, electrical clippers, and thinning shears
- Health and safety
- California laws and regulations
- Disinfection and sanitation
- Skin care
- Eyebrow maintenance
- Nail care
Cosmetology licenses in California must be renewed every two years in odd-numbered years by the licensee's original licensing date. You may renew your cosmetology license with the CA automated system, which takes 6 to 8 weeks. Or you can renew your CA cosmetology license online through BreEZe, which takes only 15 to 20 days. It costs $50 to renew your license if you're on time and it costs $100 if you renew late. Currently, no continuing education hours are required to renew your cosmetology license in California, but CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.
Across California, the need for cosmetologists is on the rise. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net predicts a 20% increase in job openings (2016). On average, California cosmetologists earn $28,770 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Of course, California is home to countless salons that meet the diverse needs of the population. As a cosmetologist, you may help clients discover new styles, put a twist on their favorite haircut, and make them feel confident. In California, you can also look into working in the entertainment industry. California has many television studios, movie studios, and celebrity events. Taking advantage of these opportunities may give you the chance to go more dramatic in your style, make a splash in a high-paying area of cosmetology, and build an enviable client base. With attractions like Disneyland, California is also an excellent place to get into character and stage makeup.
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
PO Box 944226
Sacramento, CA94244-2260
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Cosmetology Board Phone Number: 1-800-952-5210
Fax Number: 916-575-7281
E-mail: barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
The California State Board of Cosmetology is a valuable resource and can answer additional questions about obtaining a California state cosmetology license.
In a state where having the best outward appearance is a must, many find
the cosmetology field to be a natural place to maximize their potential.
California boasts a vast amount of salons, spas and schools attesting to this
fact. For those looking to get started, these institutions lead the way.
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
California Cosmetology Association
