Cosmetology | Victor Valley College

The mission of the Victor Valley College Cosmetology Department is to deliver high-quality, hands-on instruction in cosmetology, barbering, hairstyling, manicuring, and esthetics to a diverse student population. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of both new learners and those seeking to expand their professional skills.

Training is aligned with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and regularly updated through input from industry professionals. Students gain real-world experience in a simulated salon environment, providing services to the public as part of their preparation for state licensure.

Program Highlights

Prepares students for state licensure
Offers practical training in a salon setting
Covers a range of beauty industry disciplines, including skincare, hair care, and nail services
Maintains strong alignment with current industry standards and practices

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are equipped for a variety of careers in the beauty and wellness industries, including:

Cosmetologist
Barber
Hairstylist / Hair Color Specialist
Nail Technician / Manicurist
Esthetician / Skin Care Specialist
Salon Owner or Manager
Beauty Product Sales Representative
Brand Educator or Platform Artist
Cosmetology Instructor (with additional credentialing)
Spa or Salon Coordinator
Freelance Artist (e.g., weddings, photoshoots, TV/film)
Medical Esthetician (with additional licensure)
Beauty Influencer / Content Creator

Career settings include salons, barbershops, spas, resorts, wellness centers, and cosmetic retail, with growing opportunities in fashion, media, and independent business.

Programs of Study

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

Demonstrate health, safety, and responsibility standards in practicing cosmetology services as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, in conjunction with the Business and Professions Code (BPC) and Division 9 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
Identify foundational concepts of Barbering Fundamentals, including health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, shaving, and trimming of the beard, as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Identify foundational concepts of Cosmetology Fundamentals, including health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, skincare, hair removal, and manicuring, as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Identify foundational concepts of esthetician services, including health and safety, disinfection, skincare, hair removal, and lash and brow beautification, as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Identify foundational concepts in manicuring technology, including health and safety, disinfection, manicuring, pedicuring, and nail technology as outlined in the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Cosmetology Courses

COSM 0100 Health & Safety Course (0.0 Units)

This introductory course focuses on the fundamentals of health and safety as outlined by The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, serving as the prerequisite to multiple courses within the Cosmetology discipline. This is a lecture-based course that will review health and safety topics including: working safely with chemicals, the SDS (Safety Data Sheet), various communicable diseases, health and safety problems, and infection control practices and prevention. Additionally, it will introduce students to the history and career paths pertaining to the fields of Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. This course will fulfil a minimum of 48 hours of the health and safety component of training as outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0101 Cosmetology Fundamentals (0.0 Units)

TCosmetology Fundamentals is the second course in a six-part cosmetology program. Cosmetology Fundamentals is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to cosmetology principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in cosmetology using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, skin care, hair removal, and manicuring. This course will fulfill a minimum of 248 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0100;

Lecture Hours: 171.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0102 Cosmetology Nail and Esthetics Technology (0.0 Units)

Cosmetology Nail and Esthetics Technology is the third course in a six-part cosmetology program. Cosmetology Nail and Esthetic Technology is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to cosmetology principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in cosmetology using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include professional image and ethics, sanitation, disinfection, client safety, standard massage techniques, client consultation, skin analysis, contraindications in the field of esthetics, hair removal, makeup color theory, and continued focus on hair services. This course will fulfill a minimum of 256 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0101

Lecture Hours: 99.0; Lab Hours: 189.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0103 Cosmetology Hair Science (0.0 Units)

Cosmetology Hair Science is the fourth course in a six-part cosmetology program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cosmetology principles and practices in hairstyling, haircutting, and chemical hair services as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Hair Science methods build on the cosmetology fundamentals learned in previous sections and will prepare students for a career in cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hair coloring, permanent waving, curl re-formation, hair lightening, and relaxing techniques. This course will fulfill a minimum of 256 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0102

Lecture Hours: 99.0; Lab Hours: 189.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0104 The Business of Cosmetology & Skills Review (0.0 Units)

The Business of Cosmetology & Skills Review is the fifth course in a six-part cosmetology program. The Business of Cosmetology & Skills Review is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of cosmetology principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in cosmetology using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, skin care, hair removal, and manicuring. This course will fulfill a minimum of 248 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0103

Lecture Hours: 171.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0105 Cosmetology State Board Test Preparation (0.0 Units)

Cosmetology State Board Test Preparation is the sixth course in a six-part cosmetology program. Cosmetology State Board Test Preparation is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive review of cosmetology principles and practices. This course will prepare students for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license test. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, skin care, hair removal, and manicuring. This course will fulfill a minimum of 48 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0104

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0111 Barbering Fundamentals (0.0 Units)

Barbering Fundamentals is the second class in a six-part Barbering Program. Barbering Fundamentals is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to barbering principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in barbering according to the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling services, chemical hair services, shaving and trimming of the beard. This course will fulfill 248 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour barbering guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0100

Lecture Hours: 171.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0112 Barbering Techniques and Hair Design Concepts (0.0 Units)

Barbering Techniques and Hair Design Concepts is the third course in a six-part barbering program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of barbering principles and practices in hairstyling, haircutting, chemical hair services and shaving and trimming of the beard as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Barbering Techniques and Hair Design Concepts methods build on the barbering fundamentals learned in previous sections and will prepare students for a career in barbering. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hair coloring, permanent waving, curl re-formation, hair lightening, relaxing techniques, straight razor shaves, basic facial techniques and shaping of the beard. This course will fulfill a minimum of 256 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour barbering guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0111

Lecture Hours: 99.0; Lab Hours: 189.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0113 Barbering Chemical Concepts (0.0 Units)

Barbering Chemical Concepts is the fourth course in a six-part cosmetology program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of barbering principles and practices in hairstyling, haircutting, chemical hair services, shaving and trimming of the beard as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Barbering Chemical Concepts builds on the barbering fundamentals learned in previous sections and will prepare students for a career in barbering. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hair coloring, permanent waving, curl re-formation, hair lightening, relaxing techniques, straight razor shaves, basic facial techniques and shaping of the beard. This course will fulfill a minimum of 256 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0112

Lecture Hours: 99.0; Lab Hours: 189.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0114 The Business of Barbering and Skills Review (0.0 Units)

The Business of Barbering & Skills Review is the fifth course in a six-part barbering program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of barbering principles and practices in hairstyling, haircutting, chemical hair services, shaving and trimming of the beard as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The Business of Barbering & Skills Review methods build on the barbering fundamentals learned in previous sections and will prepare students for a career in barbering. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hair coloring, permanent waving, curl re-formation, hair lightening, relaxing techniques, straight razor shaves, basic facial techniques and shaping of the beard. This course will fulfill a minimum of 248 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0113

Lecture Hours: 171.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0115 Barbering State Board Test Preparation (0.0 Units)

Barbering State Board Test Preparation is the sixth course in a six-part cosmetology program. Barbering State Board Test Preparation is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of barbering principles and practices. This course will prepare students for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license test. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, hairstyling, chemical hair services, shaving and trimming of the beard. This course will fulfill a minimum of 48 hours of the training outlined in the state-mandated 1000-hour cosmetology guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0114;

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0138 Noncredit - Work Experience Education Cosmetology (0.0 Units)

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. This is a non-credit course which helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. Students may utilize their present work sites.

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0201 Manicuring Academy (0.0 Units)

The Manicuring Academy is the second course in a two-part manicuring training program. The Manicuring Academy is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to cosmetology principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in manicuring using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, manicuring, pedicuring, and nail technology. This course will fulfill a minimum of the 400 hours of training required in the state-mandated manicuring training program.

Lecture Hours: 153.0; Lab Hours: 297.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0201A Manicuring Academy A (0.0 Units)

The Manicuring Academy 0201A is the second course (0100, 0201B) in a three-part manicuring training program. The Manicuring Academy is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to manicuring principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in manicuring using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, manicuring, pedicuring, and nail technology. This course will fulfill a minimum of the 200 hours of training required in the state-mandated manicuring training program.

Prerequisite(s): COSM-0100

Lecture Hours: 76.5; Lab Hours: 148.5

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0201B Manicuring Academy B (0.0 Units)

The Manicuring Academy 0201B is the third course (0100, 0201A) in a three-part manicuring training program. The Manicuring Academy is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to manicuring principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in manicuring using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, manicuring, pedicuring, and nail technology. This course will fulfill a minimum of the 200 hours of training required in the state-mandated manicuring training program.

Prerequisite(s): Must take COSM-0201A

Lecture Hours: 76.5; Lab Hours: 148.5

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0202 Esthetician Academy Concepts (0.0 Units)

The Esthetician Academy is the second course in a two-part esthetician program. The Esthetician Academy is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to esthetician principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for careers in skin care using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, facials, eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting, airbrushing, waxing, microdermabrasion, wraps, and chemical treatments. This course will fulfill the 600 hours of training required in the state-mandated esthetician training program.

Prerequisite(s): MUST TAKE COSM-0100

Lecture Hours: 297.0; Lab Hours: 378.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0203 Hairstylist Academy (0.0 Units)

Hairstylist Academy is the second course in a two-part hairstyling program. Hairstylist Academy is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to hairstyling principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in hairstyling using the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics will include arranging, blowdrying, cleansing, curling, dressing, hair analysis, shampooing, waving, nonchemical straightening, and haircutting, including the use of shears, razors, electrical clippers and trimmers, and thinning shears, for wet and dry cutting. This course will fulfill a minimum 608 hours of training required under the state-mandated 600-hour hairstyling guidelines.

Lecture Hours: 225.0; Lab Hours: 459.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0205 Barber Crossover (0.0 Units)

Barber Crossover is the first class in a two-part Barber Crossover Program, which is for currently licensed California Cosmetologists. Barber Crossover is a rigorous course designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to barbering principles and practices. These methods will prepare students for a career in barbering according to the standards outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Topics include health and safety, disinfection, haircutting, shaving and trimming of the beard. This course will fulfill a minimum of 128 hours of training required within the state-mandated 200 hour barber crossover guidelines.

Lecture Hours: 90.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0206 Advanced Barber Crossover and Test Preparation (0.0 Units)

Advanced Barber Crossover and Test Preparation is the second course in a two-part barbering crossover program, which is for currently licensed California Cosmetologists. This course provides additional instruction in barbering principles and practices such as haircutting, shaving and trimming of the beard as outlined by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Advanced Barber Crossover and Test Preparation builds on the barbering fundamentals learned in the previous course, and will prepare students for a career in barbering. Topics include health and safety, disinfection and sanitation, haircutting, chemical services, straight razor shaves, basic facial techniques and shaping of the beard. Advanced Barber Crossover and Test Preparation will provide a comprehensive review to pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam. This course will fulfill a minimum of 120 hours of training required within the state-mandated 200 hour barber crossover guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): MUST TAKE COSM-0100

Lecture Hours: 81.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

COSM 0301 Salon Management and Business Developmen (0.0 Units)

The Salon Management and Business Development Essentials course is designed to equip aspiring cosmetologists with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to effectively manage a salon or start their own successful beauty business. This course combines theoretical concepts with practical applications to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of salon operations, client management, marketing strategies, and essential administrative tasks.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable