Hair Design

Students learn about the properties of the hair and scalp, principles of hair design, haircutting, and the finishing techniques of hairstyling. Future stylists will work towards the required 600 hours in preparation for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Hairstylist License exam.

Currently, we estimate enrolling cohorts of 24 students based on program interest, resources, available space, and health and safety considerations.  This new certificate can be completed in a single academic semester, which is an attractive option for students.  We anticipate an average of 20 student completers for each admitted cohort of 24 students.  This is based on completion rates for our existing Cosmetology program over the past several years as well as predictive success for a new student population that can enter the workplace after one semester.

The program goals and objectives for this program are clearly occupational.  Recent passing of Senate Bill 803 paves the way for a new 600-hour program focusing on hair styling techniques (exclusive of chemical usage) designed to create greater access to industry.  We have already received many inquiries from prospective students about this new program.

With increased interest in our Cosmetology programs, including growing waitlists of students each year, and labor market indicators of an undersupply of hairs stylists in our region, we believe this is timely program that will draw students from a variety of backgrounds and prepare them to take the state licensing exam within a single semester of study.

The certificate program consists of four courses: COSM 100A (Introduction to Cosmetology); COSM 161 (Cosmetology Business); COSM 162 (Salon Experience and License Preparation); and COSM 141H (Hairstyling Concepts).

The suite of courses will be offered each semester.  Students must complete a minimum of 600 clinical laboratory and practical operation hours to be eligible for the State Board Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
COSM 100A	Introduction to Cosmetology	2	S1
COSM 161	Cosmetology Business	3	S1
COSM 162	Salon Experience and License Preparation	1	S1
COSM 141H	Hairstylist Concepts	10	S1

The recent passage of SB 803 requiring changes to Cosmetology curriculum and programs necessitates a new program in Hairstyling that affords greater access to a wider population of students and reduces barrier to employment access.

In the past two years we have seen at least 3 private Cosmetology schools in the Bay region close, thus reducing the number of available programs and graduates in our region. LMI data supports an undersupply of hair stylists in the North Bay region.