The Best Beauty Schools in California
Are you considering a beauty career in California? Smart move. The industry is growing at a fast rate, and more and more jobs are opening up for cosmetologists every day.
In this post, you’ll find some of the best cosmetology schools in California, as well as information about the California State Board of Cosmetology.
Best Cosmetology Schools in California: Table of Contents
- How to Become a Cosmetologist in CA
- California Board of Cosmetology Hour Requirements & License Fees
- Cosmetology License Renewal in California
- Reciprocity: License Transfer in California
- CA State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
- How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in California?
- Two Top Cosmetology Schools in CA
- How to Find the Top Cosmetology Schools in California Near You
How to Become a Cosmetologist in California
In order to become a cosmetologist in California, you’ll need to:
- Consider the Best Cosmetology Programs Near Me: Before deciding on a school, make sure to look at all of the beauty schools that California has to offer. In order to get a custom list of the best cosmetology schools near you, sign up for Campus Explorer below!
- Attend an Accredited Cosmetology School in California*: Once you’ve decided on the best cosmetology program in California for you, you must attend classes and complete at least 1,600 hours of training. This includes both classroom/writing instruction and practical/hands-on learning.
- Pass the California State Cosmetology Board Exam: After completing your school’s cosmetology program, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires you to pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam. This has two parts: a written (theory) exam and a practical (hands-on) exam.
- Apply for Your License: The final step, after finishing school and passing the cosmetology state board exam, is to apply for your official California cosmetology license.
*Cosmetology Apprenticeship in California
Instead of attending cosmetology school, California offers the alternative of doing a cosmetology apprenticeship instead. If you go this route, then you’ll need to complete 3,200 hours working as an apprentice under a licensed cosmetologist. Notably, this must be supplemented with at least 220 hours of supplemental classroom instruction.
In order to become a cosmetologist apprentice, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have finished the 10th grade (at least)
- Have a valid social security number
- Get a hold of a program sponsor from the Approved Apprenticeship Program Sponsors list
- Complete a 39-hour program from an approved program sponsor prior to beginning work as an apprentice
You will still need to pass the state board exam in order to get your cosmetology license.Â
Read: How to Pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam
California Board of Cosmetology Licensing Requirements + Fees
As you saw in the previous section, you must complete 1,600 hours in order to become a licensed cosmetologist. Also, you’re required to pass the cosmetology state board exam. The exam and license fees total $125.
Check out the Ultimate Cosmetology State Board Exam Practice Test and Study Guide.
Here are the requirements for similar beauty licenses:
Barber: 1,500 hours
Electrologist: Either 600 training hours or two years as an apprentice
Esthetician: 600 hours
Manicurist: 400 hours
Cosmetology License Renewal in California
In order to keep your license up-to-date, you must renew it every other year. This must be done in odd-numbered years, and the deadline is the original date on which you received your license.Â
The cost is $50, although it increases to $100 if you renew past your deadline.Â
At this time, continuing education classes are not a requirement for renewal.Â
License Reciprocity:
Transferring a Cosmetology License to CA
In order to transfer your cosmetology license to California, your training from your home state must be equal to or greater than California’s own cosmetology training requirements.
If you have less than 1,600 hours of training, then you’ll need to attend a cosmetology school in California to complete extra hours and make up the difference.
The California Board of Cosmetology also requires that you:
- Have a cosmetology license in good standing in your home state
- Possess no child support issues
- Have been licensed for a minimum of three out of the past five years
CA State Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
The California State Board of Cosmetology plays a vital role in you getting your license. Therefore, it’s fortunate that there are many different ways to contact them.Â
Website
One of the most essential methods of communication is through the California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology website, because it has required forms to fill out. For example, your application for a license or for license transferral.Â
Street Address
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
PO Box 944226
Sacramento, CA94244-2260
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone Number
1-800-952-5210
Fax Number
916-575-7281
Email Address
How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in California?
In the United States, the average salary for cosmetologists is $30,490. Comparatively, the average salary for cosmetologists in California is $30,990. (Or $14.90 per hour.)
In California, cosmetologists earning in the top 10% make an average of $45,540 annually. In contrast, those in the top 25% earn an average of $33,000 per year.
In order to maximize your earnings, consider the highest paying industries for cosmetologists:
- Substance Abuse & Psychiatric Hospitals
- General Hospitals
- Performing Arts Companies
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Company & Enterprise Management
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated May 2017)
Two of the Best Cosmetology Schools in California
Although there are numerous beauty schools in California that are exemplary, we’ve chosen to showcase just a few. This is because we want to inspire you to get started on your search.
Aveda Institute in Los Angeles, California
One of the most popular names in education is Aveda Cosmetology School. At the Aveda Institute in Los Angeles, California, you can expect a one-of-a-kind education with a name that really sets you apart on a resume.Â
The Los Angeles location offers both a cosmetology program and an esthetics program.Â
How Much is Cosmetology School? $22,975 + $2,400 Kit Cost
How Long is Cosmetology School? 14 Months
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology in San Diego, CA
The Palomar Institute of Cosmetology is a top-notch beauty school in San Diego, California. It has been operating for over 25 years, and it has trained many successful beauty specialists.
You can count on Palomar Institute to prepare you fully for the California State Board exam, because its classes are designed to help you pass.
In addition to the Cosmetology Program, the Palomar Institute offers an Esthetics Program and a Manicuring Program.Â
Notably, federal grants and loans are available to help offset the cost of tuition. VA benefits are also welcome.
How Much is Cosmetology School? $18,250 + $1,995 Kit Cost
How Long is Cosmetology School? 11 Months
How to Find the Best Cosmetology Schools in California Near You
In order to find the best cosmetology programs in California near you, take advantage of Campus Explorer’s 100% free tool. Simply enter basic information into the toolbar below, and then you’ll receive custom information about beauty schools near you.Â
And the best part? Well, in addition to being free, there are no strings attached. In other words, you can unsubscribe at any time.
In the meantime, expect updates with cost and enrollment info about the best beauty schools near you!
Best Cosmetology Schools in California:
Final Thoughts
It is our hope that this guide has helped you navigate the ins and outs of becoming a cosmetologist in California. The beauty industry is an exciting, booming industry eagerly awaiting new professionals!
Discover more beauty school opportunities in California:
List of Trade Schools in CA
The Best Makeup Schools in California
How to Become an Esthetician in CA
Sources:
California Board of Cosmetology
Cosmetology School in California
Top Ten Best Cosmetology Schools in California