Manicuring
400-hour California manicurist license program in West LA; nails, acrylics & gels in ~3.5 months, $500+ kit and payment plans included
11961 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Rolling enrollment throughout the year with day and evening start dates; contact the college for current cohort dates.
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Elite's manicuring program offers the fastest path in the college to a California license, built on daily hands-on practice. Over 400 hours, beginners learn everything from natural nail care to advanced acrylics, gels, nail art and spa services, with a $500+ professional kit included. With career guidance and placement support, students graduate fully prepared to pass the State Board exam and start working in a salon quickly and affordably.
Started in
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Beginners wanting a fast California manicurist license in about 3.5 months
Hands-on classes Monday-Friday (full-time); 400 required hours completed in about 3.5 months.
400 hours of training, California manicurist license eligibility, $500+ kit, placement support
Cost & Outcomes
Total cost is $4,500, including a professional kit valued at $500+ and books — the college’s most affordable track. Students typically pay out of pocket in full, through the in-house payment plan (no interest for six months, then 5% APR), with Credee financing, or using EDD/CalJobs/WIOA workforce grant funding if eligible.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
State-licensed 400-hour manicuring program at a BPPE-approved college - the fastest track offered
Exclusive professional starter kit valued at over $500 included (UV/LED lamp, brushes, polishes, practice hand and more)
Hands-on practice every day, Monday-Friday
Finish in about 3.5 months
Career guidance and placement support; payment plans and workforce funding available
Day in the Life
- Instructor-led theory and nail-technique demonstration
- Hands-on practice in manicures, pedicures and nail care
- Acrylic, gel and nail-enhancement application
- Nail art plus sanitation and state-board safety protocols
- $500+ kit with practice hand and tools provided
Founded by Mahnaz Bahaelou, Grand Master PMU artist with 20+ yrs experience who has trained thousands worldwide; master artists have 5+ yrs each; esthetics led by Shunashuy Jimenez (10+ yrs).
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Manicurist licensing exam (written and practical).
Highs & Lows
Developing the precision and speed for acrylic and gel work, and building confidence performing services on real clients.
Fast, affordable path to a license, daily hands-on practice, and graduating salon-ready in about 3.5 months.
Employment Support
Career guidance and placement support
Preparation to be licensed and salon-ready after the 400-hour program
Connections to salons in the Los Angeles area
Use of Elite's facilities to build hands-on experience
Hear From the Program
How It Works
Register online (elitecosmetologycollege.com/choose-course) or call 310-446-7878
Schedule a campus tour or consultation
Complete the enrollment agreement for the 400-hour manicuring program
Set up an in-house payment plan or apply for Credee or EDD/WIOA grant funding if eligible
Receive your $500+ professional kit and begin hands-on classes
Complete the 400 required hours and sit the California state board exam
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.No - the course is beginner-friendly and teaches everything from basics to advanced acrylic and gel techniques.
About 3.5 months full-time, Monday-Friday (400 hours).
Yes; after the program and passing the State Board exam you'll be fully licensed, with career guidance and placement support.
Yes, a professional kit valued at over $500.