The Hair Standard Act

Any individual operating a commercial hair services business — including through digital booking platforms, online pricing displays, or digital policy menus — must hold a valid Georgia cosmetology license. Unlicensed individuals retain the right to serve personal networks through word-of-mouth; however, digital commerce constitutes a professional business activity requiring full licensure accountability. Financial transactions processed digitally by unlicensed practitioners shall be subject to consumer fraud review.

Licensed cosmetology professionals in their first year of active client-facing practice shall participate in a structured customer feedback program. Clients have a protected right to submit service experience reports, which shall be reviewed by a designated accountability body and maintained as part of the licensee's official professional record. No retaliation against a client for submitting a report shall be tolerated.

Any licensed cosmetologist who engages in a documented physical altercation with a client shall face criminal prosecution, mandatory license review, and a public notation in the Board's licensee database. A publicly searchable Hair Background Check registry shall be established, allowing clients to verify any stylist's license status, board standing, and conduct history prior to booking — free, accessible, and mobile-friendly.

When a client books a specific hairstyle, all techniques required to achieve that style are included in one quoted service price. Add-on charges for processes inherent to the booked style are prohibited. Any legitimate separate service must be clearly disclosed and agreed upon in writing before services begin. This standard eliminates predatory pricing and restores dignity and clarity to the client booking experience.