Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 70 - GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF BARBERS
1. Purpose and Authority of the Georgia State Board of Barbers
The Georgia State Board of Barbers exists to protect public health, safety, and welfare. It regulates the barbering profession by:
Licensing barbers, shops, and instructors
Establishing sanitation and safety standards
Enforcing professional conduct
Investigating complaints and imposing discipline
The Board has authority to create rules, inspect establishments, conduct hearings, and discipline licensees when violations occur.
2. Definitions and Scope of Barbering
Barbering generally includes:
Cutting, trimming, shaping, and styling hair
Shaving or trimming beards and mustaches
Performing facial and scalp treatments
Using barbering tools such as clippers, razors, shears, and chemical products
Anyone performing these services for compensation must be properly licensed unless specifically exempt.
3. Licensing Requirements
A. Barber License
To become a licensed barber, an applicant must:
Meet minimum age requirements
Complete the required barber education or apprenticeship
Pass the state barber examination (theory and practical)
Submit a completed application and required fees
Licenses must be renewed periodically and are not transferable.
B. Barber Instructor License
An instructor license is required to teach barbering. Applicants must:
Hold a current barber license
Meet additional education and experience requirements
Pass an instructor examination
C. Barber Shop License
Every physical location offering barber services must have:
A valid shop license displayed prominently
At least one licensed barber present while operating
Compliance with sanitation and safety rules
Operating without a shop license is a serious violation.
4. Sanitation and Health Standards (One of the Most Important Areas)
The rules place heavy emphasis on infection control and cleanliness.
Required sanitation practices include:
Disinfecting tools (clippers, razors, shears, combs) after each client
Using approved disinfectants correctly and for required contact times
Washing hands before serving each client
Using clean towels and linens for every customer
Storing clean and dirty items separately
Prohibited practices include:
Reusing disposable items
Using unclean or improperly stored tools
Serving clients with visible contagious conditions
Allowing animals in the shop (except service animals as allowed by law)
Failure to follow sanitation rules can result in immediate disciplinary action.
5. Barber Shop Requirements
A barber shop must:
Be clean, well-lit, and properly ventilated
Have adequate hot and cold running water
Contain approved restroom facilities
Use smooth, non-absorbent surfaces where required
Maintain safe electrical equipment
Inspections may occur without prior notice.
6. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Licensed barbers must:
Practice only within the scope of barbering
Display their license at their workstation
Provide services safely and competently
Avoid fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading practices
Unprofessional conduct includes:
Practicing without a license
Allowing unlicensed individuals to perform services
Falsifying records or applications
Ignoring health and safety regulations
Failing to cooperate with Board investigations
7. Examinations
The Board administers exams to ensure competency.
Examinations generally include:
Theory (laws, sanitation, barber science)
Practical skills (haircutting, shaving, sanitation procedures)
Applicants who fail may retake the exam under conditions set by the Board.
8. License Renewal and Continuing Obligations
Licenses must be:
Renewed by the deadline established by the Board
Maintained in good standing
Kept current with accurate personal and business information
Failure to renew results in expiration, and practicing with an expired license is prohibited.
9. Inspections and Investigations
The Board has authority to:
Inspect barber shops and schools
Investigate complaints from the public
Require records and cooperation
Refusing inspection or obstructing an investigator is a violation.
10. Disciplinary Actions and Penalties
If a rule is violated, the Board may:
Issue warnings or reprimands
Impose fines
Suspend or revoke licenses
Place a license on probation
Serious or repeated violations lead to harsher penalties.
11. Hearings and Due Process
Before major disciplinary action:
The licensee is notified
A hearing may be held
The licensee has the right to respond
Decisions are made based on evidence and Board authority.
12. Reciprocity and Endorsement (Out-of-State Barbers)
Barbers licensed in other states may qualify if:
Education and training are substantially equivalent
Proper documentation is submitted
All Georgia requirements are met
Approval is not automatic.
13. Advertising and Representation
Barbers and shops must not:
Make false claims
Misrepresent licensing status
Use misleading titles or certifications
All advertising must be truthful and professional.
Summary
The Georgia State Board of Barbers rules are designed to ensure:
Public safety and hygiene
Professional competency
Ethical barbering practices
Accountability within the industry
Compliance protects both the barber and the public.
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