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California is one of the best places in the country to start a beauty career because there’s no shortage of opportunities for licensed cosmetologists. Whether you're drawn to hairstyling, skincare, nails, or makeup, becoming a licensed cosmetologist can open doors to a creative career.
The state actually ranks among the top for cosmetology jobs, with major hubs in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. In particular, Los Angeles stands out due to the film and television industry’s constant demand for skilled makeup artists and hair professionals.
But before you can start your career, it’s important to understand exactly what’s required to become a licensed cosmetologist in California. So, in this article we’ve outlined the steps you need to follow to become one.
First things first, cosmetologists are beauty professionals who work with hair, skin, and nails. That could mean giving someone a whole new haircut and color, doing makeup for a big event, shaping brows, giving facials, or even applying lash extensions.
You’ll often find cosmetologists working in salons and spas, but if you think about being a cosmetologist in California, here many also work on movie sets, backstage at fashion shows, in medical spas, or even run their own businesses.
California has one of the largest and most vibrant beauty industries in the country and there's always a steady stream of clients looking for talented beauty professionals to help them look and feel their best.
A great reason to become a cosmetologist is the variety of career paths you can choose from. You might work in a salon, travel as part of a celebrity’s glam squad, or even start your own beauty brand one day. The beauty industry offers so many different opportunities, allowing you to shape your career in a way that fits your passion and lifestyle.
Cosmetology can also be financially rewarding. If you’re talented, reliable, and able to build a loyal client base, you can make a very good living especially in California’s larger cities. Many stylists, makeup artists, and skincare professionals thrive financially once they build a name for themselves.
Before you start earning a living from being a cosmetologist, there are a few basic requirements you’ll need to meet in California to get your license. First, you must be at least 17 years old to apply and the state also requires that you’ve completed at least the 10th grade or have earned your high school diploma or GED.
You’ll need to enroll in and successfully complete a cosmetology program at a state-approved school. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology oversees these programs to make sure you’re receiving the proper training that covers everything from hairstyling to safety and sanitation practices.
Once the 1,000 hours of training are complete, you’ll need to pass the state licensing exams. You’ll have to submit an application for examination and pay an initial non-refundable fee of $125 to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Then, you’ll have a written test that checks your knowledge of all the topics you studied in school.
Finally, once you pass, you’ll need to send an application for certification. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll officially be on your way to starting your exciting career in cosmetology.
Cosmetology school prepares you for the licensing exams you’ll need to pass in order to start working professionally. It will give you well-rounded training in all the key areas you'll need: hairstyling, cutting, coloring, skincare, nail care, and much more. You’ll learn hands-on skills, but you’ll also learn more about anatomy and physiology, customer service, business basics, and proper hygiene.
When you’re choosing a cosmetology school, it’s important to make sure the program is accredited. A legitimate school should be licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. This ensures that the education and training you receive meet national standards and that you’ll be fully prepared to take your state board exams and start working as soon as you’re licensed.
Then, take some time to research the school’s reputation. Look at their website, read reviews, and see what current or former students are saying. Tuition is another big factor to think about as prices can range anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on the program and location. You’ll also want to consider scheduling options. Some schools offer full-time, part-time, or evening classes to fit different lifestyles. Finally, find out if the school offers job placement help or career services after graduation.
💡Pro Tip: Don’t just sign up at the first school you visit. Take tours of several schools, and if possible, sit in on a class. Talk to current students and get their honest opinions about their experience. Hearing from people who are already enrolled can give you valuable insight into what daily life at the school is really like.
While you’re waiting to start, it’s a great idea to begin learning some basics on your own. Watch YouTube tutorials, read cosmetology books, and start familiarizing yourself with topics like hair coloring, styling techniques, and human anatomy. The more you know before your first class, the more confident you’ll feel once you start.
Choosing your cosmetology school is a big decision because this is where you’ll build the skills that will shape your entire career. California has plenty of great options to choose from, so take your time and find one that feels right for you. Some well-known schools include Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and Toni & Guy, but there are also many excellent smaller programs that may be closer to home or more affordable. Don’t be afraid to tour a few schools, ask lots of questions, and pick the one that best fits your goals and budget.
California wants to make sure that anyone working as a cosmetologist knows how to keep clients safe. By passing the exam, you’re showing that you understand proper safety protocols, how to apply chemicals correctly, how to avoid putting clients at risk, and how to maintain a clean, sanitized workspace. It’s all about protecting both the public and yourself while working in this hands-on career.
Once you complete your 1,000 training hours, you’ll be ready for the final written exam. It will cover everything you’ve learned during school, such as safety, sanitation, technical knowledge, customer service, and California’s specific laws and regulations.
For the cosmetology license, the exam includes 100 scored questions plus 10 pretest questions. You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the test.
💇 Best part: California no longer requires a hands-on practical exam, so you only need to focus on the written portion.
The exam is offered in several languages to help make it accessible: English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese. Keep in mind that the translations are done using the most neutral or widely understood version of each language so they can be suitable for the largest number of test-takers.
If you’re not able to read, speak, or write in English at a 10th-grade level and your native language isn’t offered, you may request to use an interpreter. There are specific guidelines and instructions for this option, so be sure to check the application for interpreter instructions if this applies to you.
Your school will most probably provide study guides, review sessions, and practice exams to help you feel prepared. There are also plenty of great online resources and practice tests available to boost your confidence. And if you don’t pass from the first try, you’ll have the chance to retake the exam after a short waiting period.
To keep your license active, you’ll need to renew it every two years.The renewal fee for your cosmetology license is $50 and can be done through the Department of Consumer Affairs BreEZe online system.
Currently, California doesn’t require any continuing education hours to renew your license, but it’s still a great idea to keep learning. Staying up-to-date on new trends, techniques, and products will make you even more valuable to your clients and help your career grow.
Don’t just settle for any job that comes your way. Sometimes, salons will visit your school and offer positions as soon as you graduate. While that can be exciting, make sure the opportunity truly aligns with your end goal. If you dream of working in a high-end salon, start making connections early. Reach out to salons you admire and ask if you can shadow a stylist there once or twice a week while you’re still in school. Even if it’s just for a few hours and unpaid, this kind of hands-on exposure can open doors.
Once you’re licensed, it’s up to you how you want to grow. Many start by working in a salon or spa to build experience and perfect their skills, while others choose to specialize in areas like hair coloring, extensions, skincare, or makeup artistry.
There are also exciting opportunities to work behind the scenes in film, television, theater, or fashion. Others may decide to become freelance stylists, makeup artists, or bridal specialists, offering on-location services for weddings and special events. Some even dream of opening their own salon, spa, or beauty business down the road, while others may find joy in teaching cosmetology to future students.
But no matter which path you choose, building a strong client base is something you should focus on from the start and having a professional booking website makes it easier for clients to find you, see your work, and book appointments 24/7.
As for income, a cosmetologist in California can earn from $18 to $49.86 per hour, meaning between $36,000 and $115,735 per year. As soon as you gain more experience, build your client base, and develop a strong reputation, your earning potential can grow especially in the big cities or if you specialize in high-demand services.
There’s no better time to start than now. Pick a cosmetology school, stay focused through your training, pass the exam, and build the beauty career you always wanted.
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