Atlanta’s beauty salon industry is one of the most dynamic in the country, shaped by the city’s diverse demographics, entertainment industry presence, and a deeply embedded beauty culture across communities throughout the metro area. The city has historically been a significant hub for Black beauty professionals, with Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, and South Atlanta neighborhoods supporting generations of stylists, cosmetologists, and salon owners who have built lasting community institutions. Atlanta’s large corporate professional population and year-round social event calendar create consistent demand for full-service beauty treatments including hair, skincare, extensions, lash services, and makeup. The city’s proximity to film and television production infrastructure has also elevated the market for stylists and beauty professionals with on-camera experience.
When selecting a beauty salon in Atlanta, Georgia law requires all cosmetologists to hold a valid license from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology, which verifies completion of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training and a licensing examination. Ask to see salon staff licenses if you are uncertain, as reputable salons display them prominently. For complex services like extensions, color correction, or chemical treatments, review the stylist’s before-and-after portfolio before booking and request a consultation session to discuss your goals, hair history, and realistic outcomes. Avoid salons that cannot provide references or portfolio examples for the specific service you are seeking.
Top Beauty Salon Companies in Atlanta
1. Steve Hightower Hair Salon and Day Spa
Leadership: Steve Hightower (Owner; recognized as one of Atlanta’s finest hairdressers and Fine and Thinning Hair Specialist for the Southeast US)
Address: 646 Lindbergh Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 264-9006
Website: https://www.stevehightower.com
Hours: Tuesday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Awards & Recognition: Best Hair Extension Artist 2022-2025 (The Atlantan and Jezebel magazines), Best Salon for Her 2022-2025, Best Hair Thinning Solutions (Best Self magazine)
Services:
- Hair cutting and styling
- Hair color and highlights
- Extensions
- Fine and thinning hair specialization
- Eyelash extensions
- Laser hair removal
- Spa services (massage)
About: Steve Hightower Hair Salon and Day Spa is a full-service hair salon and day spa in Atlanta’s Buckhead area, led by award-winning hair designer Steve Hightower who has built a regional reputation as the Southeast’s foremost specialist in fine and thinning hair. The salon has received consecutive Best Salon for Her and Best Hair Extension Artist awards from Atlanta’s leading lifestyle publications from 2022 through 2025. The facility’s combination of hair services, spa treatments, and eyelash and laser services makes it a single-destination beauty resource for clients seeking comprehensive service under one roof. The salon’s appointment-based structure ensures each client receives full attention from the practitioner managing their service.
2. Van Michael Salon
Founded: 1984
Leadership: Van and Michael Council (Founders)
Address: 929 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
Phone: (404) 266-8647
Website: https://www.vanmichael.com
Service Area: Multiple Atlanta locations including Buckhead (39 W Paces Ferry Road NW), Virginia Highland (675 N Highland Ave NE), Sandy Springs (220 Sandy Springs Cir)
Services:
- Haircuts and precision styling
- Hair color, highlights, and balayage
- Keratin and smoothing treatments
- Extensions (SOCAP, Platinum Seamless, VoMor volumizer)
- Makeup application
- Facial waxing
- Aveda concept products
About: Van Michael Salon has been Atlanta’s preeminent multi-location full-service beauty salon since its founding in 1984 by brothers Van and Michael Council, now operating multiple Atlanta locations alongside international outposts in Miami and Tokyo. All Van Michael locations operate as Aveda concept salons with stylists recruited from leading training programs worldwide. The Midtown location on Peachtree Street serves Atlanta’s urban professional population with an expanded service menu that includes makeup and waxing services alongside the brand’s established hair portfolio. The salon’s four-decade track record in Atlanta is unmatched by any comparable full-service beauty operation in the metro area.
3. Aviary Beauty and Wellness O4W
Address: 1388 McLendon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 849-9970
Services:
- Hair styling and color
- Spa and wellness services
- Massage
- Beauty treatments
About: Aviary Beauty and Wellness is located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and combines hair and beauty services with spa and wellness programming in a single destination. The salon’s serene atmosphere and multi-discipline service menu serve the growing Intown Atlanta population seeking a holistic approach to beauty and self-care rather than single-service appointments. Its O4W location places it within walking distance of the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail and the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood’s vibrant restaurant and retail corridor. The combined beauty and wellness model reflects a broader trend in Atlanta’s beauty market toward integrated service experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify that a beauty salon in Atlanta employs licensed cosmetologists?
A: Georgia cosmetology licenses are issued by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and can be verified through the Georgia Secretary of State’s professional license lookup tool at verify.sos.ga.gov. Licensed cosmetologists are required to display their license within the salon. If a stylist cannot produce a license upon request or the salon does not have state inspection records available, that is a significant red flag. Reputable Atlanta salons maintain current license status for all practicing cosmetologists and facility licenses for the salon space itself.
Q: What should I expect to pay for full-service beauty appointments at Atlanta salons?
A: Service pricing at Atlanta beauty salons varies significantly by service complexity and stylist tier. Women’s haircuts at mid-range salons run $45 to $80, and at premium salons like Van Michael or Steve Hightower, cuts start at $75 and increase with stylist seniority. Color services range from $100 for basic single-process color to $300-plus for complex balayage or color correction work. Extension services are the highest-ticket hair service category, starting around $300 and ranging to $1,000 or more depending on the extension method and amount of hair required. Gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is standard.
Q: Do Atlanta beauty salons offer services for natural and textured hair?
A: Yes, Atlanta has a particularly strong market for natural and textured hair services given the city’s demographics. Many full-service Atlanta salons are specifically expert in natural hair textures, protective styling, locs, braids, and thermal styling for relaxed and natural hair. When seeking a stylist for natural hair services, ask specifically whether the stylist has training and ongoing experience with natural hair in its unprocessed state. Portfolio review is critical for protective styling services, as technique quality varies significantly and improper installation can cause damage.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s beauty salons serve clients across the full range of beauty service needs in an industry-leading market that consistently produces nationally recognized talent. Steve Hightower Hair Salon and Day Spa brings award-winning full-service beauty to Buckhead with particular expertise in fine and thinning hair, extensions, and spa services. Van Michael Salon’s four-decade legacy across multiple Atlanta locations delivers Aveda-certified beauty services to thousands of clients daily. Aviary Beauty and Wellness in Old Fourth Ward combines beauty services with a wellness focus in a serene Intown Atlanta setting. Contact each salon to schedule a consultation and find the stylist whose expertise matches your beauty goals.