How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Los Angeles, California

To get a California cosmetology license, you must complete 1,000 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school, submit an application through the BreEZe online portal with a $50 fee, and pass the written exam administered by PSI Services with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $75. There is no practical exam — California eliminated it in 2022 under SB 803. The total process takes about 8-14 months, including school time.

California requires 1,000 hours of cosmetology school training. This was reduced from 1,600 hours when SB 803 took effect on January 1, 2022, making California one of the lower-hour states in the country. Full-time students can complete 1,000 hours in approximately 6-7 months.

The total cost ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. Cosmetology school tuition in California averages around $15,000-$20,000 (though some programs are as low as $10,000), plus $1,500-$3,300 for student kits and supplies. Government fees are $125 total: a $50 application fee and a $75 exam fee. Financial aid, including federal student loans and the Cal Grant C program, is available at accredited schools.

No. California eliminated the practical (hands-on) exam effective January 1, 2022, under SB 803. Cosmetology applicants now only need to pass a written exam consisting of 100 scored questions. You must score 70% or higher to pass. The exam is administered by PSI Services and is available in English, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese.

Yes. California offers licensure by endorsement (reciprocity) for cosmetologists who hold a current, active license in good standing from another state. Your licensing state must send a certification directly to the California Board. You do not need to retake the California exam. Work experience can count toward training hours — every 3 full months of licensed work equals 100 training hours. Apply through BreEZe for faster processing. Apprentice licenses and certain specialty licenses (Florida facial/nail specialist, Puerto Rico, Guam) do not qualify.

Yes, it is possible. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis and cannot automatically deny a license solely based on a conviction. You must disclose all convictions (except traffic violations under $500) on your application. The Board considers whether the offense is substantially related to cosmetology and evaluates evidence of rehabilitation. You can also submit a pre-approval application before enrolling in school to get an early determination. Under AB 2138, California licensing boards must give fair consideration to applicants with criminal records.

Most people complete the process in 8-14 months total. Cosmetology school (1,000 hours) takes 6-12 months depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. After graduating, application processing takes 3-6 weeks, and scheduling and taking the written exam adds another 2-4 weeks. Using the BreEZe online portal for your application speeds up processing by up to 3 weeks compared to paper applications.

California cosmetologists earn an average of $21-$25 per hour, with entry-level professionals starting around $15-$19 per hour. Salaries vary significantly by location: cosmetologists in San Francisco average around $28 per hour, while those in Los Angeles average around $30 per hour. Experienced cosmetologists, especially those with a strong client base or working in upscale salons, can earn considerably more. Booth renters and salon owners have higher earning potential but also take on business expenses.