Cosmetology
16 courses · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COS X109 Senior Laboratory Special Problems
- Units
- 1-13
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 35
- Prerequisite
- COS 010B and COS 105B, both with C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continuing students attend this laboratory class in order to complete the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology state board licensing requirements of 1600 hours and credits. This course is variable unit (1.0 to 13.0 units) depending on the student's requirement needs.
COS 010A Cosmetology Freshman Theory
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5
- Corequisite
- COS 105A, previous or concurrent
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students are introduced to the field of cosmetology, including history, career paths, professional image, and communication skills needed in a professional salon setting. Students focus on the structure, growth, and infection prevention of hair, skin, and nails. They also study chemical compounds in cosmetology products and their effect on the human body. Cosmetology 010A is the first course in a sequence required in cosmetology. This course, along with COS 010B, COS 105A, and COS 105B, meets the District lab science requirement for Cosmetology majors only.
COS 010B Cosmetology Senior Theory
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5
- Prerequisite
- COS 010A with C or better
- Corequisite
- COS 105B
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students advance in theory skills learning in-depth information including electricity, light therapy, anatomy, physiology, rules and regulations of Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, business management and people skills. Students are required to keep a note-book and to write reports which include deductive reasoning and critical thinking. This course, along with COS 010A, COS 105A, and COS 105B, meets the District lab science requirement.
COS 105 Cosmetology Professional Skills
- Units
- 11.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5, Lab Hours: 19.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 010A and COS 105A, both with C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continuing students will attend this advanced course in order to meet the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing eligibility requirement of 1600 hours. Students study health and safety standards of the profession of cosmetology. Students apply these standards in the practicum of hair design, hair sculpting (cutting), hair coloring, perm design, shampooing, manicuring, make-up, facials, scalp massage, hair removal by wax and tweezers, hair relaxing, thermal styling, braiding/hair extensions, and spa pedicures.
COS 105A Cosmetology Freshman Laboratory
- Units
- 16
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5, Lab Hours: 32.5
- Corequisite
- COS 010A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will apply the technical and theoretical knowledge related to basic skills in cosmetology, current salon techniques, and trends. Emphasis is placed on application skills of hair coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair styling, hair cutting, manicuring, facials, eyebrow arching, make-up, and scalp and hair treatments. Client safety and sanitary precautions for each practical service is emphasized. This course, along with COS 010A, COS 010B, and COS 105B, meets the District lab science requirement.
COS 105B Cosmetology Senior Laboratory
- Units
- 16
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5, Lab Hours: 32.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 105A with C or better
- Corequisite
- COS 010B
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students advance in lab skills learning in-depth manipulative techniques in hair styling, hair cutting, hair coloring, permanent waving, manicuring, makeup, facials, scalp massage, hair removal, shampooing, chemical relaxing, thermal styling, pedicures, artificial nails, and other procedures required by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students will also study the social, cultural, psychological, and business implications of a Cosmetology career. This course, along with COS 010A, COS 010B, and COS 105A, meets the District lab science requirement.
COS 110A Cosmetology Fundamentals 1
- Units
- 9.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 7, Lab Hours: 7.5
- Prerequisite
- Students must first apply to and be admitted to the Cosmetology program. Program application, fees, and other pre-registration activities are outlined in the Cosmetology program handbook and updated annually. Per SJECCD Administrative Procedure 5052, San Jose City College's Cosmetology program requires pre-registration activities.
Students will be introduced to the field of cosmetology, including history, career paths, professional image, and communication skills needed in a professional salon setting. Students focus on the theoretical structure, growth, diseases, disorders and infection control of hair, skin, and nails. Fundamental content on chemistry will enable students to apply chemical products to scalp care, hair care, skin care and nail care. Fundamental procedures include scalp treatments, haircutting, hairstyling, facials, manicures and pedicures. This course, along with COS 110B, 120A, 120B, and 125, meets the GE lab science requirement only for a Cosmetology AS degree.
COS 110B Cosmetology Fundamentals 2
- Units
- 9.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 7, Lab Hours: 7.5
- Prerequisite
- Students must first apply to and be admitted to the Cosmetology program. Program application, fees, and other pre-registration activities are outlined in the Cosmetology program handbook and updated annually. Per SJECCD Administrative Procedure 5052, San Jose City College's Cosmetology program requires pre-registration activities.
Students explore theoretical and practice applications of chemistry, which include organic and inorganic chemistry, different states of matter, the meaning of redox, the difference between pure and physical mixtures, suspension and emulsion, and pH scale. Students engage with chemical texturing services including, permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, and Soft Perm. Students learn effective procedures and practices for haircoloring, hair removal, and facial makeup. This course, along with COS 110A, 120A, 120B, and 125, meets the GE lab science requirement only for a Cosmetology AS degree.
COS 116A Cosmetology Teacher Training I
- Units
- 10.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5, Lab Hours: 16.5
- Prerequisite
- Hold a valid Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license and five years full professional salon industry experience.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students who are experienced, licensed cosmetologists will learn practical and theoretical principles of effective teaching methods of becoming a Master Teacher. The teacher trainees will learn concepts of lesson planning, oral presentations, evaluation, and test construction as well as cosmetology procedures that ensure environmental health and safety. Teacher trainees will assist students on the clinical floor during client services under the supervision of a cosmetology instructor. This course is the first of two course series providing 300 required hours towards completing the Master Teaching requirements. Five years of professional salon experience with a valid cosmetology license is required.
COS 116B Cosmetology Teacher Training II
- Units
- 10.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 5, Lab Hours: 16.5
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students who are experienced, licensed cosmetologists will continue their training in the second course learning teaching methods of becoming a Master Teacher in cosmetology. This course will provide students with classroom management competencies, subject mastery skills, and expanded career options. Students will gain an additional 300 hours of lecture/demonstration and laboratory training that include technical and practical aspects of cosmetology.
COS 120A Cosmetology Advanced 1
- Units
- 9.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 7, Lab Hours: 7.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 110B with C or better
Students will continue to explore the field of cosmetology, including history, career paths, professional image, and communication skills needed in a professional salon setting. Students focus on the theoretical structure, growth, diseases, disorders, and infection control of hair, skin, and nails. Advanced cosmetology content will enable students to apply chemical products to scalp care, hair care, skin care, and nail care. Advanced cosmetology procedures include scalp treatments, haircutting, hairstyling, facials, manicures, and pedicures. This course, along with COS 110A, 110B, 120B, and 125, meets the GE lab science requirement only for a Cosmetology AS degree.
COS 120B Cosmetology Advanced 2
- Units
- 9.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 7, Lab Hours: 7.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 120A with C or better
Students learn advanced and industry-leading techniques and client engagement strategies for hairstyling, haircutting, manicuring, makeup, facials, scalp massage, hair removal, shampooing. Working directly with Cosmetology clients, students apply knowledge of chemical relaxing, thermal styling, pedicures, artificial nails, and other procedures required by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Students engage with industry professionals and explore the practical implications of a Cosmetology career. This course, along with COS 110A, 110B, 120A, and 125, meets the GE lab science requirement only for a Cosmetology AS degree.
COS 125 Cosmetology Specialties
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3.5, Lab Hours: 7.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 110B with C or better
Students will attend this advanced course in order to meet the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing eligibility requirement of 1000 hours. Students study the health and safety standards of the cosmetology profession. Students apply these standards in the practicum of hair design, hair sculpting (cutting), hair coloring, make-up, and thermal styling. Advanced Salon Ready Practical Skills, State Board Testing Review, and Salon Business Skills. This course, along with COS 110A, 110B, 120A, 120B, meets the GE lab science requirement only for a Cosmetology AS degree.
COS 130A Esthetics I
- Units
- 11
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 6, Lab Hours: 15
- Prerequisite
- Prior to registering, students must attend orientation.
Students will acquire the skills required to render professional services as an Esthetician. Students are provided with basic knowledge of the theory and practice pertaining to esthetics and skin care. Theory and practical training includes professional image and ethics, sanitation, disinfection, and safety, standard massage, client consultation, skin analysis, and makeup color theory. Students begin to prepare for the State board examination to obtain the Esthetician license. Students are required to attend a field trip. Esthetics I is the first course in a sequence of two in which students are required to complete 300 hours of practice on one another. Prior to registering, students must attend orientation.
COS 130B Esthetics II
- Units
- 11
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 6, Lab Hours: 15
- Prerequisite
- COS 130A with C or better
Students continue to develop skills required to render professional services on clients in the skin care industry. Theory and practical training includes the application of chemical peels, waxing, essential oils, and electrical apparatus. Students are required to attend a field trip. Esthetics II is designed for continuing students to complete the state board requirement of 600 hours.
COS 130C Trends in Esthetics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1.5, Lab Hours: 1.5
- Prerequisite
- COS 130A with C or better
Students are introduced to the newest techniques and trends in the esthetics industry to increase their competitiveness in the job market. Students develop the skills required to perform these professional services in a salon or spa setting. Theory and practical training includes hair removal methods for face and body, advanced facial message techniques, superficial chemical peels, and body scrubs/ wraps. Students will practice the microdermabrasion procedure.