Georgia Hair Schools and Requirements

To become a hairstylist in Georgia, you must go through a hair school program or apprenticeship and pass two tests. Here, we'll talk about what to expect from a Georgia hairstylist program, what the exams look like, how to get your license, and the salary for the state's hairdressers.

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

Georgia Hair School Classes

In a hair school program in Georgia, your classes include everything from relevant theory and science to hands-on hair styling and cutting. You spend 250 hours in Level 1 Theory Instruction before moving to 1,100 Level 2 hands-on hours. The State requires the following topics be covered:

Level 1 Instruction—Theory Topics

• Theory (50 clock hours): chemistry, sanitation, EPA, OSHA, infection control, bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases
• Permanent Waving (45 clock hours): chemistry of perms and relaxers, permanent rod placement
• Hair Coloring (45 clock hours): color chemistry, hair color chemical reactions, color application
• Hair and Scalp Training and Conditioning (20 clock hours): hair analysis, scalp conditions and treatments
• Hair Cutting (30 clock hours): how to safely and correctly use cutting tools
• Shampooing (15 clock hours): shampoo formulas, water temperatures, and how to shampoo
• Hairdressing/Hairstyling (45 hours): training on mannequins and live models.

Level 2 Instruction

• Theory (100 clock hours): use of relevant science knowledge, cleanliness and safety, salesmanship, phone and in-person etiquette, care of the salon
• Social Skills, Reception, Art and Ethics, Laws and Rules (50 clock hours)
• Laboratory (50 service application hours): germicide, shampoo, colors, cleaning salon equipment
• Hairdressing Shampoo and Comb-out (276 service application hours)
• Hair Cutting and Shaping (124.5 hours/166 applications)
• Perms (150 service credit hours/50 applications)
• Chemical Relaxing (138 service hours)
• Coloring and Lightening (155 service application hours)
• Scalp and Hair Treatment (49 service application hours/49 applications
• Equipment Sanitizing and Disinfection (2 service application hours/4.5 applications)

Clock hours are actual hours per the clock. Service application hours estimate how long each treatment should take. The number of applications is how many times you need to do a specific treatment. Some umbrella treatment types have subtypes that must be divided into further detail.

How Long Georgia Hair School Takes

Georgia hair school lasts for 1,325 hours over at least seven months. If you opt for a hairstyling apprenticeship, expect to work toward your exams for 2,650 hours over 14 months. But before you can start working, you must take your Georgia hair design exams.

Georgia Hair Design Exams

After finishing your Georgia hair school or apprenticeship program, you must take theory and practical NIC Hair Design Exams.

The tests are only in English, and translators aren't allowed, so study accordingly. However, if you need reasonable accommodations per the ADA, you can apply for those.

The first step is to apply, with fees totaling $109. Once that's been accepted, it's time to move on to the exam phase.

The theory test, taken on a computer, includes 110 questions (100 of which are scored) and lasts 90 minutes, with 45% focusing on science and 55% on hair care and services.

For the practical test, you must bring a mannequin head, your supply kit with properly labeled chemical equipment, disinfectant wipes, and other materials. You must also wear a smock or lab coat with sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and other professional clothes.

The practical test is divided into 10 sections and lasts over two hours. While some states have test takers use live models, you'll work with your mannequin head to complete the following treatments:

• Work Area and Client Prep, Setup: 15 minutes
• Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
• Hair Cutting: 30 minutes
• Work Area and Client Prep, Setup: 15 minutes
• Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
• Predisposition and Strand Tests: 10 minutes
• Foil Highlighting and Virgin Application with Simulated Color: 15 minutes
• Color Retouch: 10 minutes
• Virgin Hair Relaxing: Untimed
• Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes

You get your scores immediately after your tests. If you fail either part of the test—scoring less than 70%— you must pay the fee for that section and retake it.

Military veterans may be eligible for point credits on their exams, which are added to their final exam scores. For example, a veteran who served at least one year with 90+ days in wartime or other conflict could get five points added to their final score.

Getting Your Georgia Hair License

The Georgia Secretary of State office has created a helpful step-by-step video if you need more information about applying for your Georgia hair license.

Other Georgia Hairstylist Requirements

As well as completing hair school or apprenticeship and passing exams, Georgia requires hairstylists to meet a few other requirements. You must:

• Submit a notarized application, either on paper or online,
• Have a high school diploma or GED,
• Be at least 18 years old,
• Give proof of citizenship or legal immigration status,
• Detail any criminal or licensure issue history.

It takes about 15 business days to process your application. If you have to submit additional items, it could take another 15 days.

You must also renew your license by September 30^th, every even-numbered year and complete five hours of continuing education before renewing. Three of those hours must be focused on health and safety.

Related Georgia Hair Careers

If hair design doesn't sound right for you, you could consider working as a hair braider, cosmetologist, or barber. Hair braiders focus exclusively on braiding and related treatments. Cosmetologists work on hair but can also perform nail and skin treatments. Barbers also focus on hair, though they typically work with short hair and facial hair.

READ MORE: Learn More About Georgia Cosmetology School

READ MORE: Learn More About Georgia Hair Braiding School

READ MORE: Learn More About Georgia Barber School

On the other hand, if you're already a hair pro in the state and want to help others, Georgia has a different set of requirements for a hair design instructor license.

READ MORE: Learn More About the Cosmetology Instructor Field

Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology