Best 15 Cosmetology Schools in California in 2024

Butte College offers an Associate in Science in Cosmetology degree that meets the required 1,600 hours of education and training. Students complete the program by attending classes in seven modules that are each six weeks in length. Courses covered include the required courses that meets the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requirements, along with several choices of electives. The estimated completion time is 11 months.

Citrus College, located in Glendora, California, offers a Certificate in Cosmetology program that meets the state requirements. Students learn the latest techniques in performing cosmetology services. The program provides students with theoretical and practical skills, along with interactive demonstrations, and hands-on applications.

The program ranks in the top five certificate programs at the school.

The Cosmetology Department at Fullerton College recognizes the ongoing growth in the cosmetology industry, and offers prospective students a comprehensive program that prepares them to sit for the Board exam. Students complete the required 1,600 hours of education and training, and have several program options, a benefit not offered at all schools.

Choose the Certificate in Cosmetology program to gain the basic knowledge and skills, and to meet the 1,600 hour requirements. Choose the Cosmetology Instructor Associate in Science Degree program and learn to teach the technical skills of cosmetology to work with hair, skin, and nails. Students enrolled in this program learn or expand on Pivot Point Principles.

The Cosmetology Associate in Science Degree prepares graduates to sit for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination.

Golden West College prepares cosmetology students for their future as a licensed cosmetologist by offering both a Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology, and an Associate of Science degree in Cosmetology.

The courses are designed as entry level courses for students that want to complete the 1,600 required hours to sit for the state exam. The degree is offered as a full-time, daytime program.

Riverside City College is another California college with cosmetology programs with only a small tuition payment per unit, or credit hour. The school offers several opportunities for cosmetology students, including the Cosmetology Instructor Training program for students that hold a current Cosmetology licensed issued by the State of California.

The program consists of 12 months of full-time study, covering areas such as lesson planning, use of audio and visual aids, applying principles to resolve classroom and instructional issues, and methods of evaluation.

Located in Mission Viejo, California, Saddleback College offers two program options in the cosmetology department, including the opportunity for students to receive a Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology. The program meets the 1,600 hour state requirement for cosmetologists, and can be completed in three to five semesters of study. Program classes are on an open-entry basis, with student cohorts starting at a variety of times during a semester.

The school points to the fact that with the growing population of South Orange County, the area is a particularly good area for cosmetologists to pursue their career.

The Santiago Canyon College offers anAssociate of Science in Cosmetology degree that is designed to exceed the minimum standards set by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students learn through both classroom lecture and laboratory training. Topics covered include hairdressing, hair cutting, shaping, hair coloring, chemical waving and straightening. Other topics included in the program instruction include scalp and hair treatments, manicuring, facials, and operation of a beauty salon. Students also learn sanitation, laws and regulations.

The cosmetology program at San Jose City College is recognized as a top cosmetology program in the State of California, and features an award-winning staff. Students that enroll at the school have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Cosmetology or an Associate of Science in Cosmetology degree. The cosmetology program prepares graduates to take the board exam, and to work as a licensed cosmetologist.

Students engage in hands-on learning in the program that starts in either the fall or spring semester.

Gain the skills to become a cosmetologist in just 11 months at the International College of Cosmetology. The Bay-area school believes that cosmetology is a field not learned primarily in textbooks, but through hands-on salon opportunities, While preparing to sit for the exam, students will have the opportunity to work with real clients in the student salon at the school.

Students gain more than the technical skills to launch a successful career in cosmetology. Learn confidence and the knowledge to build a client base.

The KC Beauty Academy is located in Los Angeles and provides students with the opportunity to become licensed cosmetologists. The cosmetology program provides students with the knowledge and skills to pass the California State Board Cosmetology examination. Students benefit from both technical and practical instruction in the 12-month program.

Bellus Academy offers students the opportunity to complete the cosmetology program at their choice of the El Cajon campus, or at the school’s Chula Vista or Poway location. The cosmetology program extends beyond the state board requirements by featuring one month each of cut, color, and hair extensions training.

Students refine their interests during the five months of classroom hands-on education and training. The extra training in hair and eyelash extensions allows students to gain skills that will likely allow them to provide these in-demand services to clients.

Students also gain entrepreneurial skills in branding, social media marketing, and training in other business areas.

The Lancaster Beauty School, located in Lancaster, California, provides students with the opportunity to meet the 1,600 required hours of study and training to sit for the exam. Students learn the fundamental skills of hair, skin, and nails. Students also learn safety and sanitation measures for patron protection.

Students also gain knowledge of good habits, good attitudes, self-assurance, responsibilities, and ethics in cosmetology.

The American Beauty College started in Bell, California and today includes campus locations in West Covina and Palmdale. The school works diligently towards perfecting their curriculum to provide students with an education that students can be proud of, as well as an education that meets Board requirements.

The program consists of 1,600 hours, with up-to-date curriculum, which can be completed in 12 months.

The Palomar Institute of Cosmetology provides students with in-depth knowledge and skills training in all basic areas of cosmetology. The program consists of a combination of theory and hands-on training, as well as the business skills that prepare students for a successful career in cosmetology.

Students that attend the Neihule Academy understand the importance of style, design and color. They gain the technical and practical skills required of professional cosmetologists throughout the program. Students also learn communication skills, marketing skills, and product and retail knowledge.

The school offers students the opportunity to turn passion into a career, and the opportunity to complete the program in less than 12 months.