No. 1
Hairstyling & Haircuts
Learn how to cut, style, and create different hairstyles. Get hands-on practice to build real salon skills.
Licensed Course
Cosmetology Course
Cosmetology school in West Los Angeles, near Santa Monica: 1,000 hours of hair, skin and nail training, with day classes and night classes.
Day time schedule9am–3pm
Night time schedule5pm–9pm
Tuition$16,900
Training1,000 hours
Licensed Course
Cosmetology Course Program
Learn real beauty skills like hairstyling, coloring, skincare, waxing, lashes, makeup, and nails. Get 1000 hours of hands-on training and graduate ready to get licensed.
Payment plan available- Includes full student kit and books
- Hands-on practice every day
- Learn hair, skin, nails, and makeup
- Finish in about 8½ months (days) or 11½ months (evenings)
Facts
Cosmetology Course at a Glance
Hours, tuition, schedules and start dates for the Cosmetology program at Elite Cosmetology College in West Los Angeles.
| Training | 1,000 hours, the hours California requires for the Cosmetologist license |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,900 · Starter kit and all required textbooks (kit valued at $800+) |
| Day schedule | Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm · about 8½ months |
| Evening schedule | Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm · about 11½ months |
| Next start dates | New classes start throughout the year. Ask for the next start date. |
| Paying | Payment plans from $2,500 down; no federal financial aid (no FAFSA). |
| State Board exam | Written exam only (the national exam developed by PSI). California dropped the practical exam on January 1, 2022. |
| School approval | Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, school code 32801966. Not nationally accredited; no federal financial aid. |
| Outcomes | School Performance Fact Sheet (PDF): completion, licensing exam and job placement rates as reported to the State. |
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
No. 2
Hair Color & Chemical Services
Get confident with coloring hair, using relaxers, and doing perms. Practice real techniques that clients ask for every day.
No. 3
Skincare & Facials
Learn how to give relaxing facials and take care of different skin types. Practice both manual and machine facials.
No. 4
Waxing, Brows & Lashes
Master full-body waxing, shape perfect brows, and work with lashes. You’ll also learn how to do basic makeup looks.
Included With Your Course
Starter Kit
$800+Kit value
Every student enrolled in our cosmetology program receives an exclusive Starter Kit valued at over $800. This professional-grade kit includes all the essential tools you need to succeed, from cutting and styling tools to salon-quality brushes and clips. Designed to mirror the standards of top salons, your kit ensures you are fully equipped from your very first day of training. We believe in setting our students up for success — with the highest-quality tools to support hands-on learning and build real-world skills that last.
Register Online
Tuition
Payment Plans
Cosmetology tuition: $16,900
5 days a week
$1,800/ month
for 8 months
- $2,500 down payment
- 8 monthly payments of $1,800
- Total tuition: $16,900
3 days a week
$1,200/ month
for 12 months
- $2,500 down payment
- 12 monthly payments of $1,200
- Total tuition: $16,900
- Elite does not take part in federal student aid, so there is no FAFSA to file.
Questions about payment plans? Call 310-446-7878
Program Guide
Your Path to Beauty: A Cosmetology Course in Los Angeles
The beauty industry is having a moment. From social media influencers showing off their latest looks to the growing demand for self-care services, there’s never been a better time to turn your passion for beauty into a real career. But here’s the thing – not all cosmetology courses are created equal.
If you’re considering a career change or looking to formalize your love for all things beauty, you’re probably wondering what separates a good cosmetology program from a great one. The answer comes down to three things: comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and real preparation for the working world.
At Elite Cosmetology College in Los Angeles, we’ve built our entire cosmetology course around these principles. We’re not just teaching you to pass a test – we’re preparing you to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries out there.
What Makes Our Cosmetology Course Stand Out in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles buzzes with beauty schools, but Elite Cosmetology College takes a different approach. We’ve designed our cosmetology course around one simple truth: hands-on experience creates confident professionals.
In 2022 California cut the training required for a cosmetology license from 1,600 to 1,000 hours (SB 803). Our program uses those 1,000 hours for daily hands-on practice, so you graduate ready for the written State Board exam and for real clients.
Our program covers everything you’ll need in today’s beauty industry:
- Advanced hairstyling and cutting techniques
- Professional hair coloring and chemical services
- Skincare treatments and facial procedures
- Full-body waxing and hair removal
- Eyebrow shaping and lash extensions
- Makeup artistry for all occasions
- Complete nail services and nail artistry
Every student receives a complete professional kit and all required textbooks. No hidden costs, no surprise fees – just everything you need to succeed included from day one.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Cosmetology Course in Los Angeles?
Here’s where we get practical. Our cosmetology course takes about 8½ months on the day schedule or about 11½ months on the evening schedule. We offer two flexible options that work around your life:
- Day program: 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday (about 8½ months)
- Cosmetology night classes: 5pm to 9pm, Monday through Friday (about 11½ months)
Whether you’re a parent juggling family responsibilities or someone working another job while transitioning careers, we’ve got you covered. Both programs deliver the same comprehensive education – you just choose what fits your lifestyle.
The length depends on the hours you attend each week: 1,000 hours at 30 hours a week takes about 8½ months, and at 20 hours a week (night classes) about 11½ months, allowing for holidays.
Maria’s story perfectly illustrates this flexibility. She started our night program while working days at her family’s restaurant. Eight months later, she opened her own salon in East LA, serving her community while honoring her entrepreneurial spirit.
What Does a Cosmetology Course Curriculum Include?
Let’s talk about what you’ll actually learn. Our curriculum goes beyond basic techniques to include business skills, client communication, and industry trends that keep you competitive.
Advanced Hair Services
You'll master everything from precision cuts to complex color formulas. We teach both classic techniques and trending styles, so you'll serve a diverse clientele with confidence. Color theory becomes second nature as you practice highlights, balayage, and corrective coloring on real models.
Professional Skincare & Makeup
Skincare forms the foundation of beauty, and we dive deep into facial treatments, product knowledge, and skin analysis. Our makeup training covers everything from natural everyday looks to glamorous special occasion artistry.
Business & Professional Development
Here's what many schools skip: the business side. We teach appointment scheduling, client consultation, retail sales, and basic business operations. You'll graduate knowing how to build a client base and manage your career professionally.
Nail Artistry & Techniques
From basic manicures to intricate nail art, you'll learn the full spectrum of nail services. We cover gel applications, extensions, and the artistic skills that set professionals apart in this growing field.
Is a Hands-On Cosmetology Course Better for My Career?
Absolutely, and here’s why. While some programs focus heavily on theory, we believe in learning by doing. From your first week, you’ll practice on mannequins and live models under instructor supervision.
This approach builds muscle memory and confidence that textbook learning can’t match.
By graduation you have worked with many hair types and skin tones on real clients in our student salon, under an instructor’s eye.
I was scared to touch anyone's hair when I started. By graduation, I felt confident taking on any client who walked through the door. The hands-on training at Elite made all the difference.
Jessica M., Class of 2024
Why Choose Elite Cosmetology College in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers incredible opportunities for beauty professionals. From Hollywood makeup artists to celebrity hairstylists, this city celebrates creativity and innovation in beauty. Our college sits right in the heart of this vibrant industry.
We maintain strong connections with local salons, spas, and freelance professionals. These connections help students meet working professionals while they train. Many of our instructors still work in the industry, bringing current trends and techniques directly into the classroom.
Our diverse student body reflects Los Angeles itself. You’ll learn alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures, preparing you to serve the city’s incredibly diverse population. This cultural competency becomes a huge advantage in your career.
Elite Cosmetology College is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE, school code 32801966), and our 1,000-hour program meets the training requirement for the California cosmetology license.
What Career Opportunities Await After Your Cosmetology Course?
A cosmetology license is the broadest beauty license in California: it covers hair, skin and nail services, including chemical services such as color and perms.
Your cosmetology license opens doors to numerous career paths:
- Salon stylist or colorist
- Freelance makeup artist
- Esthetician specializing in skincare
- Nail technician or salon owner
- Beauty product sales representative
- Beauty educator or instructor
- Film and television makeup artist
- Bridal and special event stylist
Los Angeles also has work in entertainment, fashion and luxury beauty services.
Earnings vary widely with your specialty, your clientele, tips and whether you rent a chair or earn commission. For current wage figures in the Los Angeles area, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists. Graduate outcomes for our program are in the School Performance Fact Sheet.
How to Get Started with Our Cosmetology Course
Ready to transform your passion for beauty into a rewarding career? Getting started is easier than you might think.
First, schedule a campus tour to see our facilities and meet our instructors. We offer tours throughout the week, accommodating both day and evening schedules. During your visit, you’ll see our fully equipped classrooms, practice stations, and student salon where you’ll gain real-world experience. See the day and evening schedules in the program facts above.
Next, speak with our admissions team about financing options. We offer payment plans to make your education affordable. We don’t take part in federal student aid programs, so there is no FAFSA to file; admissions will walk you through the payment options.
Finally, once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive your complete kit and textbooks, ready to start your first day of class. Our supportive environment helps you succeed from day one through graduation and beyond.
Our admissions advisors are available to answer questions about the program, schedule, and career outcomes. They understand that choosing a cosmetology course represents a significant decision, and they’re here to provide all the information you need.
Licensing
How to Get Your California Cosmetologist License
A Cosmetologist license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology covers hair, skin and nail services, including chemical services such as color, perms and relaxers.
Source: Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license requirements.
- Meet the basics. You must be at least 17 and have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
- Train 1,000 hours. Complete the Cosmetology Course at a school approved to operate in California, such as Elite (BPPE school code 32801966).
- Apply to the Board. Apply online through BreEZe, upload the Proof of Training Elite gives you, and pay the Board’s fee.
- Pass the written exam. It is the national exam developed by PSI. There is no practical exam.
- Get licensed. Once you pass, the Board issues your California Cosmetologist license.
Admissions
Request information
Tell us how to reach you about the Cosmetology program. An admissions advisor will call you, answer your questions and, if you like, set up a campus visit.
- Call310-446-7878
- Visit11961 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything About Our Cosmetology School
Still have a question? Our admissions team is happy to walk you through it.
Call Now: 310-446-7878What does the cosmetology program cover?
Hair cutting, styling, coloring and chemical services such as perms and relaxers, plus skin care, hair removal, makeup and nails. A cosmetology license lets you offer all of these services, so you can work as a hairstylist, colorist, esthetician or manicurist.
How long is cosmetology school at Elite?
About 8½ months on the day schedule (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday) or about 11½ months with our night classes (5pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday).
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in California?
1,000 hours since 2022, down from 1,600. After training you apply to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and pass the written exam.
Is there still a practical exam?
No. The practical exam ended on January 1, 2022. California now requires only the written exam for every Board license.
Can I work while attending?
Yes. Our cosmetology night classes run 5pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday, for students who work during the day.
How much does the cosmetology course cost?
Tuition is $16,900, including your starter kit (valued at $800+) and all required textbooks. Payment plans start with a $2,500 down payment. Elite does not take part in federal financial aid.
Is Elite Cosmetology College accredited?
Elite is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE, school code 32801966). It is not nationally accredited and does not take part in federal student aid. Our 1,000-hour program meets the Board’s training requirement for the cosmetology license.
Cosmetology or hairstylist license: which do I need?
A hairstylist license (600 hours) covers hair services without chemicals: cutting, blow-drying, styling. If you want to color, perm or relax hair, or also do skin and nails, you need a cosmetology license. See our Hairstyling Course.
Is a cosmetology license a degree?
No. It is a state license, not a college degree. Read more in cosmetology degree vs license.
Cosmetology Course
Transform your passion for beauty into a rewarding career
Day: 9am–3pm · Night: 5pm–9pm · Tuition: $16,900