Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. This principle has never been more applicable than now as both men and women seek to put their best face forward when stepping out. The need for stylish hair, skin, and nails drives demand for cosmetologists around the globe. What’s more, is that the demand for these services is not limited to business professionals and celebrities. More and more average consumers are spending large sums of money to look and feel good. You can now enroll in an accredited cosmetology program in California and complete the knowledge-based and technical requirements in one year or less and take the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam to become a licensed cosmetologist.
The Salon Professionals Academy
The cosmetology program at The Salon Professional Academy prepares students for a career that goes beyond cutting hair but emphasizes innovation in hair color and techniques, basic skin and nail care, training in guest services, and business strategies to expand their businesses. The Redken-infused program prepares students for success on the state board exam and for a long-term career in the industry. Students will receive hands-on training in Redken-infused styling, hair cutting and coloring techniques, color correction, highlighting, and mermaid colors. They will attend to clients in the premium salon environment and use professional hairstyling and color-line products from Redkin 6th Avenue. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 11 months (full-time) 14 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Submit a completed application for enrollment
- Provide personal identification/proof of age – US driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID, or birth certificate
- Complete and sign the pre-enrollment forms and policies
- Complete, sign, and date the Enrollment Agreement
- Pay the registration fee in full
- Must be 18 years or older
Program cost:
The program cost of $14,442.87 includes tuition, kit, books, supplies, and registration fee.
- Website: https://www.tspasanjose.com/
- Address: 1600 Saratoga Ave, Suite 103 San Jose, CA 95129
- Phone: 408-703-8757
San Jose City College
San Jose City College offers an unmatched curriculum in cosmetology that is designed for persons of all ages. Students will receive instruction in the areas of hair, skin, nail, and salon skills. Classroom theory covers a general introduction to Cosmetology, including chemical compounds found in cosmetics, bacteriology, sanitation processes, political, and social and economic influences on cosmetology. Hands-on practice sessions will cover hair styling, hair shaping, permanent waving, scalp and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, hair lightening, eyebrow arching, and client safety and sanitary precautions for each practice area. Program graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and will have the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam. New students are accepted in either the Fall or Spring semester.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 3 semesters (full-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Units: 53.5
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Attend a mandatory orientation session
- Complete an enrollment application to the Cosmetology Department
- Schedule and attend a tour of the department
- Provide personal identification/proof of age – US driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID, or birth certificate
- Complete, sign, and date the Enrollment Agreement
- Must be 18 years or older
- Provide a current TB test
Program cost:
The total estimated cost for the program is $6,000 including tuition, books, and supplies.
- Website: https://www.sjcc.edu/home
- Address: 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
- Phone: (408) 298-2181
Cinta Aveda Institute San Jose
Students enrolled in the cosmetology program at Aveda Institutes get the technical, personal, and business skills to succeed in the profession of cosmetology. Theory and hands-on training will cover the fundamentals of cutting, styling, and chemical restructuring of hair, skin care, nail care, makeup, and related disciplines. Scheduled workshops will give students the opportunity to develop skills based on the instruction covered in the classroom. Students will get an introduction to retailing, guest servicing, and personal development. The final component of the program includes time in the clinic designed to help students develop confidence in their abilities as they work on salon clients. Students will be prepared to take the state board exam for licensure in California.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Diploma
Duration: 58 weeks (full-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Attend an orientation session
- Meet with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application for enrollment
- Provide personal identification/proof of age – US driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID, or birth certificate
- Must be 18 years or older
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $22,757. Books and supplies cost an additional $3,385.
- Website: https://aveda.edu/
- Address: 111 West St. John Street, San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone: 1-408-648-2555
Santa Clara Beauty College
The cosmetology program at Santa Clara Beauty College is a comprehensive course of study that includes theory and hands-on training to prepare students to work as a hair-stylist, make-up artist, skin care practitioner, or nail care provider. Course topics include health and safety, chemistry for cosmetologists, disinfection and sanitation, bacteriology, anatomy and physiology, electricity, manual facials, electrical facials, wax and depilatories, makeup, false eyelashes, manicure requirements, pedicuring, acrylic nails, nail tips, nail wax, hair styling, scalp treatments, hair coloring, haircutting, thermal styling, bleaching, permanent waving, and Cosmetology Act/Board Rules and Regulations. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 28 weeks (full-time) 100 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Must complete an application for enrollment
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must be able to comprehend and read at least the 10th grade level of English language
- Must have a valid high school diploma or GED certificate
- Submit official transcript of secondary school completion
- Applicants without a high school diploma may take and pass an approved ability to benefit test and achieve or exceed the required scores on the Wonderlic SLE – Verbal 200 – Quantitative 210
Program cost:
The total program cost of $11,550 includes tuition, supplies, registration fee, and textbook. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.
- Website: https://santaclarabeautycollege.com/
- Address: 2630 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
- Phone: (408) 249-2622
- Alt: (408) 249-6066
- Email: admin@santaclarabeautycollege.com
KZ Academy
The cosmetology program at KZ Academy covers all aspects of cosmetology, skin care, manicuring, and pedicuring. The program’s 1,600 clock hours include 290 hours of classroom instruction and 1,310 hours of practical training. The classroom theory will include lectures, reading assignments, and assign tests. Technical training will cover hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, chemical applications, razor cutting, hair processing, blow waxing, safety and sanitation requirements, professionalism, personal grooming, personal and business ethics, shaving techniques, business ethics, communication skills, and customer relations. Students must complete the required hours with a GPA of 70% or better to graduate from the program.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 40 weeks (full-time) 60 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Must complete an application for enrollment
- Must pay applicable fees according to the current published fee schedule at the time of signing or entering into an enrollment contract or make other arrangements acceptable to the school
- Must have graduated from high school or have the GED equivalent
- Applicants without a high school diploma or GED certificate must take the Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA)
- Must be at least 17 years of age
Program cost:
The total program cost of $6,544 includes tuition, textbook, registration fee, and supplies. Funding is available through flexible monthly installments.
- Website: https://kzacademy.com/
- Address: 1221 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035
- Phone: (408) 520-253
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology
The cosmetology program at SFIEC is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Theory and practical instruction prepare students for employment as cosmetologists in various settings. Training will include basic hair care, skin care, makeup and mails, health and safety standards, proper sanitation, business building skills, and professionalism. Instructors will also prepare students for success on the California licensing exam. Classroom instruction will account for 300 hours of the scheduled program hours. The clinical experiences cover the final 1,300 hours and will be conducted on the clinic floor. The class size is limited to 18 students with each cycle. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Full time classes meet Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Part-time classes meet Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 46 weeks (full-time) 70 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an application form to the school prior to registration
- Must take an English and Math proficiency exam before the start of class and pass with a minimum score of 15 or higher to demonstrate English language proficiency
- Provide copies of the applicant’s high school diploma, high school transcripts demonstrating high school completion
- Provide passport, government-issued identification or driver’s license
- Must be at least 17 years of age
Program cost:
The total program cost of $27,088.50 includes tuition, registration fee, STRF, and student kit fee.
- Website: https://sfiec.edu/
- Address: 1067 Folsom Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: 415-230-7416
Cosmotek College
The cosmetology program at Cosmotek College equips students with phenomenal cosmetic skills to assume entry-level employment in the industry. The intensive training will cover hair design, hair extensions, wedding styles, nail arts, eyelash extensions, hair styling, hair coloring, acrylic nail application, runway fashion and more. Graduates will be prepared to pass the Board of Cosmetology licensure exam. They will know how the proper use of implements and techniques to provide cosmetology services, be mindful of the laws and rules regulating cosmetology practices in California, communicate effectively with clients, and use business skills to start, manage, and grow their own businesses. New classes begin every Monday.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 10 months (full-time) 16 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 1000
Prerequisites:
- Complete and submit an application for admission
- Provide copies of the applicant’s high school diploma, high school transcripts or GED
- Provide a form of ID issued by the US Government Agencies
- passport, government-issued identification or driver license
- Must be at least 17 years of age – students under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the enrollment agreement
- Students lacking a high school diploma or equivalent must have completed the 10th grade level of education or its equivalent
Program cost:
The total program cost of $12,450 includes tuition, textbook, application fee, and equipment/supplies kit.
- Website: https://www.cosmotekcollege.com
- Address: 2188-B Del Franco St. San Jose, CA 95131
- Phone: (408) 802-3680
JD Academy
JD Academy takes a hands-on approach to teaching to produce salon professionals who will be leaders in the industry. Experienced faculty will cover everything that is needed to pass the state exam and succeed in the profession, including beauty fundamentals, business marketing, and professionalism. Students will commence hands-on learning from day one as they work on clients’ hair or participate in group projects. They will learn how to make precise cuts, color hair, perform blowouts, design nails, and more. There will be a heavy emphasis on the business side of the industry including scheduling and maintaining a client base, predicting income, and determining product needs. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 14.5 months (full-time) 20 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Apply for admission to JD Academy
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Provide proof of age through driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport
- Must have social security card
- Must sign the Enrollment Agreement – applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the enrollment agreement
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $150 with the application
- Provide copies of the applicant’s high school diploma, high school transcripts or GED
Program cost:
The total program cost of $24,544.80 includes tuition, application fee, books, equipment, and State Board licensure application fee.
- Website: https://jdacademy.com/
- Address: 520 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville, CA 94526
- Phone: (925) 855-5551
- Email: info@jdacademy.com
International College of Cosmetology
The cosmetology program at International College of Cosmetology prepares students for the real world of cosmetology with extensive hands practice in a student salon. Experienced instructors will guide students as they provide a variety of services for clients. The services are the same services offered in salons, so students will have confidence in their professional abilities as they enter the real-world. Course topics include disinfection and sanitation, anatomy and physiology, manual, electrical, and chemical facials, eyebrow beautification, make-up, manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails, health and safety, laws and regulations, hair coloring, permanent waving, and hairstyling. Graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure exam. Part-time and full-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 10 months (full-time) 16 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Attend an orientation session
- Apply for admission to ICOC
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Provide proof of age through driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport
- Must have social security card
- Must sign the Enrollment Agreement – applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the enrollment agreement
- Provide copies of the applicant’s high school diploma, high school transcripts or GED
Program cost:
The program cost of $12,600 includes tuition, books, supplies, and application fees.
- Website: https://www.icoc.edu/
- Address: 3701 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
- Phone: 510-261-8256
Skyline College
The cosmetology program at Skyline College prepares students for licensing as a Cosmetologist. The curriculum includes 1,000 hours of comprehensive training in all facets of the industry. Content will be delivered through classroom theory, hands-on skills sessions, and career development in the field. Course modules are Cosmetology Core Concepts, Cosmetology Hair Design Concepts, Cosmetology Chemical Concepts, Cosmetology Intermediate Concepts, Cosmetology Business and Salon Experience, and State Board Written Exam Preparation. Elective course options include Advanced Makeup, Eyelash Enhancements, Natural Haircare and Braiding, Advanced Eyelash Enhancements, or Entrepreneurship – Small Business Management. The program is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the state exam to become a licensed cosmetologist.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 2 semesters (full-time)
Contact hours: 1000
Units: 33
Prerequisites:
- Must complete an online application to enroll in classes
- Attend a new student orientation
- Submit official transcripts from all external institutions attended
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Provide proof of age through driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport
- Must have social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit. Expenses for books, kit, and supplies are additional.
- Website: https://skylinecollege.edu/index.php
- Address: 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
- Phone: 650-738-4100
Diva Beauty School
Diva Beauty School facilitates a cosmetology program that is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Theory, practical training, and technical instruction cover haircutting, hair coloring, hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, and business development. The classroom sessions emphasize knowledge of practice and theory using videos, interactive lectures, and demonstrations. Skills development will include hands-on practice on mannequins followed by live services in the student salon. Full-time classes meet Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Part-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 4:45 pm to 9:00 pm.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 40 weeks (full-time) 80 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Must visit and tour the campus and complete an interview with school personnel before registration
- Review the school’s catalog and submit any questions before signing the enrollment agreement
- Complete the enrollment application form
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Provide copy of high school diploma, high school transcript, equivalent or GED
- Provide a valid unexpired driver’s license, government-issued ID, or a passport
- Provide social security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Card
Program cost:
The program cost of $13,662.59 includes tuition, kit supplies, and registration fee.
- Website: http://divabeautyschool.com/
- Address: 2298-A Quimby Road, San Jose, CA 95122
- Phone: (408) 622-8180
College of San Mateo
The Cosmetology program at College of San Mateo gives students knowledge and technical abilities to take the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination for licensure as a cosmetologist. Students will learn hair design, hair coloring, skin care, nail care,
and aesthetic enhancement of the body from skilled cosmetologists. Instructors will use published materials, lectures, demonstrations, written and practical exams, and practical hands-on experience. During the second semester, students will apply learned skills on live modules in the school’s clinic. Guest artists will demonstrate cutting-edge techniques and product knowledge of current trends and products. The final training will be conducted during a summer session where students will participate in an extensive review and preparation for the board exam. New students are admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters. The class size is limited to 45 students with each cycle.
Program overview:
Cosmetology – Certificate
Duration: 3 semesters (full-time)
Contact hours: 1600
Prerequisites:
- Apply to the College of San Mateo
- Must have completed the tenth grade or equivalent as required by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- High school graduates or equivalent will be given priority in the admission process
- Submit a completed application to the CSM Cosmetology program
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents. Other costs for fees, books, and supplies must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/
- Address: 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402
- Phone: (650) 574-6361