Beauty Supply in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Know, and How to Shop Smart

Looking for beauty supply stores in Atlanta can feel overwhelming—there are a lot of options, from small neighborhood shops to huge warehouse-style stores and national chains. Whether you live in the city, just moved here, or are visiting and need products while you’re in town, it helps to understand how the beauty supply scene in Atlanta really works.

This guide walks through what to expect, where different types of stores are commonly located, what you can usually find, and how to shop efficiently in and around Atlanta.

The Beauty Supply Landscape in Atlanta

Atlanta has one of the most diverse beauty supply markets in the Southeast. In many parts of the metro area, it’s common to find:

• Large, multi-aisle beauty supply stores with hair, wigs, tools, and accessories
• Smaller neighborhood shops that focus on everyday essentials
• National chain stores that carry popular brands alongside general health and personal care items
• Specialty shops centered on natural hair, braiding, barbering, or professional salon use

Because Atlanta is so spread out, your experience can differ a lot depending on whether you’re in the city core, inside the Perimeter (I-285), or farther out in the metro suburbs.

Common Areas to Find Beauty Supply Stores in Atlanta

You can spot beauty supply stores across the metro area, but some zones tend to have higher concentrations.

Inside the City of Atlanta

Within city limits, you’ll often find beauty supply options along major corridors such as:

• Cascade Road SW / Campbellton Road SW – Known for neighborhood-oriented shopping centers with beauty stores, barbers, and salons.
• Old National Highway (near the Atlanta–South Fulton line) – A longstanding area for hair and beauty shopping, braiding salons, and barber shops.
• Metropolitan Parkway SW & Jonesboro Road SE – Smaller and mid-sized beauty supply shops serving nearby communities.
• Memorial Drive SE (east from downtown toward I-285) – A mix of strip centers that frequently include hair and beauty retailers.

These areas often cater to everyday haircare and styling needs, braiding hair, wigs, and accessories, with many stores serving long-time local customers.

Just Outside or Around the Perimeter (I-285)

Close-in suburbs and border areas around Atlanta commonly offer larger-format beauty supply stores, especially in:

• South DeKalb / Candler Road / Flat Shoals Road
• Tucker / Northlake area
• Doraville / Chamblee (Buford Highway corridor)
• Smyrna / Marietta (Cobb Parkway and South Cobb Drive)
• College Park / East Point near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

These stores sometimes carry wider inventories, with multiple aisles of synthetic and human hair, lace wigs, professional tools, and a broad range of textured-hair products.

Farther Metro Atlanta

If you’re outside the city, you’ll still typically find beauty supply shops in main commercial zones, such as:

• Gwinnett County: Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, and Lilburn along major roads like Pleasant Hill Road, Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and Lawrenceville Highway.
• Cobb County: Along Cobb Parkway, Austell Road, and South Cobb Drive.
• Clayton and Henry Counties: Jonesboro Road, Tara Boulevard, and areas near Southlake Mall.

If you’re driving, these metro locations can be easier for all-in-one shopping trips—beauty supply stores are often located near grocery stores, discount retailers, and restaurants.

Types of Beauty Supply Stores You’ll See in Atlanta

Not every beauty supply shop works the same way. Knowing the basic types helps you decide where to go.

1. General Beauty Supply Stores

These are the classic stores most people think of:

• Main products: Relaxers, gels, edge control, shampoos and conditioners, braiding hair, wigs, weaves, lashes, nails, combs, and brushes.
• Who they serve: Everyday shoppers, stylists picking up last-minute items, and people shopping for special events such as weddings, proms, and holidays.
• Typical locations: Strip malls and shopping centers throughout Atlanta and its suburbs.

2. Natural Hair–Focused Stores

In Atlanta, there’s a strong emphasis on natural and textured hair. Many stores now:

• Stock more sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners.
• Carry a range of curl creams, styling custards, butters, and oils designed for coils and curls.
• Highlight protective style products for twists, braids, and locs.

These may be standalone boutiques or part of larger beauty supply stores with special sections for natural hair.

3. Wig and Extension Specialists

Some Atlanta shops are strongly focused on wigs, closures, frontals, and bundles:

• Try-on areas (sometimes with assistance from staff).
• A broad selection of lace front wigs, synthetic and human hair, and styling tools.
• Products for wig care: adhesives, removers, tint sprays, wig caps, and mannequin heads.

These stores are especially common in high-traffic retail hubs and near clusters of salons.

4. Barber and Men’s Grooming Supply

With Atlanta’s strong barbering culture, you’ll often see:

• Stores or sections devoted to clippers, trimmers, blades, guards, and disinfectants.
• Products tailored to beards, waves, and fades, such as pomades and grooming oils.
• Professional-grade equipment that local barbers may rely on, along with everyday items like shave gels and aftershaves.

5. Professional or Salon-Oriented Stores

Some stores focus more on licensed professionals, though everyday shoppers may still find useful items:

• Higher-end hair color, bleach, and developers.
• Salon-style hair dryers, chairs, capes, and advanced tools.
• Bulk or large-size products suitable for heavy usage.

If you’re not a stylist, you can still benefit from durable tools and large bottles if you share products with family or roommates.

What You Can Usually Buy at Atlanta Beauty Supply Stores

While each store is different, most beauty supply shops around Atlanta tend to carry:

Haircare Essentials

• Shampoos and conditioners for relaxed, natural, color-treated, and protective styles
• Leave-in conditioners, detanglers, and deep treatments
• Styling products: gels, mousses, creams, edge controls, and styling foams

Protective Styling & Braiding

• Bulk braiding hair in many lengths and colors
• Pre-stretched, pre-braided, and crochet hair options
• Accessories like rubber bands, beads, cuffs, thread, needles, and crochet hooks

Wigs and Weaves

• Human and synthetic wigs, lace closure pieces, frontals, and bundles
• Wig caps, bonding glue, lace adhesives, tapes, and removers
• Wig stands, mannequin heads, and styling sprays

Tools & Accessories

• Combs, brushes, detangling tools, edge brushes, and hot tools (flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers)
• Bonnets, scarves, durags, headbands, and satin pillowcases
• Nail supplies: press-on nails, nail tips, files, buffers, glues, and nail art

Skin, Brows, and Lashes

• Basic skincare (cleansers, toners, lotions) and body care
• Eyelashes, lash glue, brow pencils and gels
• Simple cosmetic tools like sponges and makeup brushes

A Quick Snapshot: Typical Beauty Supply Options in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of how different Atlanta-area beauty supply options often compare:

How to Choose a Beauty Supply Store in Atlanta

Because there are so many choices, it helps to have a short checklist when deciding where to shop.

1. Consider Your Primary Need

Ask yourself what you’re mainly shopping for:

• Braids or twists: Look for stores that clearly display braiding hair walls and accessories.
• Wigs or weaves: Larger stores with wig displays and mannequins may offer more options to compare.
• Natural haircare: Stores that showcase coil, curl, and kink-friendly products on end caps or dedicated sections can be especially useful.
• Barbering supplies: If you need clippers, guards, or trimmers, look for stores that advertise barber tools and men’s grooming in their windows or signage.

2. Think About Location and Parking

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, and some areas are more walkable than others.

• If you’re in Downtown, Midtown, or near Georgia State or Georgia Tech, you may prefer stores reachable by MARTA or within a short rideshare distance.
• If you’re driving from the suburbs, consider beauty supply shops in shopping centers with larger parking lots along major roads like Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Cobb Parkway, or Tara Boulevard.

3. Check Store Layout and Organization

Once inside, notice:

• How aisles are labeled (haircare, braids, wigs, tools). Clear labeling can save time.
• Whether there’s a designated wig try-on area if you plan to purchase a wig.
• Whether staff appear available for basic product questions (for example, where to find a certain type of braiding hair or an edge brush).

4. Compare Prices and Sizes

Many Atlanta beauty supply stores stock:

• Travel sizes, trial kits, or mini products for visitors or those testing a new brand.
• Regular and salon-size bottles of shampoos and conditioners for families or shared households.

Prices can vary between stores, so if you’re buying multiple items, you may want to:

• Start with a nearby store for convenience.
• Compare with another shop later for future purchases if you’re planning to buy regularly.

Tips for Visitors Shopping Beauty Supply in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta temporarily—for a convention, a college visit, or a weekend trip—you’ll likely want fast, straightforward options.

1. Plan Around Where You’re Staying

• Downtown / Midtown hotels: Smaller neighborhood shops and chain pharmacies may be closer, but selection can be limited. A short ride to corridors like Cascade Road SW or Old National Highway often offers wider options if you have time.
• Near the Airport (Hapeville, College Park): The south side typically has multiple beauty supply stores within short driving distance, plus salons and barbers.

2. Look for Essentials First

If luggage was delayed or you forgot items, focus on:

• Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products in smaller bottles
• Bonnets, scarves, durags, and combs/brushes
• Simple protective styles like pre-braided or crochet hair if you’re staying longer and plan to visit a braiding salon

3. Transportation Considerations

• MARTA rail and bus can get you reasonably close to some commercial strips, but many beauty supply stores are located in shopping centers that may still require a short car or rideshare trip from the station.
• If you’re relying on rideshare, grouping your shopping with a grocery or pharmacy stop in the same center can save time and money.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Newcomers

If you live in Atlanta or just moved here, you may want a more long-term strategy.

1. Find a “Home Base” Beauty Supply

Many residents eventually find one or two stores that:

• Carry their must-have products consistently
• Offer a comfortable shopping experience and clear layout
• Are reasonably close to home or work

This “home base” can save time, especially for monthly or seasonal restocks.

2. Keep a Running List of Products

Because Atlanta stores can rotate brands and inventory:

• Keep a note on your phone with your staple shampoos, conditioners, gels, and sizes.
• Bring photos of your favorite items’ packaging to make it easier for staff to find or suggest alternatives if something is out of stock.

3. Match Shopping Trips to Busy Times

Some high-traffic areas and popular beauty supply stores can get crowded, especially:

• Evenings after work
• Weekends and days before major holidays

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider:

• Weekday mornings or early afternoons if your schedule allows
• Quick in-and-out trips where you already know what you’re buying

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Considerations

Shopping beauty supply in Atlanta is usually straightforward, but a few practical points can improve your experience:

• Check store hours in advance, especially on Sundays or holidays, when some shops may close earlier.
• If you plan to try on wigs, ask about sanitary caps and store policies before handling items.
• For larger purchases like professional tools or hair bundles, keep your receipt in case of return or exchange policies with specific conditions.
• In busy parking lots, particularly in high-traffic retail areas, allow a bit of extra time for parking and checkout, especially during peak hours.

When Beauty Supply Stores Aren’t Enough

Occasionally, you might need services beyond what a beauty supply can offer, such as:

• Specialized hair or skin care that might be better handled by a licensed professional stylist, barber, esthetician, or dermatologist.
• Formal styling or color services for weddings, photo shoots, or events, which are usually done in salons rather than at home.

In those cases, beauty supply stores can still be helpful for maintenance products—for example, bonnets to protect a salon style or gentle shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair—but the actual treatment or diagnosis should be handled by a professional.

Making the Most of Beauty Supply Shopping in Atlanta

Whether you’re on the Westside, along Memorial Drive, in South DeKalb, up in Gwinnett, or out in Cobb or Clayton, Atlanta offers a wide range of beauty supply options for different hair types, styles, and budgets.

If you:

• Choose stores based on your specific hair and styling needs,
• Pay attention to location, layout, and inventory, and
• Use a simple system for remembering what works for you,

it becomes much easier to navigate the city’s many beauty supply choices and find what you need efficiently—whether you’re here for a day, a semester, or long term.