Solano College’s Cosmetology program just got an official makeover. Students can expect the program to be fully operational by fall 2026 with Dean of School of Applied Technology & Business Jose Cortes leading the program. Details now are coming out about the insider details on how to pursue cosmetology at Solano.
Cortes was very transparent about some of the challenges and well earned benefits that come with taking the course, which could range from intensive hands-on hours or the fact that if a student doesn’t complete that set amount of hours they can’t take the state board exam.
Cortes explained, “those students log a total of one thousand hours; that prepares them for the state board. They are here five days per week, Monday through Friday, two semesters in a row.”
The California State Board of Cosmetology is one of the most important moments for students because it tests everything a student has learned. The exam scales skill level and determines if someone is prepared to be a licensed cosmetologist.
Although there are challenges, there are far more beneficial outcomes that come with enrolling in the cosmetology program, such as creating relationships with fellow classmates.
“It’s the same group of students so they get really, really close bonds with each other; it’s kinda like a cohort bottle: they go through it together.” Cortes adds.
Cortes admitted that he is new to the cosmetology program. His job is to support and provide understanding for their career opportunities. He stated that “working with the staff over there, it’s just a really, really good team.”
He exclaimed that students are passionate about being involved in the program; although it is a lot of work, he knows that it is all worth it because these students are going to succeed and be great. They know exactly what it is that they want to do and what their goals are in the program, which he admires and believes makes the atmosphere fun.
Cortes further elaborates on the atmosphere when he explains how involved and hands-on the staff are with the students, having one-on-one time or even just a small group learning a concept together could make a huge difference. He also said that having these staff is great and they’ve made it fun and his duties are made easier.
The Cosmetology program is two courses in a full year which are Cosmetology 100, in the Fall, and Cosmetology 101, in the Spring. Students who are planning to pursue Cosmetology will likely be working together for the duration of the first and second course.
The cosmetology studio in building 1600 is currently undergoing renovations, but the program is still being held in another building over at Campus Lane. The district is renting the space and they’ve turned an open office building into a cosmetology studio with plumbing, lighting, etc.
The plans for the new building are expected to be done by Fall 2026. Cortes shares that the plan for the program is to have ‘a whole new renovated space’ with designated areas for all the different programs, but in the meantime they’ll be over at Campus Lane. The Cosmetology program renovations will mean that the students have new updated equipment and a better working space.
The plan for the move is to take place Summer of 2026 so that there is more time and resources to get things complete in order to use the space for fall of 2026 classes.
Cortes concludes that there have even been people with no prior experience in cosmetology come in and work with clients: they’ve prepared for 1000 hours and they are ready for state boards. The success rate last year was 100%, a rare feat for even the best programs. Previous years success rates were also always above 90%.
If you’re interested in cosmetology, the program here at Solano has been updated and is ready for new students and is expected to be fully active by Fall 2026.
