COS 231: Business and Licensing Preparation for Cosmetologists

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 100
Lecture Hours : 60
Lab Hours: 40
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 120
Total Student Learning Hours: 220
Prerequisite: COS 141, or COS 141A and COS 141B; COS 184, COS 185, COS 186, and COS 202.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000.
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course reviews all practical areas of cosmetology learned in the foundation classes as well as State Board requirements for licensing. Students will conduct consultations, perform client services, and fill out service record cards. Business practices will be taught such as effective communication, resume building, preparing for employment, principles of selling and client building, and types of business options. 60 lecture hours, 40 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of services requested in a salon.
  • Effectively communicate with clients and colleagues in a professional manner.
  • Apply California Cosmetology State Board rules, regulations and safety requirements properly.
  • Perform a complete client consultation focusing on the client's wants and needs.
  • Build strong work ethics to be able to succeed in a competitive industry.
  • Compare and contrast the various occupations offered in the cosmetology industry.
  • Differentiate the advantages and disadvantage of employee, independent contractor and entrepreneurship.
  • Develop a mock resume to facilitate student for future employment projections.

Major Course Content

  1.  Life Skills
    1. Defining Character 
    2. Personality and Balance
    3. Communication
  2. Planning for Success
    1. Goal Setting
    2. Organization
    3. Cover Letter/Resume
  3. Guest Relations
    1. The Client Factor
    2. Salon & Service Experience
  4. Defining Success 
    1. Measuring Progress
    2. Commission vs. Independent Contractor
    3. Entrepreneurship
    4. Guest Speakers
  5. Employment
    1. Professional Expectations
    2. Interviewing
    3. Workplace Synergy
  6. Mock State Board Written Exams
    1. Rules & Regulations
    2. NIC Cosmetology Performance Criteria

Lab Content

  1. Client relationships
    1. Develop and execute high standards of communication
    2. Prepare client record keeping
    3. Practice professional application and standards
  2. Colleague relationships
    1. Support and assist fellow colleagues through teamwork
    2. Build strong interpersonal skills
    3. Develop professional dialogue
  3. Work Ethic
    1. Develop and practice professional work skills
    2. Synergy
    3. Develop professional communication skills
  4. Salon Services
    1. Execute and perform a variety of services offered in a salon

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Modern Salon Magazine

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Prepare a resume. Research and prepare a small business proposal of a salon for entrepreneurship.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Visit and interview salons in which you might want to work. Compare and contrast independent contractor vs. employee/employer workplace.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lecture