Georgia is the home of southern comforts and beauty pageants. If you’ve grown up loving getting dolled up and beautiful, you might have developed a flair for hair and makeup. A career in cosmetology may be perfect for you. Georgia, with its many salons and spas, might be just the place to start an exciting new career. The best way to get started is by finding the right schools.
Training at Cosmetology Schools in Georgia — How Long Is It?
Your journey begins with some decisions. Cosmetology certification may either come through study at the college level, or be approved for apprenticeship with a licensed salon. You must be at least 17 years old when you start your program to be licensed. You will also choose whether to get a hair design license, or a Master Cosmetology license. Hair design is a shorter, less difficult program.
For a Master Cosmetologist license, you will need at least 1500 hours of formal training in hair cutting, colouring, makeup application and business development. The course should be at least nine months long.
An apprenticeship takes longer, but also allows you to work as you are learning. You need to find a salon with a certified Master Cosmetologist, whether or not you choose hair design or cosmetology. It takes 3,000 hours minimum to properly train as an apprentice in cosmetology. Program expenses will be a lot less though.
Getting Your License
The Master Cosmetology exam is a two-portion exam that must be taken on a single day. It consists of the Theory Exam, a 90-minute written exam, and the Practical Exam, which is about 2 and a half hours. The practical tests your ability to perform basic tasks required of a cosmetologist. These include sanitation and safety, hair cutting, hair removal, and facials.
Once you’ve paid the exam fee and passed both exams, you are able to submit your licensing application.
Licensing If Your From Out-Of-State
Some states have reciprocity agreements with Georgia. This means that if you have a license in good standing in another state, with similar license requirements, you could be eligible to skip both training and licensing requirements.
Check the State Board website for info on which states reciprocity applies to. If your state does not have a reciprocity agreement, but you have experience as a beauty specialist, you may take the exams, and be licensed that way.
How To Keep Your Certification
All master cosmetologist license in Georgia expire on March 31st of even numbered years.
Anyone who holds a cosmetologist license in Georgia must complete three hours of TCSG Health and Safety, and two hours elective continuing education to update their license.
Your Job Search
Georgia is well known for its beauty salons and spas. The Georgia labour market is expecting a growth for hairdressers, skin care specialists, and other beauty experts, over the next ten years.
Depending on your training, you may be working for up to $40,000 per year salary… and that’s without tips!
For a great place to start, check with your school, or you can try online.
Also, how to find beauty schools nearby.
Some of the Best Georgia Beauty Colleges
Academy of Beauty Arts – Flowery Branch
Academy of Beauty Culture – Gainesville
Academy of Hair Arts & Design – Brunswick
American Beauty College – Forest Park
American Professional Institute – Macon
Arnold Padrick’s University of Cosmetology – Forest Park
Cutting Edge Barber and Beauty Institute – Lilburn
Empire Beauty School – Atlanta
Empire Beauty School – August
Empire Beauty School – Savannah
Aveda Institute – Atlanta
Aveda Institute – Tallahassee
Divine Design School – Marietta
Hair Schools – Decatur
International City Beauty College – Warner Robins
Johnson School of Cosmetology – Statesboro
Metropolitan Beauty Academy – Stone Mountain
Michael’s School of Beauty – Augusta
Michael’s School of Beauty – Macon
Savannah School of Cosmetology – Savannah
Southeastern Beauty School – Columbus
Southeastern Beauty School – Columbus
Southern Beauty Academy LLC – Ringgold
The Academy by Horst – Savannah
North Fulton Beauty College – Roswell
Trendsetters Beauty Academy – Lilburn
Virginia College – Augusta
Virginia College – Columbus
Virginia College – Macon
Virginia College – Savannah
Paul Mitchell the School Esani – Alpharetta, GA
Paul Mitchell The School of Atlanta Georgia – Atlanta
Powder Springs Beauty College – Powder Springs (closed?)
Other Georgia schools for makeup artists, estheticians, nail techs and barbers.
School Websites:
amnc.edu
atlantabeautyacademy.com
begumsacademy.com
cobbbeautycollege.edu
daltoninstitute.com
elainesterling.com
genesiscareer.edu
georgiabeautyacademy.com
gci.edu
gic.edu
healthandstyleinstitute.com
insohairschool.com
kennethshuler.com
makbeautyinstitute.com
miller-motte.edu
prowayhairschool.com
rscbeautyschool.com
westgatech.edu
Did we miss any beaut or hair schools in Georgia in this list? Please let us know.