Cosmetology Schools in Georgia

Are you a Georgian looking for a fun, varied, creative career in which no two days are ever the same? If so, cosmetology could be the career path for you. If you have a passion for beauty and love the idea of spending your days creating stunning hairstyles or helping clients look and feel beautiful, you could be a perfect fit.

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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We researched all the cosmetology schools that Georgia has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best cosmetology schools in Georgia.

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1745 Peachtree Road Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30309

(206) 302-1044
Programs:
Cosmetology

2190 Henderson Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30345

(470) 617-1164
Programs:
Cosmetology

3241 Washington Road
Augusta, GA 30907

(470) 617-1718
Programs:
Cosmetology

2615 George Busbee Parkway
Kennesaw, GA 30144

(470) 648-1108
Programs:
Cosmetology, Cosmetology Teacher Training

1455 Pleasant Hill Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044

(470) 857-6622
Programs:
Cosmetology

1958 Mount Zion Road
Morrow, GA 30260

(470) 615-5423
Programs:
Cosmetology

7400 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31406

18009204593
Programs:
Cosmetology

900 Flat Shoals Road Southeast
Conyers, GA 30094

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

2450 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30324

14047366777
Programs:
Cosmetology, Cosmetology Teacher Training, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry

615 Ernest W Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA 30144

17706355750
Programs:
Cosmetology, Cosmetology Teacher Training, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry

7840 Roswell Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30350

14048431005
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

2555 Delk Road Southeast
Marietta, GA 30067

Programs:
Cosmetology
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Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

5D Beauty Academy

3121 Maple Street
Atlanta, GA 30305

Academy of Advanced Cosmetics

2662 Holcomb Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022

Albany Beauty Academy – Accredited

2231 Dawson Road
Albany, GA 31707

Albany Technical College

1704 South Slappey Boulevard
Albany, GA 31701

Allure Beauty School

4230 Lawrenceville Highway Northwest
Lilburn, GA 30047

Apex Beauty & Barber Academy

6011 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30088

Athens Technical College

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

Atlanta Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

6088 Buford Highway
Doraville, GA 30340

Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics

2 Dunwoody Park South
Atlanta, GA 30338

Atlanta Technical College

1560 Metropolitan Parkway Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30310

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Drive
Augusta, GA 30906

Beauty 21 Academy

113 Banks Station
Fayetteville, GA 30214

CEI Hair Schools

171 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303

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

D’Most Beauty and Body Institute

1391 Veterans Memorial Highway Soutwest
Mableton, GA 30126

Do-Zia's Beauty School

2135 Main Street East
Snellville, GA 30078

Elaine Sterling Institute – Accredited

3393 Peachtree Road Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30326

Georgia Beauty School

4771 Britt Road
Norcross, GA 30093

Georgia Institute of Cosmetology – 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

Industry Makeup School

948 Marietta Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318

Just Wink Academy

3655 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

K-Beauty School

3751 Venture Drive Suite 240
Duluth, GA 30096

Keune Academy by 124 – Accredited

755 Lawrenceville-Suwannee Road Bldg 1300
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Lanier Technical College

2535 Lanier Tech Drive
Gainesville, GA 30507

Lovett Beauty School – Accredited

5388 Jonesboro Road
Lake City, GA 30260

Lovett Beauty School

6057 Oakbrook Parkway
Norcross, GA 30093

MAK Beauty Institute – Accredited

3980 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Cumming, GA 30040

MAK Beauty Institute – Accredited

570 Lakeland Plaza
Duluth, GA 30096

Millennium Beauty Institute – Accredited

1300 Indian Trail Lilburn Road
Norcross, GA 30093

Minks Beauty Institute

4651 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

North Georgia Technical College

1500 Georgia 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 E. Kennedy Boulevard
Statesboro, GA 30458

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

887 West Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA 30318

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

1003 Mansell Road
Roswell, GA 30076

Premiere Beauty & Barber College

4193 Snapfinger Woods Drive
Decatur, GA 30035

Pro Way Hair School – Accredited

5684 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Rivertown School of Beauty Barber Skin Care and Nails

4747 Hamilton Road
Columbus, GA 31904

S Nevaeh Beauty Academy

1214 North Columbia Avenue
Rincon, GA 31326

Savannah Cosmetology Institute – Accredited

405 Pennsylvania Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404

Savannah Technical College

5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405

Shawntay's School of Creative Nails – Accredited

2752 East Ponce De Leon Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

Shearz Institute

560 Thornton Road
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 US Highway 19 North
Thomasville, GA 31792

The Cosmetology Institute – Accredited

2601 Deansbridge Road
Augusta, GA 30906

Touched By An Angel Beauty School

2807 Georgia 138
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Universal Talent Beauty & Cosmetology Academy

4405 International Boulevard Northwest
Norcross, GA 30093

Virtual Beauty Esthetics & Makeup School

368 West Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

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.

Best Cosmetology Schools in Georgia Metro Areas

We've ranked the top cosmetology schools in metro areas within or near Georgia to help you find your perfect fit.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Georgia Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprentice 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 11% job increase between 2018–2028 for cosmetologists.

To practice as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you first need to earn your master cosmetologist license. There are several requirements you should meet before you can do this. You must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a state-approved 1,500-hour program
  • Pass both a 185-minute practical exam and a 90-minute theoretical exam
  • Submit proof of citizenship
  • Apply for your license and pay a $30 fee
  • Pass criminal background checks

State License Requirements

1,500 Education Hours OR 3,000 Apprentice Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

While comparing GA cosmetology schools, make sure you only consider those that qualify graduates for licensure. The Georgia Board of Cosmetology requires schools to provide at least 1500 hours of education to conventional students. Those who complete apprenticeships need at least 3000 hours of education. With your training behind you, you can take the state's required written and skills tests to qualify for a beauty license.

Georgia Cosmetology Careers

$37,420

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Georgia

On average, licensed cosmetologists in Georgia earned $37,420per year ($17.99 per hour) in 2021. Between 2018-2028, the state's cosmetology industry is expected to grow by 11%.

Typically, wages across the state range from $18,180 to $75,470, influenced by factors including the level of experience and training you have and the geographical area you're based in. Cosmetologists working in their own high-end city salons will typically earn more than those working in smaller, rural settings, for instance.

As of 2021, the highest median (not mean) salaries for cosmetologists in Georgia's metro areas are:

  • 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

The median salaries for nonmetropolitan areas in Georgia are:

  • South Georgia nonmetropolitan area: $23,770
  • North Georgia nonmetropolitan area: $22,760
  • East Georgia nonmetropolitan area: $22,650

Information sourced from O*Net (2022)

State License Requirements

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Before you can work as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must first gain your master cosmetologist license. To do this, you need to attend a state-approved beauty school and complete at least 1,500 hours of training over nine months or more.

The topics covered and hours spent on each subject varies by program, but you can expect to learn a range of subjects, including hair cutting and coloring, chemical treatments, skincare, and nail care. Additionally, schools should cover theory-based topics, including hygiene and safety, blood exposure, scientific concepts, and more.

Just like practicing cosmetologists, beauty schools and educators must keep on top of their licensing requirements, too. In addition to paying a $300 non-refundable fee, all schools must prove that they are fit for purpose by submitting official blueprints and plans of their premises, lists of the equipment and textbooks available, and copies of their instructor's licenses. School licenses must be renewed every two years, so you know that the program you attend will be held to a high standard by the state.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Georgia?

3,000 Apprentice Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

You can gain your cosmetologist's license in Georgia via an apprenticeship. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Complete 3,000 hours of training over 18 months, under the supervision of a master cosmetologist who holds a current Georgia license and has been licensed at least 36 months
  • Apply for your license and pay a $90 fee
  • Pass the relevant criminal background checks

Apprentice permits may be held for two years and can be renewed one time only for an additional two years.

Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed 1,500 hours of training, you need to take and pass two state-approved master cosmetologist exams. These are run by PSI Services, which have many testing locations across the U.S. All PSI centers are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodations will be made to meet your needs if appropriately requested.

You need to pass a 185-minute practical exam ($64) and a 90-minute theoretical exam ($45), both of which must be taken in-person at a PSI test center—they can't be completed online. If you completed your 1,500-hour cosmetology program after July 1, 2018, you have four years from the date you completed your course in which you can take the exams.

If you don't pass the first time you take the exams, you may retake them an unlimited amount of times within your four-year eligibility period. However, if you don't pass within those first four years, you must re-apply for your license with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and pay any relevant fees.

On the day of your exam, you must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your start time and bring two forms of ID with you.

During the practical test, you're required to bring your own kit. This must be appropriately labeled and kept closed except when you're removing or replacing materials for a specific service. When an original manufacturer's label is required, it must be in English only and can't be handwritten. You're also expected to bring your own mannequin head and mannequin hand to the exam, along with a table clamp.

There are strictly no aerosols or disinfectant sprays allowed in the testing environment, so make sure you bring your own supply of EPA-registered disinfectant wipes instead.

The practical exam takes 185 minutes to complete and covers the following topics:

  • Setting up the work area and first client preparation
  • Universal supplies
  • Thermal cutting
  • Haircutting
  • Setting up the work area and second client preparation
  • Chemical waving
  • Pre-disposition test and strand test
  • Highlighting with foil, virgin application with colored simulated product
  • Hair color retouch with colored simulated product
  • Virgin relaxer application with colored simulated product
  • Blood exposure procedure
  • Basic facial
  • Sculptured nail

The written test includes:

  • Scientific concepts
  • Haircare and services
  • Skincare and services
  • Nail care and services

You'll be given your results as soon as you finish each exam. To pass both exams, you must score at least 70%. Veterans may be eligible for the addition of five or ten points on their examination scores. You may also qualify for reimbursement of all or part of your examination fees.

Georgia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you've previously gained your master cosmetologist's license in a different state, you may be eligible to gain your Georgia license through reciprocity. This meansyou might not need to start from the beginning of a training program again.

To do this, you need to submit:

  • A $50 fee
  • Your application
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Your other state licensure
  • Proof of the required 1,500 training hours (or 3,000 hours for apprenticeships)

However, Georgia does not reciprocate licenses from the following states, except in certain circumstances as detailed below:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida*
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois*
  • New York*
  • Oregon
  • Washington State

* Georgia may reciprocate with Florida if the applicant's license was issued before August 1986; with New York if the applicant's license was issued before June 2001; and with Illinois, if the applicant's license was issued before December 1984 and all other requirements are met.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

5 Hours

Continuing education required

All cosmetology licenses in Georgia must be renewed March 31 of every even-numbered year. It costs $50 to renew your license, and the entire process can be conducted online. The first time you renew your license, you're not required to meet any continuing education requirements. However, for every renewal after that, you must complete at least five hours of continuing education.

If you don't renew your license, it passes into a lapsed-late renewal status for six months. After that, it'll become completely lapsed and will require an application for reinstatement, which costs $200. It's illegal to practice without an active license, so make sure you always renew yours in time.

Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers can help you with replacing a lost cosmetology license, updating change of name or change of address information, and acquiring out-of-state and other useful forms, as well as answer additional questions about obtaining a Georgia state cosmetology license.

The state of Georgia is home to some of the more prolific stylists in the beauty industry. Cosmetology has become a bulwark for the state’s economy with more expected to join the ranks into the next decade. Interested parties go to these organizations to get involved.

Georgia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
International SalonSpa Network
National Beauty Culturists League
The Male Cosmetologist Association

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Cosmetology
Georgia

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State