Georgia Hair Braiding Schools and Requirements

Georgia hair braiding school and licensure aren't required. However, there are times when you may want to get your state cosmetology or hairdresser license or get braiding training.

Read on to learn about becoming a hair braider in Georgia, when to consider extra training or licensure, and how much you could potentially earn. Browse our directory of hair braiding schools in Georgia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair braiding licensing requirements and job outlook.

What Georgia Hair Braiders Can Do

Hair braiders in Georgia can provide braiding, locking, weaving, extending, and other services that don't require significant changes to natural hair. As a braider, you may not cut, dye, chemically curl or straighten, or provide most other hairdressing services.

When Should I Go to Hair Braiding School in Georgia?

Although it's not required, you may want to go to a hair braiding school in Georgia to learn about hair braiding or improve your skills. While many braiders learn these skills while growing up, some may not have had the opportunity.

Since formal hair braiding school isn't required, you can pursue training in a few ways:

• Attend a beauty school offering braiding training as a continuing education option,
• Find an online program that demonstrates skills and evaluates your work,
• Practice on your own using tutorial videos,
• Ask a friend, relative, or existing professional to work with you.

If you already have experience with braiding, getting training could help you add additional skills, hone your existing ones, or let you take pictures for your portfolio.

Should I Get a Hair or Cosmetology license to be a Georgia Hair Braider?

Getting a hair design or cosmetology license in Georgia would let you offer hair services beyond braiding, such as hair cutting, dyeing, and other chemical treatments. Both routes require training and allow you to do different things.

Hairdressers in Georgia can only provide hair services. You might choose this route if you only want to offer hair services other than braiding. Classes last for 1,325 hours and at least seven months, while an apprenticeship is 2,650 hours over 14 months.

On the other hand, Cosmetologists can provide hair, nails, makeup and skincare services after 1,500 hours (nine months) in school or 3,000 hours (18 months) as an apprentice. Most training focuses on hair. This license could be helpful if you want to offer a complete beauty experience, like those needed by bridal parties.

READ MORE: Learn More About Georgia Cosmetology School

READ MORE: Learn More About Georgia Hair School

Georgia Hair Braider Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, Georgia's average work-from-home hair braider makes an average of $33,875 per year as of December 2023. However, that number doesn't include those who work for other people. Plus, ZipRecruiter usually gets its data from job listings.

Meanwhile, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average Georgia cosmetologist or hair professional makes $37,000 as of 2022. But the BLS has the opposite issue: this only factors in those who work for others!

With this in mind, the best way to find out how much you could earn as a hair braider in Georgia is to talk to other hair braiders in your area.

Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology