If you’re exploring a career doing hair in California, you’ve likely come across two options - getting your cosmetology or hairstylist license. While these licenses may seem similar, they are distinct in scope and requirements. Knowing the difference is crucial for choosing the right career path and meeting your professional goals.
A cosmetology license is a comprehensive certification that covers a wide range of beauty services. This license allows professionals to work in various areas of beauty, including:
• Haircare: Cutting, styling, coloring, and chemical treatments.
• Skincare: Facials, makeup application, and various skin, brow, and eyelash treatments. Learn more about the scope of esthetics.
• Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, Acrylics, Gel-X, etc.
To obtain a cosmetology license in California through traditional beauty schooling, candidates must complete the following steps:
1. Education: Complete 1,000 hours of training at a state-approved cosmetology school.
2. Examination: Pass the test administered by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
3. Renewal: Renew the license every two years.
Cosmetologists often work in salons, spas, or as independent contractors, offering a broad range of beauty services.
In 2022, California created a new license for hair professionals in the state. In California, a hairstylist license is more specialized, focusing solely on hair-related services while excluding chemical services such as bleaching, coloring, and chemcial relaxing. This license enables professionals to perform services such as:
• Cutting and trimming hair.
• Shampooing and blow-drying.
• Styling hair.
The hairstylist license requires fewer training hours but otherwise a similar process:
1. Education: Complete 600 hours of training in a hairstyling-specific program at a State Board-approved school.
2. Examination: Pass the hairstylist-specific written exam from the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
3. Renewal: Like the cosmetology license, it must be renewed every two years.
Hairstylists work primarily in salons or as freelance professionals focusing exclusively on hair care.
Key Differences Between the Two Licenses
Which License is Right for You?
The choice between a cosmetology and hairstylist license depends on your career aspirations. If you’re passionate about all aspects of beauty and want a versatile skill set, a cosmetology license is the way to go. Also, if you want to work with color, bleach, and other chemical services, you'll need to become a cosmetologist. However, if you’re focused exclusively on haircutting and styling, the shorter hairstylist route could be an option.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between a cosmetology and hairstylist license is the first step toward making the right education decision for your hair career in California.
Due to the limitations on color and chemical service for the hairstylist license, Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy only offers the cosmetology program for students interested in hair services. Learn more about our cosmetology program here.
