California State Board Certification Requirements

The Cosmetology Act and the Bureau’s Rules & Regulations

Cosmetology Chemistry (chemical composition and the purpose of cosmetic, nail, hair, and skin care preparations; elementary chemical makeup, chemical skin peels, physical and chemical changes of matter)

Health and Safety / Hazardous Substances (training in chemicals and health establishments, material safety, data sheets, protection from hazardous chemicals and preventing chemical injuries, health and safety laws and agencies, ergonomics, and communicable diseases)

Disinfection and Sanitation (procedures to protect the health and safety of the consumer as well as the technician; all necessary functions for disinfecting instruments and equipment as specified in Section 979 and 980; disinfection is emphasized throughout the entire training period and must be performed before use of all instruments and equipment)

Bacteriology, Anatomy, and Physiology

Wet Hair Styling (hair analysis, shampooing, finger waving, pin curling, comb-outs) + Thermal Hair Styling (hair analysis, straightening, waving, curling with hot combs and hot curling irons, and blower styling)

Permanent Waving (hair analysis, chemical and heat permanent waving) + Chemical Straightening (hair analysis, the use of sodium hydroxide and other base solutions)

Hair Cutting (hair analysis, the use of the razor, scissors, electric clippers, and thinning shears for wet and dry cutting)

Scalp & Hair Treatments (hair and scalp analysis, scientific brushing, and manual scalp manipulation and other hair treatments)