How To Become a Hair Designer in Georgia

If you’re the person who’s always experimenting with new hair colors, watching haircut tutorials late at night, or getting excited about the latest styling trends, a career as a hair designer might already be calling your name.

In Georgia, becoming a licensed Hair Designer allows you to focus on what you love most—cutting, coloring, styling, and transforming hair—without needing to train in every area of cosmetology. And if you’re looking for a school that blends professional education, creativity, and real salon experience, Keune Academy by 124 offers a supportive, hands-on environment designed to help you turn your passion into a profession.

Let’s walk through exactly how to become a hair designer in Georgia—and how Keune Academy can help you every step of the way.

What does a hair designer do?

Hair designers are specialists. Your focus is hair—its health, style, color, and texture. As a licensed hair designer in Georgia, you can perform services such as:

• Haircutting for all genders
• Hair coloring, lightening, and toning
• Styling for everyday looks and special events
• Texture services like perms and relaxers
• Professional blowouts and finishing techniques
• Client consultations and hair care recommendations

This career is perfect for creative, people-oriented individuals who love making others feel confident and seen.

Step 1: Choose hair design as your career path

In Georgia, you have the option to pursue Hair Design instead of full cosmetology. This is ideal if you already know that hair is your passion and you want a more focused, efficient training experience.

Why students love the hair design route:

• Shorter program than cosmetology
• Training focused entirely on hair
• Faster path to licensure and employment
• Ideal for future salon stylists and color specialists

At Keune Academy by 124, the Hair Design program is built for students who want real-world salon skills, modern techniques, and professional product knowledge—without the extra coursework that doesn’t align with their goals.

Step 2: Meet the basic requirements

Before enrolling in a hair design program in Georgia, you’ll need to meet a few simple requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be ready to commit to your education and hands-on training

Keune Academy’s admissions team helps guide you through this process and makes sure you feel confident before your first day of class.

Step 3: Complete a Georgia-approved Hair Design program

To become licensed, Georgia requires completion of 1,325 training hours in a state-approved hair design program.

What makes Keune Academy by 124 different?

Keune Academy by 124 offers a 1,325-hour Hair Design program that blends technical training, creativity, and real salon experience. Students don’t just learn theory—they practice every skill in a professional, salon-style setting.

During the program, you can learn:

• Precision cutting and modern haircutting techniques
• Hair coloring, lightening, formulation, and corrective color
• Texture services and thermal styling
• Proper sanitation, safety, and state regulations
• Client communication and consultations
• Salon professionalism and retail knowledge

Students also gain hands-on experience in the student salon, working with real guests under instructor supervision. This experience helps build confidence, speed, and professionalism before graduation.

Step 4: Prepare for and pass the Georgia licensing exam

After completing your program at Keune Academy, you’ll be eligible to take the Georgia Hair Designer licensing exam, which includes:

• A written (theory) exam
• A practical exam demonstrating your hands-on skills

Keune Academy prepares students for success with:

• Practice exams and mock practicals
• Instructor feedback and skill coaching
• Clear breakdowns of what the state exam requires

By the time you graduate, you’ll feel prepared—not overwhelmed—when it’s time to test.

Step 5: Apply for your Georgia Hair Designer license

Once you pass your exams, you’ll submit your application to the Georgia State Board and receive your official Hair Designer license.

With that license in hand, you’re ready to start working in salons throughout Georgia and begin building your career.

How long does it take to become a hair designer?

Most full-time students complete the Hair Design program in as little as 9-10 months, depending on their schedule. Part-time options may be available for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

Keune Academy understands that life doesn’t stop when school starts, which is why they work with students to create realistic, supportive schedules whenever possible.

Career opportunities after graduation

A Georgia Hair Designer license opens the door to a wide range of career paths, including:

• Salon stylist
• Hair color specialist
• Blow-dry bar stylist
• Bridal and event stylist
• Freelance or mobile stylist
• Booth renter or salon owner (with experience)
• Brand educator or platform artist

With strong technical training and exposure to professional Keune products, graduates are well-prepared to step confidently into the salon world.

Why students choose Keune Academy by 124

Students choose Keune Academy because it feels like more than just school—it feels like a creative community.

What sets Keune apart:

• Hands-on learning from day one
• Education using professional Keune products
• Supportive instructors with real industry experience
• Real client experience in a student salon
• A creative, welcoming environment that values individuality

The goal isn’t just to help you pass your exam—it’s to help you grow into a confident, successful hair professional.

Is hair design right for you?

Hair design could be the perfect fit if you:

• Love working with people
• Enjoy hands-on, creative work
• Want a career that blends artistry and flexibility
• Are excited by trends, techniques, and continued learning

If that sounds like you, you’re already on the right path.

Ready to start your hair design journey?

Becoming a hair designer in Georgia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right education, hands-on experience, and support system, your dream career is closer than you think.

Keune Academy by 124 is here to help you turn your passion for hair into a profession you love.

• Schedule a tour
• Talk with an admissions advisor
• Explore the Hair Design program

Contact Keune Academy by 124 today to learn more and start designing your future—one haircut, color, and style at a time.