Cosmetology Schools in Georgia

Thinking about a cosmetology career in Georgia? Here, you can find information to help you decide whether this might be the perfect career for you.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Georgia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

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1745 Peachtree Street Northeast Suite A
Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 649-7119
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy

2190 Henderson Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30345

(678) 713-7966
Programs:
Cosmetology

3241 Washington Road
Augusta, GA 30907

(706) 619-3487
Programs:
Cosmetology

2615 George Busbee Parkway Northwest
Kennesaw, GA 30144

(770) 419-2303
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

1455 Pleasant Hill Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044

(770) 564-0725
Programs:
Cosmetology

1958 Mount Zion Road Suite 205
Morrow, GA 30260

(678) 610-0734
Programs:
Cosmetology

7400 Abercorn Street Suite 901
Savannah, GA 31406

(731) 240-6246
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

900 Flat Shoals Road Southeast
Conyers, GA 30094

(770) 922-7653
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training

2450 Piedmont Road Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30324

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Makeup Artistry, Teacher Training

615 Ernest W Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Makeup Artistry, Teacher Training

7840 Roswell Road Building 500
Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

1003 Mansell Road
Roswell, GA 30076

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Teacher Training
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Albany Beauty Academy – Accredited

2231 Dawson Road Suites I and J
Albany, GA 31707

Albany Technical College

1704 South Slappey Boulevard
Albany, GA 31701

Allure Beauty School

4230 Lawrenceville Highway Northwest Suite 8
Lilburn, GA 30047

Apex Beauty & Barber Academy

6011 Memorial Drive Suite A
Stone Mountain, GA 30088

Athens Technical College

800 U.S. Highway 29 North
Athens, GA 30601

Atlanta Beauty & Barber Academy

6088 Buford Highway
Doraville, GA 30340

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Drive
Augusta, GA 30906

Beauty 21 Academy

113 Banks Station
Fayetteville, GA 30214

Central Georgia Technical College

80 Cohen Walker Drive
Warner Robins, GA 31088

Chattahoochee Technical College

980 South Cobb Drive Southeast
Marietta, GA 30060

Coastal Pines Technical College

1701 Carswell Avenue
Waycross, GA 31503

Columbus Technical College

928 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, GA 31904

Dalton Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology – Accredited

100 West Walnut Avenue
Dalton, GA 30720

Do-Zia's Beauty School

2135 Main Street East
Snellville, GA 30078

Elaine Sterling Institute – Accredited

3393 Peachtree Road Northeast 1003B
Atlanta, GA 30326

Georgia Beauty School

4771 Britt Road
Norcross, GA 30093

Georgia Institute of Cosmetology - Athens – Accredited

3529 Atlanta Highway
Athens, GA 30606

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

1 Maurice Culberson Drive
Rome, GA 30161

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

495 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021

Golden Razor Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

7209 Turner Lake Road
Covington, GA 30014

Gwinnett Technical College

5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Hogan Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics – Accredited

495 Indian Trail Road Northwest
Lilburn, GA 30047

K-Beauty School

3751 Venture Drive Suite 240
Duluth, GA 30096

Keune Academy by 124 – Accredited

755 Lawrenceville-Suwannee Road Building 1300
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Lanier Technical College

2535 Lanier Tech Drive
Gainesville, GA 30507

Lovett Beauty School - Lake City – Accredited

5388 Jonesboro Road
Lake City, GA 30260

Lovett Beauty School - Norcross

6057 Oakbrook Parkway
Norcross, GA 30093

MAK Beauty Institute – Accredited

570 Lakeland Plaza
Cumming, GA 30040

Millennium Beauty Institute – Accredited

1300 Indian Trail Lilburn Road Suite 104
Norcross, GA 30093

Minks Beauty Institute

4651 Roswell Road Suite D-306
Atlanta, GA 30342

North Georgia Technical College

1500 Highway 197 North
Clarkesville, GA 30523

NP Beauty Institute

192-B West Campground Road
McDonough, GA 30253

Oconee Fall Line Technical College

1189 Deepstep Road
Sandersville, GA 31082

Ogeechee Technical College

1 Joseph East Kennedy Boulevard
Statesboro, GA 30458

Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta – Accredited

887 West Marietta Street Northwest Suite A
Atlanta, GA 30318

Premiere Beauty & Barber College

4193 Snapfinger Woods Drive Suites A, B, C
Decatur, GA 30035

Pro Way Hair School – Accredited

5684 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Rivertown School of Beauty Barber Skin Care and Nails – Accredited

3625 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, GA 31909

S Nevaeh Beauty Academy

1214 North Columbia Avenue
Rincon, GA 31326

Savannah Cosmetology Institute

405 Pennsylvania Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404

Savannah Technical College

5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405

Shearz Institute – Accredited

560 Thornton Road Suites 116-119
Lithia Springs, GA 30122

South Georgia Technical College

900 South GA Tech Parkway
Americus, GA 31709

Southeastern Technical College

3001 East First Street
Vidalia, GA 30474

Southern Crescent Technical College

501 Varsity Road
Griffin, GA 30223

Southern Regional Technical College

15689 U.S. Highway 19 North
Thomasville, GA 31792

The Cosmetology Institute

2601 Deansbridge Road Suite B
Augusta, GA 30906

Touched By An Angel Beauty School

2807 Highway 138
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Universal Talent Beauty & Cosmetology Academy

1630 Plesant Hill Road Suite 120
Duluth, GA 30096

West Georgia Technical College

176 Murphy Campus Boulevard
Waco, GA 30182

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

4089 Val Tech Road
Valdosta, GA 31602
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Cosmetology Schools Near Me

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Georgia have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Georgia Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 5 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Georgia is $37,420.
  • There is a predicted 26% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.

Cosmetologists provide a wide range of hair and beauty services. These can include hair treatments, skincare, nail treatments, and massage. Note that the state of Georgia calls its cosmetologists “master cosmetologists,” but this does not refer to a more advanced type of cosmetology licensure.

To work as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must train, pass exams, and gain licensure from the state board. You also need to fulfill specific requirements:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having a high school diploma or GED
  • Completing 1,500 training hours over at least nine months (or, if qualifying via the apprenticeship track, complete 3,000 hours over at least 18 months)
  • Passing written and practical exams
  • Submitting a notarized application
  • Paying a nonrefundable application fee of $30 (plus a processing fee of $10)
  • Showing a current Secure and Verifiable Document such as a driver’s license or passport (or immigration papers, if applicable)
  • Declaring any criminal history

According to some 2021 estimates, one in three Georgians may have a criminal record. When applying for a cosmetology license in Georgia, you must declare whether you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

A criminal record doesn’t always exclude you from being granted a cosmetology license. Still, it may mean the board will review your application.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Georgia

$37,420

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Georgia

On average, cosmetologists in Georgia earn $37,420 per year ($17.99 per hour) as of 2021, which is a bit higher than the national average of $35,990.

Even better, the cost of living in Georgia is significantly lower than the national average. So, it’s possible to get more bang for your cosmetology job buck!

Average salaries vary from around $18,180 to $75,470, with factors such as the area where a cosmetologist works, the services they provide, and their level of experience all contributing to this figure. For example, an experienced and specialized hairstylist working in a high-end city salon typically earns more than a newly trained cosmetologist working in a small, rural location.

Projected job growth in Georgia looks positive, with an expected rise of 26% between 2020 and 2030—over 1,800 new openings for cosmetologists in the state each year.

The highest-paying metro and nonmetro areas for cosmetologists in Georgia are:

Metro Area 2021 Median Salary
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $29,460
Chattanooga, TN-GA $28,900
Athens-Clarke County, GA $28,280
Savannah, GA $27,920
Gainesville, GA $26,450
Columbus, GA-AL $24,690
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area $23,770
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $23,650
Albany, GA $23,060
Macon, GA $22,980
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area $22,760
East Georgia nonmetropolitan area $22,650
Valdosta, GA $22,480
Dalton, GA $21,980

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022).

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Georgia

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

A cosmetology program should cover a wide variety of hair and beauty topics. However, the exact program content may vary from school to school. According to state law, all curricula must cover the following topics:

Level 1: Classroom Theory Hours (250 hours)

  • Theory of chemistry, cleansing, disinfection control, blood spill procedures (40 hours)
  • Theory of permanent waving (45 hours)
  • Theory of hair coloring (45 hours)
  • Theory of hair and scalp treatments and conditioning (20 hours)
  • Theory of haircutting (25 hours)
  • Theory of shampooing (15 hours)
  • Theory of hairdressing and styling (35 hours)
  • Theory of nail and skincare (25 hours)

Level 2: Practical Hours (1,250 hours)

  • Theory of cleansing, disinfecting, physiology, electricity, safety precautions, chemistry of beauty products, salesmanship, telephone etiquette, and salon deportment (100 hours)
  • Social skills, reception and desk work, art and ethics, state board laws and rules (50 hours)
  • Laboratory (50 hours)
  • Hairdressing, shampooing, and comb-outs (255 hours)
  • Haircutting and shaping (124.5 hours)
  • Permanent waving (150 hours)
  • Chemical hair relaxing (139 hours)
  • Hair coloring and lightening (155 hours)
  • Scalp and hair treatments (49 hours)
  • Facial treatments, makeup, and hair removal (52.5 hours)
  • Hair removal (30 hours)
  • Sanitizing and disinfection of tools, implements, and equipment (5 hours)
  • Manicures, pedicures, and nail sculpting (90 hours)

Note that you must pass Level 1 theory classwork at a 75% score or higher before you can proceed to practical hours (Level 2).

You may need to obtain additional licenses to offer particular hair and beauty services in Georgia. For example, to perform laser hair removal, you must hold a current Cosmetic Laser Practitioner license issued by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB).

All cosmetology or barber schools in Georgia must be licensed. To gain licensure, schools must prove they meet criteria dictated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and maintain high standards.

They must also renew their licenses regularly and prove these standards have been maintained.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Georgia

3,000 Apprenticeship Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Prospective cosmetologists in Georgia can also enter the profession via apprenticeships. However, this takes longer than the traditional route, with apprentices needing to accrue 3,000 training hours over 18 months versus the 1,500 training hours over nine months regular school program trainees must complete. To apply for an apprentice license, you need to:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete and submit a notarized application
  • Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $90 (plus a processing fee of $10)
  • Complete at least 3,000 training hours over at least 18 months
  • Pass both written and practical exams
  • Show proof of a current Secure and Verifiable Document such as a driver's license or passport (or immigration papers, if applicable)
  • Declare any criminal history

Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

1,500 Education Hours OR 3,000 Apprentice Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Once you've completed 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or 3,000 hours of approved apprenticeship training, you can move on to the next step. Before you're granted your license, you need to pass two exams—a practical exam and a theory exam.

The tests are overseen by PSI Services LLC. The joint fee for both examinations is $109.

Alternatively, you can pay $64 to take the practical exam or $45 for the written exam. Once you've completed your program, you have 48 months to take and pass your exams.

You can sign up to take the exams online or by calling (855) 744-0314. The exams must be taken at one of the following preapproved PSI locations:

Expand All
PSI Atlanta (Written)

1000 Circle 75 Parkway
Suite 720
Atlanta, GA 30339

3505 Koger Boulevard
Suite 175
Duluth, GA 30096

The Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center
2100 Roswell Road Northeast
Suite 2128
Marietta, GA 30062

251 Southwell Boulevard
Suite A
Tifton, GA 31794

3902 Northside Drive
Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210

2400 Lake Park Drive
Suite 245
Smyrna, GA 30080

On the day of the examination, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment and bring two forms of valid ID with you. If taking the practical exam, you also need your student kit, mannequin, and equipment, which must be labeled in English.

The written test comprises 110 questions, of which 100 contribute to your final score. You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which is split into the following areas:

Domain 1: Scientific Concepts (30%)

  • Infection control and safety practices
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Basic chemistry of products used in cosmetology

Domain 2: Haircare and Services (40%)

  • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
  • Tools used
  • Haircare
  • Hair design
  • Chemical services

Domain 3: Skincare and Services (15%)

  • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
  • Tools used
  • Facial skincare services

Domain 4: Nailcare and Services (15%)

  • Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
  • Tools used
  • Application of knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for basic manicure and pedicure
  • Application of knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for application, maintenance, and removal of nail enhancements

The practical exam takes 185 minutes and is split into the following areas:

  • Work area and client preparation (15 minutes)
  • Thermal curling (10 minutes)
  • Haircutting (30 minutes)
  • Chemical waving (20 minutes)
  • Predisposition test and strand test with simulated product (10 minutes)
  • Highlighting with foil, virgin application with colored, simulated product (15 minutes)
  • Hair-color retouch with colored, simulated product (10 minutes)
  • Virgin-hair relaxer application with colored, simulated product (Untimed)
  • Blood-exposure procedure (10 minutes)

All PSI exam locations can provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you feel you need accommodations when taking your exams, notify PSI in advance, and PSI should take steps to provide them.

Upon completing the exams, you receive your grade immediately. If you fail either one, you can retake them an unlimited number of times during the next four years. After this, you need to reapply to the state board.

Eligible veterans and their spouses may qualify for reimbursement of all or part of their examination fees or get exam point credits.

Georgia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Sometimes, those already licensed to work as cosmetologists in other states can use their licenses to work in another state. This recognition of another state’s licensure is called reciprocity. Unfortunately, Georgia doesn't reciprocate licenses with any other state. But, if you're licensed and in good standing in another state or a United States territory, you can apply for licensure by endorsement.

Through endorsement, you can gain your license in Georgia without having to retrain or retake your exams.

The state board accepts endorsement applications on paper; these must be mailed in along with any supporting documents and a nonrefundable $75 fee.

If you're a member of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of one, you may qualify for expedited application processing.

License Renewal

2 Year

License renewal period

5 Hours

Continuing education required

In most states, cosmetologists need to renew their licenses regularly. In Georgia, master cosmetologist licenses must be renewed by March 31 of even-numbered years. Licensees must pay a nonrefundable renewal fee of $50.

In addition to paying the fee, you must provide proof you've completed five hours of continuing education (CE). Three of the five hours must consist of a board-approved health and safety course. The other two hours must be in a board-approved program in any of the following subject areas:

  • Industry or trade shows
  • Health and safety
  • Industry trends
  • Computer skills
  • Business management
  • The specific area of practice for the license

If a license isn't renewed, it's placed into a lapsed-late renewal status for 30 days. After that, the license is considered lapsed and must be reapplied for as if you were a new applicant. It's illegal to continue working with an expired license. If you do so, you may find yourself subject to a fine, a public disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.

Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

PSI Services LLC
PSI provides all testing resources for Georgia cosmetologists.

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Cosmetology
Georgia

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State