California Hairstylist Schools and Requirements
California's hairstylist school and licensure requirements are changing. As of October 2023, you need a barber or cosmetologist license to practice hairstyling (except natural hair braiding).
As such, this piece will dig into the new hairstylist license requirements. This license is not available as of October 2023, but it's anticipated to become available in the near future. Keep an eye on the California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology website for updates.
Browse our directory of hair design schools in California, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.
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16852 Devonshire Street
Granada Hills, CA 91344
Cosmetica Beauty and Barbering Academy
Downey, CA 90240
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:
California Hair School Requirements
California hair school students must attend at least 600 hours of classes on essential hair subjects. Topics include:
You may notice that these required classes don't include skincare or massage, which California hairstylists can do. If you want this training, you should consider finding a program that includes these topics or taking continuing education courses to give you a boost.
READ MORE: Learn More About Beauty Continuing Education
California Hair License Requirements
In addition to completing hair school, you must meet specific requirements, take exams, and pay licensure fees to get your license.
Before you get started, you should:
California also has laws regarding what can get you barred from practicing as a hairstylist in the state. To be a California hairdresser, you must not:
The board can make judgment calls in some cases, so if you don't meet criminal history qualifications at first glance, reach out to the board to discover your options.
If you're moving to California and want to work as a hairstylist, you can transfer hours so long as your previous education is at least as intensive as California's or if you've worked in the field for at least one and a half years.
What's On the California Hair Licensing Exam?
California uses the PSI licensure exam for hairstylists. This test occurs at a testing center and is given on a computer. You have 90 minutes to take a 60-question test, with 50 scored and 10 unscored questions.
The test breaks down as follows:
In addition to working hard in your California hair school program, you should consider looking at Milady and Pivot Point for study materials.
You aren't allowed to have anyone with you at the testing center (unless part of a pre-approved ADA accommodations or language interpreter setup), so have a plan if you need someone to babysit or drive you to and from the test.
After completing your test, a testing center staff member hands you your results. If you pass, you immediately get your photographic license. If you don't pass, you get to see your test to help you prepare for a retake.
What Can California Hairstylists Do?
Once the state begins offering hairstylist licenses, California hairdressers should be able to perform all hair services that don't involve chemicals. They can also provide face and neck stimulation with basic skincare products.
You need a cosmetology or barber license to use chemicals like dye or straightening supplies.
Should I Consider a Cosmetology or Barber License?
Whether you want to pursue a license to use chemicals or more advanced techniques, you should consider a barber or cosmetology license. Cosmetology school in California used to last for 1,600 hours, and barber programs ran for 1,500 hours, but both were lowered to 1,000 hours in January 2022.
Cosmetology programs teach about nails, makeup, and hair, including hair dye and relaxing. Barber programs also offer more hair treatments, facial hair care, and maintenance classes. If you want to be able to do a bit of everything in beauty, cosmetology is the way to go. To focus on short hair, barbering is likely more your speed.
READ MORE: Learn About California Cosmetology School
READ MORE: Learn About California Barber School
When this piece was written, a hairstylist-only license wasn't yet available. If this is the case, when you're reading, choosing a license also depends on when you want to start. Cosmetology and barber programs can begin quickly, while hairstylist programs are in flux.
California Hairstylist Salary
As of 2022, hairstylists, hairdressers, and cosmetologists in California average $45,020 annually. Barbers bring in a mean salary of $46,120.
To figure out how much you could earn, talk to hairstylists in the area you want to work in. Factors like years of service, workplaces, location, and specialties can affect your pay.
Contact the California State Board of Cosmetology
- 2420 Del Paso Road Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 94244
- Website: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Email: barbercosmo@dca.ca.gov
- Call: 800-952-5210
- Fax: 916-575-7281