California may be the perfect place to learn to become a cosmetologist and begin your career. According to a 2019 study, California is the 8th most beauty-obsessed state in the U.S.—good news for budding cosmetologists.
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you
graduate from an accredited school. Learn more about the requirements in your state.
1,600 education hours or 3,200 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
You must renew your license every 2 years.
0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
The average salary for cosmetologists in California is $27,770 ($13.35/hour). This is higher than the national average of $26,090 ($12.54/hour).
There is a predicted 20% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 9%.
To become a cosmetologist in California, you must meet certain standards:
1. Be at least 17 years old and have completed 10th grade or its equivalent.
2. Be honest on the exam application about any criminal record—a criminal record doesn't necessarily bar you from licensure or employment
3. Demonstrate any one of the following:
Completion of a state-approved cosmetology program
Licensed cosmetology experience in another state for at least the length of a state-approved cosmetology program—three months of work equals 100 hours of training
Completion of an approved cosmetology crossover course if currently licensed as a barber
Completion of an apprenticeship that meets state standards
You may not mix and match the pathways to becoming a cosmetologist in California—for example, by beginning as a traditional student and finishing your program as an apprentice. You must choose one option or the other. However, students may participate in externship programs, allowing them to work in a salon without pay to earn the required hours.
In addition to performing cosmetology services, you must be comfortable acting as a mandatory reporter. Mandatory reporters are legally required to report suspicions of physical or sexual abuse to the proper authorities. You'll be trained in recognizing the signs of abuse by your school or apprenticeship program.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in California
1,600 Hours
Time to complete a cosmetology program in California
If you are interested in pursuing your cosmetology training through a traditional program, you have many schools to choose from.
Before enrolling, ensure your school is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Board requirements include having enough space for at least 25 students, enrollment of at least 25 students, and a curriculum that meets the state standards. The school can't have a history of unprofessional conduct, such as refusing inspections or noncompliance with requirements.
Your training must consist of a minimum of 1,600 hours of both practical and scientific instruction, including, but not limited to:
Anatomy and physiology
Chemistry of cosmetology products
Hair cutting and dyeing
Hair perming and relaxing
Hair removal (except by use of light waves/rays)
Health and safety
Makeup design and application
Manicuring
Basic massage
Optional specialty classes, like threading and natural hair braiding
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Apprenticeship in California
3,200 Hours
Time to complete a cosmetology apprenticeship in California
To apprentice as a cosmetologist in California, you need to ensure your program meets specific standards—so verify them before you begin:
The location in which you'll be apprenticing must be licensed.
Your trainer needs to be a licensed cosmetologist who has been approved to train by the board.
Your instruction must cover all the topics included in a cosmetology program.
You must be paid at a graduated rate, but they don't have to pay you for instruction-only time.
You can only practice on members of the public if you've been trained in the techniques you'll be using.
Your training must last a minimum of 3,200 hours over no more than two years and include the following:
39 hours of pre-apprenticeship training on laws and regulations, patron protection, and sanitation and disinfection
220 hours of direct instruction
No more than 8.5 hours per day and 42.5 hours of work and training per week—anything beyond this won't count
California Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Once you have completed at least 75% of your training or apprenticeship hours, you can apply to take the written and practical exams—though you won't be allowed to take them until you've finished your training. The state must give you your tests within 10 business days of you completing your program, and you need to pass them within one year of finishing your training.
Tests are available in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If the test is not available in your language and you don't speak, read, or write English at a minimum of a 10th grade level, you can request to use an interpreter.
The practical test requires you to perform treatments and tasks directly related to the license you're getting. This includes, but isn't limited to, haircutting, hair dying, facials, manicures, and sanitation and disinfection techniques. You must bring your own supplies. You can find in-depth information about to expect on the state's practical examination information page.
The written exam will consist of questions about scientific concepts and hair, skin, and nail care and services. You won't be allowed to have any electronics or notes with you during the test. The board provides sample questions on their theory examination information page.
As of 2020, the exam and license fee is $125 total, and you'll need to be able to go to one of the state's two permanent test locations—Fairfield for Northern California and Glendale for Southern California.
If you pass your tests, the state can choose to give you a provisional or full license. A probationary license, which can last up to three years, is at the board's discretion. This could be issued if you're undergoing medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment, are involved in a rehabilitation program, required to abstain from drugs or alcohol, or if your compliance with any rules is in question. However, these circumstances don't necessarily mean you'll be given a probationary license—this is on a case-by-case basis.
Licensure Reciprocity
California allows cosmetologists moving from other states to become licensed without taking tests if they have a current license that's been active for at least three of the five previous years, with no disciplinary action or criminal convictions on record. Contact the state board if you have questions about your status.
Cosmetology Specializations in California
California allows cosmetologists to receive additional training in a few different areas. If you're truly passionate about one of these fields as opposed to cosmetology as a whole, you could also choose to earn licensure in one of them instead. Specializations include:
You can also take optional specialty classes while in school to expand your knowledge and abilities, but those areas don't require specific additional certifications.
Cosmetology License Renewal in California
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
California requires cosmetologists to renew their licenses every two years, and there are no continuing education requirements. However, if you miss the deadline, you'll need to pass the tests again before it's reissued.
Cosmetology Salary in California and Projected Job Growth
$27,770
Average yearly salary for cosmetologists in California
The median salary for cosmetologists in California is $27,770 ($13.35/hour). If you're able to make it into the very competitive world of theatrical makeup, it goes up to $89,960 ($43.25).
California employs more cosmetologists than any other state. And this is expected to grow—in fact, the state anticipates there will be 20% more cosmetology jobs available between 2016 and 2026, much higher than the national expectation of 9%.
Contact the California State Board of Cosmetology
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
2420 Del Paso Road Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 94244
California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology This is the official state board page regarding all cosmetology laws, regulations, and updates. You can apply for your licensure exams, research programs, and file complaints through their site. They also have an active Facebook page that includes both important information and fun articles.
Professional Beauty Federation of California Similar to a union, the PBFC advocates for laws and regulations that will make the industry safer, with input from members. They organize a yearly "Welcome to Our World (W.O.W.)" event, at which lawmakers and their staff receive free treatments by volunteers in order while discussing concerns. You can stay up to date on their actions on their Facebook page.
Stylist & Salon Newspapers—California This publication offers a free digital subscription and covers all manner of topics affecting California cosmetologists. They also keep a running list of upcoming cosmetology events throughout the country.
