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    Building & Skilled Trades

    Cosmetology

    Laney Cosemtology Employees

    Laney College's Cosmetology program consists of 1000 hours of training in theoretical foundations, manipulative skills, business knowledge, professional and ethical practices and prepares students to take the California State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensure.

    Link To Courses

    Department Overview

    Laney College's Cosmetology Program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the beauty industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including hair cutting and styling, skincare, makeup application, and nail care. Students gain hands-on experience in a salon-like environment, preparing them for the state board licensing exam and future employment in the field.

    Laney’s Cosmetology Program is now a 1,000-hour program. Students complete six core courses each semester, Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 3:30PM, over two semesters, plus either a Summer or Saturday semester. The next enrollment period is for the Fall 2027 semester in August.
     
    Level 1 Courses:
    COSMO 210 – Cosmetology Theory I
    COSMO 210L – Cosmetology Laboratory I
    COSMO 211 – Manicuring & Pedicuring I
    COSMO 212 – Chemical Services / Haircolor I
    COSMO 213 – Hairstyling Services / Haircutting I
    COSMO 215 – Facials I
     
    To enroll in the Fall 2027 semester, students must attend a Mandatory Orientation meeting on Zoom.
     
    Orientation Dates: 
    February – March, exact days and times TBA

    This is a highly sought-after and competitive program, and classes fill quickly, so students are encouraged to attend orientation early.
     
    The estimated cost for first semester books, supplies, and fees is approximately $2,900. Financial aid applications must be completed by March 2027.

    Contact Us

    Department Chair
    Sydney Thomas
    sthomas@peralta.edu

    View All Faculty →

    Main Phone: (510) 464-3569

    Dean
    Alejandria Tomas
    atomas@peralta.edu

    Learning & Career Pathway
    Building & Skilled Trades

    Division
    Career & Technical Education & KASH

    Location
    Building B, Room 100
    (B-100 | 10th St Entrance)

    Career Opportunities

    A degree in cosmetology opens up a variety of career opportunities in the beauty and wellness industry. Here are some potential career paths:

    1. Licensed Cosmetologist: Work in salons, spas, or wellness centers providing services like hair cutting, coloring, styling, makeup application, and skincare treatments.

    2. Hair Stylist or Color Specialist: Specialize in cutting, styling, and coloring hair, working in high-end salons, or even opening your own salon.

    3. Esthetician: Focus on skincare treatments, including facials, waxing, and other beauty treatments, often working in spas, dermatology clinics, or medical offices.

    4. Nail Technician: Provide manicures, pedicures, and other nail treatments in salons or specialized nail bars.

    5. Makeup Artist: Work in various settings such as salons, film and television, fashion shows, weddings, and special events.

    6. Salon or Spa Manager: Oversee the operations of a salon or spa, managing staff, customer relations, inventory, and finances.

    7. Beauty Product Consultant or Sales Representative: Work for beauty brands, helping clients select products or training other professionals on the use of beauty products.

    8. Instructor or Educator: Teach cosmetology at beauty schools or colleges, sharing your expertise with future professionals.

    9. Freelance or Mobile Cosmetologist: Offer beauty services to clients in their homes or at events, allowing for a flexible work schedule.

    10. Entrepreneur: Start your own beauty-related business, such as a salon, spa, beauty product line, or consulting firm.

    These career paths offer opportunities for creativity, flexibility, and the potential for business ownership.

    Cosmetology Licensing Exam Information

    Instructional Materials: Milady Textbooks (Cengage).

    After completing 1,000 clock hours, including all required practical operations and lecture hours, students are eligible to take the Cosmetology licensing exam.

    The exam consists of 100 questions and is administered on a computer. Students can choose from various testing sites across California, with locations available at www.barbercosmo.ca.gov.

    For detailed information about the licensing exam, refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin for cosmetology at www.barbercosmo.ca.gov.

    Candidates who successfully pass the written exam will receive their license immediately. Those who do not pass can reapply to take the exam again.

     
    Student Resources

    Degrees & Certificates

    Cosmetology Degree
    Cosmetology - A.S. Degree

    This Degree includes 1000 hours of training in theoretical foundations, manipulative skills, business knowledge, professional and ethical practices in the field of cosmetology, and prepares students to take the California State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensure. 

    More Info
    cosmetology
    Cosmetology - Certificate of Achievement

    The program consists of 1000 hours training in theoretical foundations, manipulative skills, business knowledge, professional and ethical practices and prepares students to take the California State Board of Cosmetology examination for licensing.

    More Info
    cosmetology students

    The Town Salon

    The Town Salon at Laney College offers a range of services including haircuts, styles, treatments, chemical services, as well as nail and facial services.

    Location: Building B-100

    Hours: February 20th - May 1st (Closed April 3rd)

    Fridays: 10:00am - 1:00pm

    No chemical services after 11:00am

    Payment is cash only. Must be 16 years or older to receive services.

    Children under 16 are not allowed in the classrooms, or clinic areas due to safety and liability concerns. 

    The Town Salon 2026
    The Town Salon 2026 back

    Cosmetology Program Highlights

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    Licensed Cosmetologists & Program Alumni

    Faculty

    Department Co-Chair, Cosmetology
    Miss-Thomas-768x1024

    Sydney Thomas-Windham

    sthomas@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Cosmetology
    Toshia

    Toshia Christal

    tchristal@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Cosmetology
    mrs. edwards

    Christina Edwards

    cedwards@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Cosmetology
    Miss Petra

    Petra Schontges

    pschontges@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Cosmetology
    Miss-Miller-682x1024

    Curley Wikkeling-Miller

    cwikkeling@peralta.edu

    Sr. Instructional Lab Tech, Cosmetology
    LaCretia Robinson

    LaCretia Robinson

    lcrobinson@peralta.edu

    Laney College Enrollment (3)

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