Cosmetology Schools in California
If you love all things beauty, cosmetology school could be the right path for you – especially in a place as vast and varied as California! Cosmetologists in California can provide haircare, skincare, and manicuring and pedicuring services after only 1,000 hours of classes.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in California, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in California
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970 Broadway Suite 110
Chula Vista, CA 91911
520 San Ramon Valley Boulevard
Danville, CA 94526
75-030 Gerald Ford Drive Suite 203
Palm Desert, CA 92211
1679 East Monte Vista Avenue Suite 200
Vacaville, CA 95688
16852 Devonshire Street
Granada Hills, CA 91344
American Beauty College - Palmdale – Accredited
Palmdale, CA 93551
American Beauty Institute - San Diego – Accredited
San Diego, CA 92111
American Empire College – Accredited
Rosemead, CA 91770
Asian-American International Beauty College – Accredited
Westminster, CA 92683
Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy – Accredited
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Bridges Beauty College - Rancho Cucamonga – Accredited
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
California Barbering and Cosmetology Apprenticeship Learning Center
Sacramento, CA 95826
Coastline Beauty College - Fountain Valley – Accredited
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cosmo Beauty Academy - Garden Grove – Accredited
Garden Grove, CA 92841
CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering – Accredited
Garden Grove, CA 92845
D'Lacreme School of Cosmetology and Barbering – Accredited
Fairfield, CA 94533
Divina Cosmetology & Barbering Academy – Accredited
Vacaville, CA 95688
Duchess Beauty Academy – Accredited
Los Angeles, CA 90020
El Prado Adult School (California Institute for Women) – Accredited
Corona, CA 92882
Inspire Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology – Accredited
Stockton, CA 95203
International Academy of Cosmetology & Barbering – Accredited
South Gate, CA 90280
International College of Beauty Arts & Sciences – Accredited
Los Angeles, CA 90039
International School of Beauty - Palm Desert – Accredited
Palm Desert, CA 92260
John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College – Accredited
Long Beach, CA 90813
Lawrence & Company College of Cosmetology - Hanford – Accredited
Hanford, CA 93230
Maiquela's Cosmetology Academy - South Gate – Accredited
South Gate, CA 90280
Maiquela's Cosmetology Academy - Upland – Accredited
Upland, CA 91786
Mixed Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering – Accredited
Sacramento, CA 95823
Moler Cosmetology College/Divsion of Moler Barber College – Accredited
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks – Accredited
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Professional Schools of Beauty, Fashion and Arts – Accredited
Reseda, CA 91335
Salon Success Academy - Redlands – Accredited
Redlands, CA 92373
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology – Accredited
San Francisco, CA 94103
Sierra Vista Adult School (Central California Women’s Facility) – Accredited
Chowchilla, CA 93610
Southern California Regional Occupational Center – Accredited
Torrance, CA 90501
The Brothers & Sisters BarberCosmo Academy – Accredited
Oakland, CA 94601
The Salon Professional Academy - San Jose – Accredited
San Jose, CA 95129
V.R. Professional Beauty Academy – Accredited
City of Industry, CA 91748
Valley State Adult School (Valley State Prison for Women) – Accredited
Chowchilla, CA 93610
Victory Career College – Accredited
Torrance, CA 90502
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Find a Cosmetology School Near You
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in California have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in California
- Training Hours: 1,000
- Apprenticeship Hours: 3,200
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Requirements: 0 hours
- Median California Cosmetologist Salary: $39,370
- Expected Cosmetology Job Growth (2022-2032): 6%
To become a cosmetologist in California, you need to complete an approved cosmetology program or apprenticeship, pass an exam, and meet other age, educational, and similar requirements.
We'll dig into the school and exam details in a bit, but first, you should make sure you meet the basic requirements for the examination:
Once you're sure you'll meet all the above requirements by the time you apply to take your cosmetology test, it's time to start looking at cosmetology schools near you.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in California
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in California
Cosmetology programs in California cover a variety of hair, nail, and skin care topics. Though the state requires 1,000 hours of training, your school may choose to add classes or hands-on training. At a minimum, your cosmetology curriculum must include:
When picking the right beauty school for you, you need to take many factors into consideration. For instance, you should figure out how far you're willing to travel, how much you can afford, and what your ideal class sizes are. If you want to specialize in a specific area of cosmetology, consider schools that offer specialized courses. Be sure to check reviews, tour any school you're considering, and, of course, make sure the cosmetology program is approved by the state.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist via an Apprenticeship in California?
You can become a cosmetologist in California by completing an approved apprenticeship. When beginning your apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old, have completed the 10th grade, and have a valid ID and a Social Security or taxpayer identification number. Your apprenticeship would be roughly equivalent to a full-time job, with a mandatory 32-42.5 hours per week for two years, ultimately totaling 3,200 hours of on-the-job training. Some classwork is required.
By law, apprentices in California must be paid at least the minimum wage and be granted workers' compensation by their employer. You can't work for commission.
California Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
You need to complete an approved program or apprenticeship, pass an exam, and submit an application to the State Board to earn your cosmetology license in California.
Cosmetology Exams in California
You only need to take a written cosmetology exam in California, with no hands-on exam required. The test takes 120 minutes (two hours) and covers a wide range of topics, including:
Note:Exam topic titles and point values are changing in April 2026, but the gist is the same.
If English is not your primary language, you may be in luck. The California cosmetology licensure exam is also available in Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. If you can't read and write English at a 10th-grade level and you can't take the test in your native language, you can apply to use an interpreter.
California Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Trained cosmetologists from other states may be able to transfer their licenses to California. This is easiest if you have an active license in another state. However, if you completed a program lasting at least 1,000 hours, you may still be able to skip additional training.
Cosmetology Specialties in California
A California cosmetology license allows you to practice a wide variety of beauty treatments. However, if you want to narrow your focus without completing an entire cosmetology program, you could earn licensure in another beauty specialty. These include
You don't need a specific license to solely braid hair in California.
California is also a popular state for theatre and film makeup artists. Attending cosmetology or esthetician school can be helpful, but it's not the only path to that career. Many people learn on the job, from a mentor, or in a performing arts program.
Cosmetology License Renewal in California
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You need to renew your California cosmetology license every two years. No continuing education courses are required. However, taking classes can help you stay on top of trends, hone your skills, and add to your .
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in California
Median yearly salary for cosmetology in California
In 2024, cosmetologists in California earned a median salary of $39,370, with pay ranging from $34,690 or less to $75,100 or more per year. However, these official estimates don't include self-employed cosmetologists, and the survey from which the data is collected is optional. Data from a survey conducted by beauty industry experts has shown that cosmetologists may actually earn much more than reported!
Your potential pay is also impacted by your specific workplace, services offered, local cost of living, and more.
The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in New York are:
| Metro Area | 2024 Salary Range |
| Napa, CA Metro Area | $36,730 – $71,140 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Area | $34,930 – $126,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Metro Area | $34,430 – $76,210 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metro Area | $36,520 – $55,340 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metro Area | $35,100 – $67,670 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2025); data arranged by median pay
The number of cosmetology jobs in California is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is on par with the national expectation.
Contact the California Cosmetology Board
- Website: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Email: barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
- Call: 800-952-5210