Do I Need a Cosmetology License to Open a Salon?
It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurial minds to have preference over owning their own business, rather than working as an employee. For one thing, there are limitless income generating possibilities with business ownership, and in the case of a salon, the rewards can be phenomenal.
Is a Cosmetology License Necessary to Open a Salon?
You are not required to have a cosmetology license to open and run a salon in most states. Once you open your salon, and may need need to hire extra people to help you out, which would require to be licensed.
Tips on How to Run a Beauty Salon
You will require an investment of thousands of dollars to furnish a salon and stock it with supplies, so be prepared for that. A permit to operate the business will be necessary, as stipulated by state law. In the case of a beauty salon, permits are typically affordable and quickly issued. It is, however, a small business that will require it to be established as such. This requires filing articles of incorporation or organization.
Once established, secure a federal tax identification number, registering the company with the Federal government. This is how your business will be legal and able to pay a fair share of income tax.
What Else is Required to Open a Salon?
A salon, before it is allowed to open its doors to the public, will have to pass an inspections, with regards to safety and sanitation. Some aspects of the inspection include electrical safety and fire codes.
Moreover, proof of licensed hair stylists will need to be provided. While you may be only an investor, you will have to provide certification or licensing of all the employees that will carry out services to the clientele. Such employees include hair stylists, manicurists, estheticians, and masseurs.
Is it Beneficial to Have a Cosmetology License to Open a Salon?
Any investor should be well versed in his/her field in order to succeed. Being a licensed hair stylist or cosmetologist would by far be in your benefit. This way, you could also earn a greater income through providing your own services, or help out during peak seasons.
In short, if you want to open a salon business, you’ll need a cosmetology license. After all, you’ll be required to offer the services at some point, and you can’t do that if you do not have a license.
If I own a beauty salon in the state of Ohio and rent spaces to licensed independent contractors, do I need a cosmetology license?
You absolutely do not need to have a cosmetologist license to own a salon. The persons doing the service need a cosmetologist license. Make sure you check with the board of cosmetology in your state to get facts.
Does that apply to Indiana as well?
Jessica, each state has it’s own rules, so I would suggest that you check out the requirements. I did a quick google, and you should be find it here: https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home/
Do I need a license, even if I’m only the owner and operating the salon
Typically you need a license to offer these services to the public for commercial purposes.
Not a hair license but you would need proper license and permits to run a salon but your workers have to have them
In the state of Indiana, it is no longer a requirement to have a license to braid hair;!is this accurate? But my true question is; can one open up a braiding booth in the rear of a novelty store located in a mall? If so what are the requirements?
Kathleen, each state is a little different. There are number of states that passed ‘braiding licenses’ and unfortunately, I am not as a familiar with Indiana. Some states requirements are a lot more strict, while others have greater flexibility.
What are some salon codes that are in regulation at the moment in the state of Louisiana justin ledet thank you
thank you for this informative blog.. love it..Very informative Steve. It’s usually fear that prevents a lot of people to follow their passion and create something that will improve their lives. Starting a business should be based on your passion, so you can be motivated to stay the course even when things are bleak.
Beauty salon license
This is inaccurate information. You do not need a cosmetology license to own a salon. You only need a cosmetology license if you plan on personally doing hair in the salon. Please update this information
Valonne, thank you for your feedback. I just reviewed it and updated the content for accuracy.
In District of Columbia you have to have a license or a salon Managers License
how do i get a permit or license to open a salon without a cosmetology license?
Tanicka, what state are you located in?
I’m in Oregon and also have the same question if a cosmetology license is needed to own a salon and not perform services
Monique, each state has very specific requirements. I would encourage you to speak with your respective jurisdiction; in Washington State, to my knowledge it is not a requirement to be a licensed cosmetologist to own a salon.
There are mixed answers that I am reading. I want to get a nail and hair salon but I don’t want to do nails and hair myself so with that being said do I have to get a license to do nails and hair to own the salon?
Generally no, you do not have to be licensed in the trade to ‘own’ the business. However it may depend from state to state. Years ago in Washington State, you were required to be licensed (and practicing) in the industry before you were able to attain your license as salon/spa owner. However in the late 1970’s – early 1980’s, the laws changed which allowed for non-licensed individual opening up their own shops. This allowed for more participation, and also the Franchises that followed.
Hey, I’m in ny. Where do I get the business permit and is there anything else I need to open the Hair salon business? I lost my license and I believe it’s expired too Any tips on where to begin, and what the next step to take
So if a shop is listed as a salon and barber shop, does the person doing hair have to licensed as a barber or a cosmologist?
I’m located in South Carolina and I’m not sure if you need to be licensed, I went to school for it and finished but all I have left is state board with everything going on right now I wanted to go ahead forward with getting a salon and owning it because I’m not really sure when I’ll be able to take state board is this still a good thing to do? And will I still make good money with having people work in the salon renting booths??
Tyerra, the best thing to do is to reach out to your State Regulatory Agency. Since you have completed school, I would really encourage you to proceed to complete your licensure! You are almost to the finish line!
Do I need license for eyebrow and face threading in New Jersey if I want open my own salon
Nancy, that is a great question. What may be best is to reach out the NJ Board of Cosmetology. Here is their website: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos
I am in North Carolina and have a commercial building that I would like to set up as a nail salon and rent the spaces. What do I need as far as licensing to do this?
TKay, the best thing to do is to check with the regulatory body in North Carolina. Here is the link: https://www.nccosmeticarts.com/ Good luck!
Thanks!
Hi quick question, i’m located in Ohio and have my nail technician license so can i open a salon for hair, nails and lashes as long as i’m only doing nails?
I live in Upstate NY I want to get a beauty and hair salon but I don’t want to do makeup and hair myself so with that being said do I have to get a license to do beauty and hair to own the salon?
Do we need a license for eyebrows threading..? Please let me know..
what about a office rental and using it as a lash suite, would license still be required?
I have a cosmetology license but not a managers license. If I own a salon and hire someone with a salon managers license to be the manager would that be legal? I am in minnesota
McKayla, it really depends on the state that you reside in. With you being in Minnesota, you may want to check out the Cosmetology Board Website: https://mn.gov/boards/cosmetology/
I have my own brand of cosmetics (eyelashes, eyeshadow and lip gloss) I am willing to apply the eyelashes free of charge for anyone who purchases the lashes. Am I permitted to apply the lashes as long as I dont take compensation for it? SC State Board will not answer my question. They told me to get a lawyer if i dont understand the law.
Do I need a cosmetology license if I’m the owner in California? Or only the employees performing the service?
Can two people apply for a salon license
Hello, I am planing to to open a hair salon in Arizona, Do I need a cosmetology license if I’ll be just the owner?
[…] insurance, and an Employer Identification Number. In addition, to run a salon, you’ll need a cosmetology license. Most, though not all, employees you later hire to work in your salon will also need licenses. […]
Hi! I live in Las Vegas NV . Do I need a cosmetology license to open the nails salon?
Kim, here is the regulatory agency. hope this helps! https://www.nvcosmo.com/
I own a hair salon in Toms River NJ and had my Salón manger license register my Salón. I had to fire her and now I need to hire a new salon manager but this new salon manager I want to hire has another store she will be managing. Can I have her apply for my shop license while she is managing her shop in another store?