How To Become A Cosmetologist In California

Do you want to pursue your love for beauty in cosmetology? If so, you have an exciting future ahead of you! To become a cosmetologist in California, there are a couple steps you need to take. The process can typically take about a year to complete and then you’re on your way to a career you love! The process can seem a little daunting at first, so we’re giving you a step-by-step guide to becoming a cosmetologist in California!

Attend Cosmetology School

The first step is to attend a cosmetology school! This is where you will gain the skills you need to prepare for a successful career in the beauty industry. To attend school at Salon Success Academy, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• U.S high school diploma, or official passing test results for the GED, HiSET or TASC exam

It’s important to do your research on schools and find a school that aligns with your career goals. Look at their website and social media and really get to know the school and what they have to offer you! At Salon Success Academy, we have been providing students with high-quality education for over sixty years. We’re committed to the success of our students and helping them achieve their goals.

About Our Program

Our cosmetology program is 1,200 hours long and can be completed in as little as 8 months with a full-time schedule and 14 months with a part time schedule. It includes classroom training along with hands-on practice. Students will get the chance to provide services on real-life clients in our *student clinic. We believe that interacting with customers and using professional products can give students a better understanding of the real world. In this program, you can expect to learn:

• Hair cutting, coloring, and styling
• Chemical hair straightening and perming
• Facials
• Eyebrow arching and waxing
• Manicuring / nail care / artificial nails
• Pedicuring
• State board preparation
• Client development
• And more

*all services are performed under the supervision of certified instructors

Pass The State Licensing Exam

After you graduate from cosmetology school, it’s time to pass your exam! This is a written exam and will test your knowledge on all the techniques and skills you will need. You need at least a 75% to pass and the test is 110 questions, with 2 hours to complete. You can expect to be tested on the following:

• Safety and infection control (25)
• Client consultation (2%)
• Hair, scalp, skin, and nail analysis (15%)
• Hairstyling (6%)
• Haircutting (12%)
• Chemical services (15%)
• Skin care (6%)
• Makeup (2%)
• Hair removal (4%)
• Nails (13%)

Start Your Career

Congrats, you’ve passed the exam! Earning your cosmetology license is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud of how far you’ve come. It means you’re ready to get a job in the beauty industry! Being a cosmetologist is a rewarding career, and the job outlook is expected to grow 11% by the year 2031. The options are endless and there are so many career paths you can choose as a cosmetologist:

• Salon stylist
• Platform artist
• Men’s hairstylist
• Lash technician
• Nail technician
• Skincare specialist
• Salon manager
• Professional makeup artist
• Salon owner
• Sales consultant
• Editorial stylist
• Educator for a school or product line

Never Stop Learning

No continuing education hours are required to renew your cosmetology license in California, but that doesn’t mean you should stop learning! We always recommend you stay current in the industry, as it will offer more value to yourself and the services you provide. Learn a new skill, learn a new technique – anything that can add to your value as a cosmetologist do it!

Ready To Get Started?

Are you ready to become a cosmetologist? Contact us today! As part of the admissions process, we’d love to schedule a tour and meet you. At the tour, you can expect to get an insiders look of the school, meet student ambassadors, and ask any questions you have. We’ll talk through your expectations of cosmetology school and help you see if Salon Success Academy is the right for you!

We can’t wait to talk to you and help you as you begin your dream!