Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program provides the theory and practical instruction designed to prepare students for employment as a licensed cosmetologist. Students who successfully complete the entire curriculum are qualified to sit for the examination given by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (T.D.L.R.) P.O. Box 12157 Austin, TX 78711. Those who are approved by the State are licensed as cosmetologists and are eligible for placement.

Due to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (T.D.L.R.) requirements limiting the number of students permitted at each location, students must have instructor approval before registering in any cosmetology/barber stylist course. Students may not go through the College registration process without specific instructor approval. Enrolled students are required to purchase tools, books, and uniforms. Students must maintain strong attendance. Students absent more than two days in a semester are dropped from the program

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

The HCC Cosmetology program graduates are licensed by examination by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Texas does have reciprocity with many states. For most states, you do not have to complete additional training or experience to transfer your license to Texas. A handful of states require one year of work experience in addition to your license. Only Florida and New York require two full years of work experience. The cost to transfer your license to Texas is $100.

To review cosmetology license reciprocity in each state please visit:

https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/faq/license-requirements#Cosmetology-License-Reciprocity-(Transfer)-in-Each-State

Please note, every attempt is made to ensure the above information is accurate and up to date; however, some information is subject to change.

If you have any questions or encounter problems contacting the appropriate licensing board, please contact your Program Director at (713) 718.7501.

2022-2023 Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results 

 Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by academic calendar year (Sept. 1–Aug. 31). Results for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years are provided for comparison.  

There are 13,825 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 12.5% over the next four years.

The estimated annual job openings is 879 jobs a year.
Median Wages - $11.05 hourly, $23,000 annually

Hybrid programs allow students to take a mix of online and face-to-face courses. Hybrid programs offer 50% to 85% of their courses online and the remainder of the curriculum is taken in-person on one of HCC’s campuses. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Language Option Restrictions

Some hybrid programs require students to participate in foreign language courses as part of the program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements and available language options. If you would like to take courses in a language that is not offered online, you would have to do so on campus.

Elective Course Restrictions

Some hybrid programs may have a limited number of elective options available, based on which of the designated electives are currently offered online.  Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Required Course Restrictions

Hybrid programs require students to participate in campus-based courses as part of a given program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements. 

Potential Course Restrictions

Some online courses may have face-to-face requirements for exams, laboratory sessions, and other activities. Please review your course syllabus to determine if your online course has an on-campus laboratory or examination requirement.