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Cosmetology Schools in California

23 accredited Cosmetology programs in CA

23

Schools in CA

$33,400

Avg. Salary

9-15 months

Program Length

14

Cities

Cosmetology Schools in California

Bellus Academy - Chula Vista

970 Broadway Suite 110, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Bellus Academy's cosmetology program in Chula Vista spans nine to fifteen months and covers the technical and artistic skills needed for salon work. Students pursue state licensure while developing expertise in color treatment, cutting, and styling techniques. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in San Diego County's beauty industry.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementEvening Classes
4 (67)

$10,500

~12 months

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California College of Barbering and Cosmetology

1024 E March Ln, Stockton, CA 95210

California College of Barbering and Cosmetology's cosmetology program typically takes nine to fifteen months to complete and prepares students for the California state licensure exam. The curriculum covers hair care, styling, coloring, and skin treatments. Graduates earn the state cosmetology license and may pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques and other technical areas.

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4.5 (60)

$9,950

1,000 hours (CA)

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Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Cerritos College's cosmetology program trains students in hair design, skincare, and nail care over roughly nine to fifteen months. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and may pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques. The program suits anyone seeking hands-on training for salon work or entrepreneurship in the beauty industry.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.5 (65)

$1,346

18-24 months

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Cinta Aveda Institute

305 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108-3204

Cinta Aveda Institute's cosmetology program combines hands-on salon training with business fundamentals over nine to fifteen months. Students work directly with guests in operating salons while learning color, cutting, and styling techniques needed for the state cosmetology license. The program suits those seeking immediate salon careers or entrepreneurial paths in the beauty industry.

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4.2 (25)

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Varies

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Federico Beauty Institute

1515 Sports Dr, Sacramento, CA 95834

Federico Beauty Institute's cosmetology program spans 1,000 hours and can be completed in as little as 8.5 months full-time or 12.5 months part-time, suiting students with varying schedules. The curriculum prepares graduates for California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensure while offering pathways to specialty certifications and advanced color training. Federal financial aid and VA benefits are available to qualified students.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementEvening Classes
4.1 (51)

$15,250

1,000 hours (~8.5 months full-time / 12.5 months part-time)

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Laney College

900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94607

Laney College's cosmetology program trains students in cutting, coloring, styling, and skincare techniques over nine to fifteen months. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and can pursue careers in salons, spas, or start their own businesses. The program suits anyone seeking hands-on training in a growing field with flexible career options.

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4 (69)

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1600 hours / 1-2 years

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Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College's cosmetology program prepares students for the state licensing exam through coursework in hair, skin, and nail care techniques. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on salon experience, typically completed in under a year. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and are ready to work in salons or pursue specialty certifications in advanced color and other techniques.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (68)

$2,476

2 years

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Lyle's College of Beauty

2935 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Lyle's College of Beauty in Bakersfield offers a 14-month cosmetology program covering the 1,600 hours required for California state licensure. The curriculum prepares students for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam while building practical skills in hair, skin, and nail services. Graduates can pursue specialty certifications including advanced color training.

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4.1 (69)

$18,484

1,600 hours / 14 months

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Milan Institute - Bakersfield

2822 F St Suite H, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Milan Institute's Bakersfield cosmetology program takes nine to fifteen months and prepares students for California's state licensing exam. The curriculum covers styling, color, and skincare through classroom instruction combined with real-world practice in the campus salon and spa. This hands-on approach suits students seeking practical training before entering the beauty industry.

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4 (41)

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1,000 hours (~12 months)

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Moler Barber College - Oakland

1440 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607

Moler Barber College's cosmetology program takes nine to fifteen months to complete and covers the skills needed for California Board licensure. Students gain training in hair styling, coloring, and skincare techniques while pursuing state certification and specialty credentials in advanced color work. The program suits individuals seeking hands-on preparation for professional beauty careers in the Oakland area.

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4.2 (29)

$11,600

1,000 hours (CA)

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My-Le's Beauty College

4516 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95823

My-Le's Beauty College offers a 1,000-hour cosmetology program designed to prepare students for California's state licensing exam. The curriculum covers essential techniques in hair, skin, and nail care over approximately seven months. This south Sacramento school works well for students seeking flexible weekday scheduling while pursuing professional certification in cosmetology.

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4.1 (23)

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1,000 hours (~7 months)

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Pasadena City College

1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106

Pasadena City College's cosmetology program prepares students for California's state licensing exam through hands-on training in hair styling, skincare, and nail care. The nine- to fifteen-month curriculum suits people seeking entry into the beauty industry or looking to launch their own salon business. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and can pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques and other areas.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.5 (60)

$2,200

9 months

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Paul Mitchell the School-Fresno

5091 N Fresno St Suite 104, Fresno, CA 93710

Paul Mitchell the School-Fresno offers a cosmetology program grounded in the Paul Mitchell Future Professionals curriculum, preparing students for California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam. The program covers foundational techniques in hair, skin, and nail services over approximately 1,000 hours. Students from across the Central Valley benefit from the school's accessible location near Fashion Fair mall.

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4.3 (64)

$13,633

1,000 hours (~7 months)

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Paul Mitchell The School - MTI College (Sacramento)

5231 Madison Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841

Paul Mitchell The School in Sacramento offers a comprehensive cosmetology program lasting nine to fifteen months that combines practical styling techniques with theory required for California licensure. Students learn hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, and skincare fundamentals alongside business fundamentals. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and are prepared for salon work or freelance styling careers.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (52)

$19,500

12 months (1,000 hours)

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Paul Mitchell The School - Pasadena

825 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

Paul Mitchell The School Pasadena offers a hands-on cosmetology program that prepares students for California state licensure and careers in salons, spas, and beauty businesses. Working in the school's student-run salon, learners gain real-world experience in hair, skin, and nail services. Graduates are equipped to sit for the state cosmetology exam and pursue roles across the beauty industry.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (38)

$19,500

12 months (1,000 hours)

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Paul Mitchell the School-Sacramento

5231 Madison Ave, Sacramento, CA 95841

Paul Mitchell the School-Sacramento's cosmetology program spans approximately 1,100 hours over nine to fifteen months, preparing students for California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on salon experience alongside theory, making it suitable for anyone seeking state licensure and specialty certifications in color and advanced techniques.

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4.1 (50)

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1,100 hours (~12 months)

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Riverside City College (RCC)

4800 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506

Riverside City College's cosmetology program prepares students for California Board licensure through comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nail care alongside business practices. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience at the on-campus salon, giving students real-world preparation for salon careers. The program typically takes nine to fifteen months to complete.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.3 (23)

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18-24 months full-time

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San Diego City College

1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego City College's cosmetology program prepares students for state licensing and professional salon work through hands-on training in hair, makeup, and skincare techniques. The curriculum covers foundational skills and specialty areas like advanced color application, making it suitable for those seeking a career in beauty services. Graduates qualify to pursue the state cosmetology license and can work toward additional specialty certifications.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (29)

$3,500

12-24 months

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San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113

San Diego College of Continuing Education offers a cosmetology program designed to prepare students for the state license exam and professional salon work. The curriculum covers hair styling, coloring, skincare, and nail care techniques over nine to fifteen months. Graduates pursue careers as licensed cosmetologists in salons, spas, and freelance beauty services throughout San Diego.

GI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On TrainingOnline Available
4 (62)

$0

12-24 months

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San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc

1067 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology's cosmetology program combines classroom fundamentals with hands-on salon techniques over nine to fifteen months. Students progress through a three-level curriculum covering hair design, color application, and styling, preparing them for state licensure. Graduates are equipped to work as professional cosmetologists in salons, spas, or similar settings.

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4 (50)

$18,000

1000 hours

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San José City College

2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

San José City College's cosmetology program prepares students for California's state license exam through hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. The curriculum covers foundational techniques and business skills needed to work in salons or start independent practices. Graduates pursue roles as licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, or nail technicians across the Bay Area.

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4.3 (33)

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1600 hours / 1-2 years

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Skyline College

3300 College Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066

Skyline College's Cosmetology program trains students in hair styling, makeup application, skin care, and nail services over approximately 15 months. Graduates earn their State Cosmetology License and can pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques. The program prepares individuals for careers in salons, spas, and beauty businesses throughout the Bay Area.

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4.3 (49)

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1600 hours / 1-2 years

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ZMS The Academy

2228 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

ZMS The Academy's cosmetology program spans 1,600 hours and typically takes nine to fifteen months to complete, with Monday-Thursday scheduling that accommodates working students. The curriculum prepares you for the State Cosmetology License while offering specialty certifications and advanced color training. This East Los Angeles school serves those seeking flexible pathways into beauty industry careers.

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4.5 (65)

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1,600 hours (12 months full-time)

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Cosmetology Training in California

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring cosmetologys. With 23 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average cosmetology in California earns around $33,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 8% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Cosmetology programs in CA take 9-15 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as State Cosmetology License, Specialty Certifications, Advanced Color Training, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Cosmetology Training

Cosmetology programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like State Cosmetology License and Specialty Certifications that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.