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Trinidad State College

Hairstylist

Prepare for a licensed career behind the chair. Learn cutting, coloring, and chemical services from working professionals, then sit for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure exam ready to pass.

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Hairstylist
Hairstylist Certificate Available

Degrees & Certificates

Whether you want a full degree or a fast credential, every TSC program earns you industry certifications and every certificate stacks toward the degree.

Hairstylist Certificate

3 semesters · 40 credit hours

A 40-credit, three-semester certificate (fall, spring, summer) that builds from foundational hair, scalp, and infection-control skills through intermediate and advanced cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical texture services, preparing graduates for Colorado cosmetology licensure.

hairscalpinfection-control

Also offered by the Cosmetology Department:

Barber Certificate

Earn your Colorado Barber License in three semesters. Professional skills, hands-on training, real clients.

Cosmetology Certificate

Prepare for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure exam and launch a career in beauty — covering hair, skin, nails, and salon business skills.

Esthetician Certificate

Learn facial treatments, skin analysis, waxing, and make-up application in a hands-on program that prepares you for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure examination.

Manicurist Certificate

Trinidad State College's Manicurist Program equips you with the manicuring and pedicuring skills to excel in the beauty industry and pass the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure exam.

 

Program Cost

Tuition rates are identical at Trinidad and Valley campuses. Fees vary slightly by campus and credit load — see the full schedule for exact per-term totals. Course-specific fees (lab materials, software, certification exams) vary by program and are charged per course. Estimates do not include books, supplies, or room and board. Rates are for 2025–2026 and subject to change.
In-State Resident
$175/cr hr
$291/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend
Must be a Colorado resident to qualify for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).
WUE Student
$288/cr hr
$403.50/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend
Western Undergraduate Exchange rate for residents of AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY & US Pacific territories. Learn more at wiche.edu
Out-of-State
$292/cr hr
Standard non-resident rate
COF stipend does not apply. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to all students regardless of residency.
Apply Now Course Specific Fees › Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships › Trinidad Tuition Schedule (PDF) › Valley Tuition Schedule (PDF) ›

Where You Can Study

This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.

TrinidadTrinidad, CO 81082
Trinidad Campus
Address: 600 Prospect StPhone: (719) 846-5011
ValleyAlamosa, CO 81101
Valley Campus
Address: 1011 Main StPhone: (719) 589-7000

Certificate Curriculum

Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.

CIP Code:12.0407

Hairstylist Certificate

Brief description of what is included

40credit hours
⌄
Program Code:CER_HST2

Semester One (10 credits) (fall only)

  • COS 1003 – Introduction to Hair and Scalp (1 credit)
  • COS 1020 – Introduction to Hair Cutting (2 credits)
  • COS 1030 – Introduction to Hair Styling (2 credits)
  • COS 1040 – Introduction to Chemical Texture (1 credit)
  • COS 1050 – Laws, Rules, and Regulations (1 credit)
  • COS 1060 – Introduction to Infection Control (2 credits)
  • COS 1061 – Intermediate I: Infection Control (1 credit)

Semester Two (16 credits) (classes are spring only, except for COS 1010 and COS 1011, which are fall only)

  • COS 1010 – Introduction to Hair Coloring (2 credits)
  • COS 1011 – Intermediate I: Haircoloring (2 credits)
  • COS 1021 – Intermediate I: Haircutting (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1020)
  • COS 1031 – Intermediate I: Hair Styling (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1030)
  • COS 1041 – Intermediate I: Chemical Texture (1 credit) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1040)
  • COS 2003 – Intermediate I: Hair and Scalp (1 credit) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1003)
  • COS 2020 – Intermediate II: Hair Cutting (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1020)
  • COS 2030 – Intermediate II: Hair Styling (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1030)
  • COS 2031 – Advanced Hair Styling (1 credit) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1030)
  • COS 2040 – Intermediate II: Chemical Texture (1 credit) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1040)

Semester Three (14 credits) (summer only)

  • COS 2010 – Intermediate II: Haircoloring (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1010)
  • COS 2011 – Advanced Hair Coloring (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1011)
  • COS 2021 – Advanced Hair Cutting (2 credits) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 2020)
  • COS 2041 – Advanced Chemical Texture (1 credit) (Course Pre-/Co-Req: COS 1041)
  • COS 2050 – Business Management /Personal Skills/Ethics (1 credit)
  • COS 2060 – Intermediate II: Infection Control  (2 credits)
  • COS 2061 – Advanced Infection Control  (1 credit)
  • COS 2062 – Advanced II: Disinfection, Sanitation, & Safety (3 credits)
All courses completed in any Certificate program count toward the degree. You never lose credits by starting with a certificate.

Pass Rates

Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, 2019–2024.

Hairstylist licensure exam pass rates by campus and exam type, 2019–2024.
Program Trinidad Alamosa
Practical Written Practical Written
Hairstylist 100.00% 60.00% 85.71% 54.55%

Where You'll Go

Real job market data for the careers our graduates pursue, powered by Lightcast.

Contact Us

Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.

Sarah Sandoval portrait
Sarah Sandoval
(719) 589-7000
Valley
Michelle Presley portrait
Michelle Presley
(719) 589-7057
Valley
Emily Hammer portrait
Emily Hammer
(719) 589-7051
Valley