Prepare for a Career in Cosmetology
The Cosmetology Certificate Program at Allan Hancock College, in partnership with Cosmoton Academy, is designed to prepare students for careers in the cosmetology industry. Students develop technical skills and professional knowledge through classroom instruction, demonstrations, and supervised hands-on training.
The program introduces students to a range of cosmetology services and professional practices while preparing them to pursue California cosmetology licensure, subject to applicable state requirements.
Training Location
Cosmoton Academy
736 N. H Street
Lompoc, CA 93436
Class Schedule
The program schedule, including class days, instructional hours, and the delivery format for each class, will be announced when enrollment information becomes available.
Please check for updates before making arrangements to attend.
Required Courses
Students will complete the required cosmetology courses established for the program.
Course titles, instructional hours, and the sequence of courses will be provided in the official program schedule.
What You Will Learn
Students receive instruction and supervised practice in the following areas:
- Haircutting, styling, and hair care
- Hair coloring and chemical services
- Skin care and facial services
- Manicures, pedicures, and nail services
- Hair removal and eyebrow and eyelash beautification
- Health and safety practices
- Sanitation and disinfection procedures
- Professional ethics and client communication
- Customer service and professional workplace practices
Instruction may include lectures, demonstrations, textbook study, practical exercises, and supervised experience, consistent with the approved curriculum.
California Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology establishes the education, training, and examination requirements for cosmetology licensure.
To qualify for the California cosmetologist licensing examination, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
- Complete the required cosmetology training through a Board-approved school or qualify through another recognized pathway.
- Complete at least 1,000 hours of required technical and practical instruction.
- Meet the Board's application and examination requirements.
Students must complete the required training before they may take the licensing examination. Completing a college certificate or course sequence does not, by itself, guarantee eligibility for licensure. Students must satisfy all applicable state requirements.
For complete and current information, visit the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing requirements.
Career Preparation
The program is intended to help students develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional habits needed for employment in the cosmetology industry.
Career opportunities may include work in salons and other cosmetology-related settings, depending on the services offered, employer requirements, and applicable licensing regulations.
Students must obtain the required California license before performing regulated cosmetology services for compensation.
Interested in the Cosmetology Program?
Complete the Cosmetology Program Interest List to receive updates about future program offerings, anticipated start dates, and enrollment information.
The interest list is for program updates and does not guarantee enrollment or admission.
Cosmetology Program Interest List
Additional Information
For current program details, including course requirements, schedules, and enrollment information, contact Allan Hancock College Community Education.
For assistance with enrollment or program information, please contact the program coordinator listed below.
CONTACT:
Program Coordinator
Dana Avila
danaavila@hancockcollege.edu
Certificate of Completion
The Cosmetology Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in the cosmetology profession. Students develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide professional hair, skin, and nail care services while learning industry standards, salon practices, health and safety procedures, and California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology laws and regulations.
Required Courses
COS 301A – Introduction to Cosmetology
Students are introduced to foundational cosmetology skills, industry practices, and salon operations, including:
- Hair analysis, shampooing, and hairstyling
- Basic haircutting techniques
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Hair coloring and bleaching
- Facials and skin care
- Eyebrow beautification and makeup
- Manicuring and pedicuring
- Artificial nails and nail wraps
- Sanitation, disinfection, and health and safety procedures
- California Barbering and Cosmetology laws and regulations
COS 302A – Beginning Cosmetology
Students build upon foundational knowledge through beginning laboratory and salon experiences, developing practical skills in:
- Haircutting and hairstyling techniques
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Hair coloring and bleaching applications
- Scalp and hair treatments
- Facials and skin care services
- Eyebrow beautification and hair removal
- Makeup application
- Manicuring and pedicuring
- Salon safety, sanitation, and professional practices
COS 303A – Intermediate Cosmetology
Students advance their technical abilities through continued laboratory and salon practice, strengthening their skills in:
- Intermediate haircutting and hairstyling
- Advanced hair coloring and chemical services
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Facial and skin care services
- Eyebrow beautification and makeup
- Manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail applications
- Client services and salon practices
- Health, safety, and sanitation standards
COS 304A – Advanced Cosmetology
Students refine their cosmetology skills through advanced laboratory and salon experience, emphasizing professional readiness and preparation for licensure. Topics include:
- Advanced haircutting and hairstyling techniques
- Advanced hair coloring, bleaching, and chemical services
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Advanced facial and skin care services
- Eyebrow beautification and makeup
- Manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail applications
- Client consultation and professional salon practices
- California State Board examination preparation
Program Length
Approximately 1,000–1,200 hours
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities such as:
- Licensed Cosmetologist
- Hair Stylist
- Hair Color Specialist
- Salon Professional
- Salon Owner or Manager
- Makeup Artist
- Skin Care Specialist
- Nail Care Technician
To join the Cosmetology Program, please complete the following steps:
-
Join the Cosmetology Program Interest List. Students will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis as openings become available.
-
Watch for an email with additional information and updates regarding the next steps in the enrollment process.
-
Respond to the email promptly and provide any requested information to maintain your place on the interest list.
-
Complete the required applications, including the Noncredit CCCApply application and Allan Hancock College admissions application, to be eligible for orientation.
-
Attend the required orientation session. Additional instructions for completing the enrollment process will be provided at that time.
What is the Cosmetology Program?
The Cosmetology Program provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on training needed to prepare for a career in the cosmetology profession. Students develop skills in hair, skin, and nail care while learning professional salon practices, health and safety procedures, and California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology laws and regulations.
The program meets the training requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Is this a credit or noncredit program?
This is a credit program. Tuition, materials, licensing, and examination fees will apply.
Is there a cost to attend?
The Cosmetology Program is a credit program consisting of 22 units. Enrollment fees are set by the state at $46/unit for California residents. Visit the Cost to Attend webpage for more information on enrollment and tuition fees.
Is financial aid available?
If eligible, students may receive assistance with tuition.
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
Formerly called BOG. California residents may be eligible to have enrollment fees
waived (currently $46 per unit).
Type of Aid
Tuition waiver
Who is eligible?
Available to undergraduate California resident students, including undocumented students.
AHC Annual Amount
Cost of tuition
Where will the Cosmetology Program courses be held?
Courses will be offered during the spring 2027 semester at Cosmoton Academy in Lompoc, California.
Current Location through May 2027
Cosmoton Academy
736 N. H Street
Lompoc, CA 93436
Beginning June 2027, the Cosmetology Program will be offered in Santa Maria.
New Location beginning June 2027
Santa Maria, California
Additional information regarding the Santa Maria training location and address will be provided before the transition.
WHAT DAYS AND TIMES WILL CLASSES BE HELD?
The Cosmetology Program is designed to provide approximately 30 hours of instruction per week.
The anticipated Spring 2027 schedule is:
COS 301A: January 5–March 10
- Tuesday (In-Person): 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 12:30–3 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday (In-Person): 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m.
COS 302A: March 11–May 14
- Tuesday (In-Person): 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 12:30–3 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday (In-Person): 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Students will receive their confirmed class schedule and location information before enrollment.
How is the program structured?
The program consists of four progressive courses:
- COS 301A – Introduction to Cosmetology
- COS 302A – Beginning Cosmetology
- COS 303A – Intermediate Cosmetology
- COS 304A – Advanced Cosmetology
Each course provides approximately 280–315 hours of instruction. Students progress through foundational, beginning, intermediate, and advanced cosmetology training.
Do I need to complete all four courses?
Yes.
Students must successfully complete all four courses and meet the required training-hour requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to qualify for the state licensing examination.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Anyone interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology is encouraged to apply.
To qualify for cosmetology licensure in California, applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
- Meet applicable California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology application requirements.
Licensing requirements may change. Students should verify current requirements with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
What will I learn?
Students receive instruction and hands-on training in:
- Haircutting and hairstyling
- Shampooing and hair treatments
- Hair coloring and bleaching
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Facials and skin care
- Eyebrow beautification and hair removal
- Makeup application
- Manicuring and pedicuring
- Artificial nails and nail wraps
- Salon operations and client care
- Health, safety, sanitation, and disinfection
- California cosmetology laws and regulations
- Professionalism and customer service
Will I receive hands-on training?
Yes.
Students participate in practical laboratory and salon training designed to develop the technical skills needed to provide professional cosmetology services.
Training includes working with professional tools and equipment, practicing cosmetology techniques, and developing client service skills.
How many hours are required to become a licensed cosmetologist?
California requires students to complete the state-mandated training hours through an approved cosmetology school or program.
Students should verify the current training-hour requirements with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Does completing the program guarantee a cosmetology license?
No.
Completing the program satisfies the educational and training requirements when all applicable state requirements are met. Students must also meet the requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and successfully pass the required licensing examination.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is designed as a progressive training sequence consisting of four courses.
Students who complete all four courses can complete their cosmetology training in approximately one academic year, depending on the scheduled course calendar and accumulated hours.
Are students required to purchase a cosmetology kit?
Yes.
Students must purchase an approved cosmetology kit containing the professional tools, equipment, and supplies needed throughout the program.
Specific kit requirements, vendors, costs, and purchasing instructions will be provided before enrollment.
What are the California cosmetology licensing and examination fees?
Students are responsible for applicable state licensing and examination fees.
Fees are established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and may change. Students should verify current fees directly with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Are licensing and examination fees included in the program?
No.
Licensing and examination fees are paid directly by the student to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and are not included in the cost of materials or supplies.
What career opportunities are available after licensure?
Licensed cosmetologists may pursue employment opportunities in:
- Hair salons
- Beauty and day spas
- Hair styling and coloring establishments
- Independent cosmetology businesses
- Salon ownership or management
- Makeup and beauty services
- Product sales and demonstrations
- Cosmetology instruction (additional qualifications may be required)
Is attendance important?
Yes.
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires students to complete the applicable training hours.
Regular attendance is essential for successful program completion and eligibility for licensure.
How do I apply?
Students interested in the Cosmetology Program may join the program interest list.
As openings become available, prospective students will be contacted and invited to attend a mandatory orientation session. During orientation, program requirements, expectations, required supplies, and enrollment procedures will be reviewed.
Enrollment is limited based on available classroom space and program capacity.
Placement in the program is not guaranteed and depends on available space and completion of all enrollment requirements.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions that are not answered in these FAQs, please contact:
Dana Avila
Cosmetology Program Coordinator
Allan Hancock College Community Education
danaavila@hancockcollege.edu
Accessibility and Support
Allan Hancock College is committed to providing equal access to educational programs and services.
Students who need accommodations should contact the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) to discuss available support services and accessibility resources.