How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in California

You'll need to take a licensing exam in California to become a cosmetologist.

There are a wide variety of professional, not to mention lucrative, careers one can pursue after earning a degree from an accredited beauty or cosmetology school. These occupations include cosmetologist, hairstylist, hair color specialist, perm specialist, esthetician, nail-care artist, manicurist, salon owner, makeup artist and many others. Especially in California, where demand for beauty and/or cosmetic services is high, a talented individual can become quite successful as a beautician -- and not only in Hollywood, but statewide. Know what the requirements are to become a licensed cosmetologist in California.

Things You'll Need

• Accredited cosmetology school diploma
• California State Board License Exam completion
• Money for fees

Instructions

1. There are a variety of requirements you must meet to apply for a cosmetology license in California. You must be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 10th grade in the public schools of California or its equivalent.

   You must have completed a course in cosmetology from a school accredited by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (1,600 hours) or practiced cosmetology outside of California for period of time equivalent to the study. If you studied at an out-of-state school, the training you received must comply with requirements adopted by the board.

   If you originally were a barber, you must have completed a barbering course in a school approved by the board and have completed a cosmetology crossover course in a school approved by the board. You also are required to have finished an apprenticeship program in cosmetology.

2. If you are just starting out and are undergoing training to be a California cosmetologist, select your school carefully. Enroll in an accredited cosmetology school. Your education will prepare you for the California State Board License Exam as well as help you prepare for a lucrative career in the field.

3. Upon graduating from school, submit a completed initial examination application with the appropriate fee and any additional documentation to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You can print and mail the completed application or file online. See the Resources section for a link to the online examination application.

4. There are several reasons that your license may be denied, even if you have the appropriate education. In California, a cosmetology license may be denied for any of the following reasons:

   * The applicant was convicted of a crime. The board may deny a license only if the crime or act is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of the business or profession for which application is made.

   * If the applicant committed an act involving dishonesty, fraud or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or another, or substantially injure another, the board may deny the license.

References

• CA.gov, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology; Licensing FAQs

Resources

• CA.gov, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology; Examination Applications