Cosmetology school · Escondido, CA

Cosmetology School in Escondido & San Diego County

Cuts, color, styling, skin and nails, all in one license. Learn from instructors with 40+ years of combined experience and practice on real clients in our student salon.

Book a Campus Tour Plan My Schedule

1,000hours required
6 moas little as
44 schedule options

2017Founded, family-owned
5–10 PMEvening classes, Monday to Friday
4.6From 100+ Google reviews
40+ yrsCombined instructor experience

Plan your 1,000 hours

How long does cosmetology school take?

California requires 1,000 hours of training before you can take the state board exam. Pick a schedule and a start month to see roughly when you could be exam-ready.

If I start in

Length0

Exam-ready aroundMonth

Estimate based on the published schedule. Exact start dates and calendars are confirmed with admissions.

Curriculum

What you will learn

A balanced mix of theory, live demos and hands-on practice, first on mannequins and then on real clients in our student salon.

1,000hours to your
CA cosmetology license

Hair cutting & styling

Precision cuts, layers, blowouts, updos and braids for every hair type.

Color & lightening

Color theory, foils, balayage, toning and corrective color.

Chemical services

Perms, relaxers and chemical straightening, done safely.

Skin care basics

Facials, brow shaping and makeup.

Nail care basics

Manicures and pedicures, part of the California cosmetology license.

Health, safety & state law

Disinfection, sanitation, anatomy and California regulations, plus exam prep.

Commuting from San Diego?Our Escondido campus is about 30 miles up I-15, with day and night classes.

Cosmetology school near San Diego Barber school near San Diego

Cosmetology students training at SCCBB in Escondido — Hands-on training at SCCBB

The SCCBB difference

Theory in the morning. Clients by the afternoon.

100% hands-on training with real clients
Instructors with 40+ years of combined experience
Day, part-time and night schedules
Written state board exam prep built in
Job placement help through our salon & shop network
Family-owned, with financial aid for those who qualify

Careers & pay

Where this license can take you

$48,290mean yearly wage for hairdressers & cosmetologists in California
$54,290mean yearly wage in the Los Angeles metro area
7%projected job growth for barbers, hairstylists & cosmetologists, 2025 to 2035

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Earnings vary with experience, location, tips and clientele.

Where you could work

Hair salons
Color specialist
Booth or suite rental
Weddings & events
Platform artist
Salon owner

Are you ready?

Enrollment requirements

Tap each one you already have. That is your checklist for enrollment day.

Licensing in California

From day one to licensed

Complete 1,000 hoursFinish your training hours at a state-approved school like SCCBB.
Apply to the BoardSubmit your application to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Pass the state board examExam prep is built into our program, so you walk in ready.
Start your careerWork in a salon, rent a chair or suite, or build toward your own business.

4.6 stars across 100+ Google reviews

What students & guests say

I am very grateful to the College for helping me study and have my license... thanks to my teacher Mrs Azadeh Motamedi for her values.Graciella R.Cosmetology graduate

I have been to many salons and this place rivals the skills of high end places without the pretentious ambiance and prices. These students are here to learn and achieve success!Meg S.Salon guest

Got all over hair color done today by Eva and Lauren under the supervision of Mrs G... I love the new color. Also I frequently get facial here and enjoy a radiant skin.Farnaz G.Salon guest

Helpful guides

Cosmetology school questions, answered

How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost? Full Breakdown Of Tuition, Fees & Hidden CostsRead the guide →What Is Cosmetology & What Services Do They Offer?Read the guide →How To Pay For Cosmetology School: Grants, FAFSA, Scholarships & Financial Aid OptionsRead the guide →How Long Does Cosmetology School Take?Read the guide →15 Careers In The Cosmetology IndustryRead the guide →7 Steps To Renew Your California Cosmetology LicenseRead the guide →

Good to know

Cosmetology program FAQs

Have a question we did not cover? Call (442) 277-5847 or book a campus tour.

How many hours is cosmetology school in California?

California requires 1,000 hours for the cosmetology license. At SCCBB you can finish in as little as 6 months full time, with part-time and night options too.

What will I learn?

Haircutting, styling, color and chemical services, plus skin care and nail care, with hands-on practice on real clients in our student salon.

Can I add a barber license later?

Yes. Licensed California cosmetologists can take our 200-hour Barber Crossover program to add a barber license.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Ask about our current cosmetology tuition promotion too.

How much does cosmetology school cost?

Tuition depends on your schedule and any financial aid you qualify for, and our admissions team will go over the numbers with you on a tour. For a full breakdown of tuition, kits and other costs, read our guide: How much does cosmetology school cost?

Do you offer night cosmetology classes?

Yes. Our night schedule runs Monday through Friday, 5 to 10 PM, so you can work during the day and train in the evening.

Can I tour the school before I enroll?

Yes. Visit our Escondido campus, see the student salon, meet the instructors and ask anything. Call or book a tour online.

Is SCCBB a good option if I live in San Diego?

Many of our students commute from San Diego and North County along the I-15. See drive times and routes on our Cosmetology School Near San Diego page.

Keep exploring