(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to pursue the occupation of cosmetology in this state unless he or she has first completed the required hours for and obtained the appropriate certificate of registration as provided in this chapter.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to hold himself or herself out as a master cosmetologist without having first obtained the certificate of registration for such. Such person shall be authorized to perform all the services mentioned in paragraph (4) of Code Section 43-10-1. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person who holds a valid master cosmetologist license in this state on March 29, 1983, from practicing at the master cosmetologist level as defined in paragraph (4) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person desiring to perform solely cosmetic skin care services shall be allowed to obtain a certificate of registration at the esthetician level upon completing the required hours therefor, which certifies that the holder thereof shall be authorized to perform some or all of the services mentioned in paragraph (5) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person desiring to perform solely cosmetic nail care services shall be allowed to obtain a certificate of registration at the nail technician level upon completing the required hours therefor, which certifies that the holder thereof shall be authorized to perform some or all of the services mentioned in paragraph (6) of Code Section 43-10-1.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who has actively engaged in the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, or nail care on a military installation in Georgia for three years prior to July 1, 1985, shall be eligible to receive a certificate of registration at the cosmetology, esthetics, or nail care level upon proper proof of experience, application, and appropriate fee being submitted to the board on or before September 1, 1985.

(e) It shall also be unlawful for any person or persons to operate a beauty shop, beauty salon, school of cosmetology, school of esthetics, or school of nail care without first having obtained a certificate of registration for such shop, salon, or school as provided in this chapter. Any beauty shop, salon, or school shall register with the division director of the professional licensing boards prior to opening.

(f) This chapter shall have uniform application throughout the state so that no cosmetologist, beauty shop, school of cosmetology, school of esthetics, or school of nail care shall be exempt from regulation.