Courses

Cosmetology Program

Santiago Canyon College

Santiago Canyon College offers a complete cosmetology program, through a contract with a private school, that prepares students for the California State Board licensing exam at the fully accredited Hair California Beauty Academy, 1110 N. Tustin Avenue, Orange, CA 92867.  All classes are held at that facility.

Attend an information session at Hair California Beauty Academy (714) 633-7170 to learn about cosmetology, manicuring and esthetician career opportunities, potential jobs and earnings, new class start dates, schedules (day or evening, full or part-time) space availability (there is often a waiting list for some programs and/or schedules), cost of materials/tools (the kit) and uniforms. The session concludes with a tour of the school. All prospective students need to attend an information session prior to registration. Students are not permitted to enroll without first attending an information session and obtaining a signed permission to register form.
Information sessions are held each month, 6-8 pm at Hair California Beauty Academy for the class that starts the following month. (Space may be limited making it necessary to wait to start classes.) Please do not bring children to the information session. Students will not be able to register unless they have attended an information session.
At the information session prospective students will also learn how the program is structured, the contract school's rules of conduct and attendance.   

Why Choose a Career in Cosmetology?
The occupational outlook for cosmetology careers is very promising.  According to Money Magazine, cosmetology is on the list for one of the 50 most fast-growing and desirable jobs.  Cosmetology career options are almost unlimited.  Among the careers available are: hairdresser, manicurist, cosmetic sales, product representative, salon owner/manager, instructor, product distributor and consultant.  One of the changes in the industry in the past few years is the opening of day spas at hotels, resorts and shopping centers.  There are jobs also in the entertainment industry, working with geriatric clients in assisted living facilities, hospitals and even in mortuary science settings.   Private schools and colleges hire licensed cosmetologists with advanced training to be instructional or lab assistants, instructors and school directors.

Licensed cosmetologists find that their income increases as they gain experience and build a steady clientele.  They move ahead in their career through continued training to keep up with changing styles and beauty techniques, a good sense of customer service and perhaps an aptitude for sales and building a business. 

How do I Prepare for a Career in Cosmetology?
The Cosmetology program sponsored by Santiago Canyon College at Hair California Beauty Academy in The City of Orange prepares students for a the State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam that leads to a career in cosmetology, manicuring, or as a cosmetician.  Students can also earn a college issued certificate of achievement and/or an associate degree.  To work as a manicurist, hair designer/cosmetologist, esthetician/cosmetician requires a license that is issued by the state following passing an exam that is offered by the state that is both written and manipulative.

Who is best suited for a Career in Cosmetology?
It is very important to have excellent communication skills, a level of maturity, patience with working among others as a peer, an appreciation for other cultures, values and even ages, to like working closely with individuals and providing personal services.  The profession requires one to be physically active, to stand for long periods of time and work with tools, machines, small grooming appliances or devices and personal care products including chemicals.  It is important to have an appreciation for style, design, creativity, grooming and esthetics.  It is an exacting profession, and one that requires continually updated skills and trends.  An ability for sales is often a great attribute.  Often cosmetologists work on weekends and holidays, or long hours in preparation for holidays or special events.  Most cosmetologist derive great satisfaction from their work and enjoy working with their clients and, in some cases, running their own business.  Many times those with a background in cosmetology become sales representatives for companies selling products to salons, department stores and specialty shops. Others, with advanced training, become teachers in public or private schools or trainers in industry.

What are the different careers or programs of study?
Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program (1600 hours)develop ithe student's practical skills, theoretical knowledge and professional attitudes for success in the profession and to qualify and equip the student to pass the California State Board licensing examination.  After a graduate successfully passes the board exam, he or she is qualified to work as a licensed cosmetologist in any licensed facility in the State of California.  A licensed cosmetologist may cut hair, perform hair styling, perform phases of manicuring, apply makeup and give skin care (within the scope of the license) for profit.

Manicuring
The Manicuring, nail care, program (400 hours) teaches the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional knowledge necessary for success as a manicuring specialist.  Upon completion of the course, a graduate should be able to pass the State Board licensing examination.  Successful completion of the state exam, permits an individual to work in any licensed facility in the State of California, performing all phases of manicuring.  Manicurists often work in nail salons or spas doing nails that includes application of artificial nail products, manicures, pedicures and other nail grooming services.

Cosmetician/Esthetician
The 600-hour Cosmetician (or Esthetician) facial skincare and make-up application course develops the student's practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional knowledge for success as a Cosmetician. Over one-third of the course time is devoted to technical instruction which consists of various learning activities in a classroom situation.  The balance of the course time is spent in performing practical client operations in actual working conditions under supervision of licensed instructors.   Upon passing the State of California Board of Cosmetology licensing examination, an individual may work as a licensed Cosmetician/esthetician in any licensed facility in the State of California.  Cosmeticians typically work at salons, spas, resorts, dermatologists or plastic surgeons offices, in cosmetic sales or as make-up artists. 

How much does it cost?
The cost for tuition for California residents is currently $20 per unit.  A "kit" of materials and equipment -- your tools -- is needed for participating in the training.  The cost for cosmetology or esthetician kit is approximately 000.  Check with SCC financial aid office to see if you quality for a BOG (Board of Governors Waiver) tuition assistance.  Students should pay their tuition prior to starting their program to avoid being dropped from the program.