Skip to content

Get the Skills to Be a Professional Cosmetologist

An IntelliTec College Cosmetology student practices her hair styling skills
Got a talent for making yourself and others look their best? Turn that gift into a career in the beauty industry as a skilled Cosmetologist

15 Month* Hands-On Cosmetologist Training Program in Colorado

At IntelliTec College, our cosmetologist program helps prepare you for a long-term career in the beauty industry by turning your passion into a profession. 

Through our hands-on training, you will learn to create unique hairstyles, master skin and nail techniques, and offer excellent guest care. Our Summit Salon Academy partnered cosmetologist program allows our students to train alongside seasoned professionals while using Pivot Point methodology to learn cutting techniques and styling methods. 

IntelliTec’s cosmetologist training program will secure your future in beauty services through 1695 clocked hours of training.

Check out the IntelliTec College Cosmetology Salons to see where you could soon be practicing your new skills.

What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetologists are the foundation of the beauty industry. They style and color all types of hair, provide manicures and pedicures, apply makeup, as well as skin care services. All of these skills are coupled with professional guest services. 

Job Opportunities for Cosmetologists

  • Salon Stylist
  • Full-Service Cosmetologist
  • Hair Color Specialist
  • Hair Stylist
  • Makeup Consultant and Technician
  • Theater/Stage Makeup Artist
  • Nail Technician
  • Manicurist/Pedicurist
  • Skin Care Specialist

  • Beauty Salon Owner/Manager
  • Day Spa Personal Care Advisor
  • Fashion or Image Consultant
  • Sales Representative
  • Product Company Representative
  • Retail Sales/Manufacturer Representative
  • State Inspector/Proctor for State Licensing Exam
  • and more!
I have been able to develop skills I never knew I would be capable of achieving. I actually want and am excited for my future.
Liberty Wethington, IntelliTec Cosmetologist Program Graduate - Grand Junction Campus, November 2018

Is a Creative Career as a Cosmetologist Right for You? Take the IntelliTec 'Cosmetologist Career Training Readiness Quiz'

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Cosmetologist Career Training Readiness score now >>

Salary Potential for Cosmetologists

IntelliTec College provides career-training programs for entry-level positions. Salaries vary depending on geographic location, economic conditions, and willingness to relocate. Salaries by occupation and specific location can be found on the O*NET website. National figures for labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can also visit the campus career services department to learn where IntelliTec College graduates work and the beginning salaries in their respective careers.

How Is the Job Outlook for the Next 10 Years?

The overall outlook for Cosmetologists is expected to be good. Many job openings will come from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the occupation for other reasons. Employment for Cosmetologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for hair coloring, hair straightening, and other advanced hair treatments has grown in recent years, and that trend should continue.**

When Do Cosmetologists Usually Work?

Cosmetologists often work full-time, but part-time positions are quite common. The ones who choose to run their own salon could have long hours. Work schedules often include evenings and weekends, as those are the times when beauty salons are busiest. Self-employed Cosmetologists usually determine their own schedules.

Get All the Important Details

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Cosmetologist Program

Graduates of the IntelliTec College Cosmetologist program will have developed the skills in a hands-on environment to function effectively as an entry-level cosmetologist working independently or as a member of a salon team. Graduates will be prepared to perform salon services including all aspects of hairstyling, professional facial and skin care, and nail services. Curriculum also includes an emphasis on business practices, marketing, and sales. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Cosmetologist State Board Exam.

Locations:

Program length: 15 Months*

Award: Certificate

Clock hours: 1695

Credentialing Information: State Board Cosmetologist License exam  

SKILLS & TRAINING

During your time at IntelliTec College, develop hands-on skills by learning the following from licensed cosmetologists and/or former salon owners:

  • Cosmetologist training in hair styling and coloring, chemical texturizing, facial and skin care treatment, nail services and make-up techniques
  • Real-life client experience in the IntelliTec College Cosmetology Salon
  • Tools for the trade: You’ll receive a complete cosmetologist’s kit when you begin your program stocked with essential hairstyling, nail service and skin care items
  • Pivot Point methodology in hair cutting, styling, and treatment
  • The Summit Salon Academy business model educates students on the importance of personal communication in client retention and marketing when building a business
  • How to prepare for your Colorado State Board of Cosmetology exam.

COURSES

Here’s what will you learn in the Cosmetologist training program:

Introduction to Cosmetology Theory & Application

COS-100 Introduction to Cosmetology Theory & Application

After successful completion of this course, the students will have knowledge of the theory and basic Cosmetology applications and fundamentals. Students will have an understanding of the history of Cosmetology and be able to perform basic Cosmetology services in a safe and sanitary manner. Students will be able to identify nail disorders and diseases. Students will be able to perform manicures and pedicures. Students will be able to identify scalp diseases and disorders. Students will be able to do a scalp analysis, scalp manipulations and be able to Thermal style the hair.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

Intermediate Cosmetology Theory & Application

COS-102 Intermediate Cosmetology Theory & Application

This course provides Cosmetology students with theory and practical skill applications that take place in a classroom setting. Students will practice intermediate skills learned in the classroom and lab setting to include MATRIX C.R.A.F.T. Methodology.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100

Introduction to Clinic Floor Services & Practice 1

COS-103 Introduction to Clinic Floor Services & Practice 1

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that takes place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102

Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 2

COS-104 Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 2

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that take place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102, COS-103

Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 3

COS-105 Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 3

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that take place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102, COS-103, COS-104

Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 4

COS-106 Cosmetology Theory & Skills Clinic 4

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that take place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102, COS-103, COS-104, COS-105

Cosmetology Service Industry Professional Clinic 5

COS-107 Cosmetology Service Industry Professional Clinic 5

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that take place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102, COS-103, COS-104, COS-105, COS-106

Cosmetology Service Industry Professional Clinic 6

COS-108 Cosmetology Service Industry Professional Clinic 6

After successful completion of this term, the students will have a greater understanding of working knowledge of the correct cosmetology theory, application of cosmetology skills, safety and administration of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization. Cosmetology students will participate in advanced theory courses and practical skills application that take place in a classroom setting as well as on the cosmetology clinic floor. The students will demonstrate knowledge in all areas of basic chemistry, permanent waving, and chemical hair relaxers. Students will understand the fundamentals of hair color to include the laws of color, the level system, and contributing pigment. Students will practice skin care and nail care services and participate in learning the importance of client consultation and post treatment care. Continued product knowledge of Matrix retail products will be reviewed to allow students the opportunity to practice their retail sales skills.

Clock Hours: 180
Prerequisite(s): COS-100, COS-102, COS-103, COS-104, COS-105, COS-106, COS-107

Cosmetology Capstone

STB-109 Cosmetology Capstone

After successful completion of this course, the students will have an understanding of the requirements throughout the State of Colorado of Cosmetology in regards to State laws, rules and regulations according to the Colorado Board of Cosmetology. The students will have a working knowledge of Cosmetology theory, practical applications, safety and administration of sanitation, as well as disinfection and sterilization. They will utilize skills learned in a clinical classroom setting with practical skill practice on mannequins and clients. Students will be given an overall review of theory in regards to preparation for taking their Colorado State Board of Cosmetology Written Exam.

Clock Hours: 120
Prerequisite(s): All courses

College and Career Readiness

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness

College and Career Readiness is the first six-week course designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. Classes meet 20 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. Class times available are either 9:00am – 2:00pm for day time students and 5:00pm – 10:00pm for night time students.

Clock Hours: 8
Prerequisite(s): None

Advanced Career Development

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development

Advanced Career Development is offered toward the end of your program and is designed to prepare students for Career Success. Classes meet for a total of 15 hours during the scheduled term.

Clock Hours: 1
Prerequisite(s): None

Industry Partners

 

The Salon at IntelliTec College is proud to use high-quality Redken products in our services.

The professional instructors in the IntelliTec College Cosmetologist training program use the Summit Salon Academy business model and Pivot Point methodology to train competent future Cosmetologists. Pivot Point methodology provides advanced technical skills training for hair coloring applications, cutting techniques, and styling methods. As part of their tuition, our student cosmetologists receive a kit and branded apparel. Students also enjoy the opportunity to showcase their skills at local shows. 

Is Hands-On Training for a Career as a Cosmetologist Right for You?
Get More Info…

If you’re interested in exploring whether IntelliTec College’s educational training programs for career opportunities in the world of cosmetology are right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful IntelliTec College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from determining the right career path for you to discussing financial aid options.

*Program length when completed as designed. **According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.