What Permits Do You Need to Open a Nail Salon?

Running a successful nail business requires more than just unbeatable nail tech skill and talent. But before you can even set up shop, you’ll have to secure the right permits to do so (though exactly what permits you need to open a nail salon will depend on your specific state regulations). Ensuring you’re in compliance with all laws and mandates will keep operations moving smoothly and efficiently, and help you avoid any costly penalties or fines later on. 

This article will explore the nail salon requirements you’ll need to open your business, including licenses and additional permits, plus some associated costs. 

License & Permit Requirements for Nail Salons

Nail salon business license and permit requirements vary by state, but we’ll break down a few of the most common ones you’ll need. 

Business license

While there is no specific nail salon business license, you’ll need to check your local laws to determine which licenses will allow you to legally operate – and each state will handle this differently. For instance, California requires a general business license to start. In New York, salons need an Appearance Enhancement Business License, while in Indiana, this license is called a Beauty Culture Salon License. 

Nail technician license

With the exception of Connecticut, every state in the US requires nail artists to have their nail tech license (also referred to as a “Manicurist License” or “Nail Specialty License” depending on the state). Prerequisites for licensure differ between states, as some require a certain number of training hours or passing an exam, while others mandate the completion of cosmetology school or an apprenticeship. Some states may even need a combination of the above in order to issue a nail tech license. 

Cosmetology license

In states like Texas, you may need to obtain your cosmetology license in addition to your nail tech license. Cosmetology licensure involves completing certain courses or programs – anywhere from 150 to 1200 hours of training (or apprenticeships) – and in some cases, passing an exam. While it’s not nail tech-specific, earning a cosmetology license widens your range of opportunity so you can include other beauty services at your salon. 

Salon health and safety permits

Health and safety permits ensure your business adheres to proper sanitary and safety guidelines. Obtaining these permits will require passing an inspection by an approved health official, who will check your salon’s ventilation, disposal, and sanitation practices to verify they follow state and county mandates. 

Certificate of occupancy

A certificate of occupancy provides proof that your salon is up to code and has met all of the necessary usage criteria to operate within the state. For suitable occupancy, you’ll need an official to sign off on things like building surveys, construction, plumbing, and electrical and fire safety inspections. 

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3 Additional Permits for Nail Salons

So what other permits do you need to open a nail salon? In addition to the ones listed above, there are a few other certifications you’ll need to get your business up and running. 

1. Building or zoning permit

Most nail salon license prerequisites will require a building permit, which grants permission for use, renovation, and occupancy of the business location. A zoning permit, on the other hand, ensures that you can legally operate a commercial property within a given area. Areas that are not zoned for commercial business can result in hefty penalties or forced closure. 

2. Sign permit

Installing a sign outside of your building is a helpful way to advertise the name and location of your business. However, before you can put one up, you’ll need to apply for a sign permit. Signage regulations vary at both the state and local level, and these rules will stipulate the dimensions, placement, installation, materials, and type of sign you’re allowed to install (such as freestanding or illuminated). Signs below a certain size may be exempt from permits, though you will have to check your specific state website to verify. 

3. Seller’s permit

Also known as a sales tax permit or vendor’s license, this allows you to legally collect tax from your sales. You’re required to apply for one if your state or city considers providing nail salon services as a ‘sale’ – such as in New York City (though salons outside the city are exempt). You’ll also need to obtain this permit if your salon sells retail products like polish, accessories, or nail tools.

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Nail Salon License Costs

Nail salon license costs will depend on the issuing state and how many you need, plus application and renewal fees. Below, we outline some of the general costs associated with obtaining your salon licenses. 

• Business license: These can range anywhere between $40 and $600, which may or may not include application fees. On their own, application fees can cost a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Renewals are less expensive – around $50 to $100 depending on the initial fee – and are typically only required every one to two years. 
• Nail tech license: Nail tech licenses usually cost between $50-$150, but you will not be able to apply for one without completing the proper schooling, training, or exam. 
• Certificate of occupancy: The cost of a certificate of occupancy varies not just by the state, but on the type of building and square footage. This price typically ranges between $50 and $600. 
• Seller’s permit: Not every state charges a fee to apply for a seller’s permit. In the ones that do, however, you can expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $100.
• Cosmetology license: To earn this license, you’ll first need to enroll in a cosmetology school, then complete the required courses and training hours. On average, cosmetology school tuition can range anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000. 
• Health permits: Health permit fees differ depending on the details of your salon business, such as how many chairs you have or whether you serve snacks and beverages. However, they usually cost a few hundred dollars. 
• Sign permits: A sign permit fee generally costs between $100 and $1,000 – but that’s not including the project fees and potential engineering costs, which can add another several hundred to thousands more dollars. 
• Building permits: If you’re constructing a nail salon from scratch or planning on remodeling an existing space, you’ll have to apply for a building permit (and building permit pricing can change based on project costs). For instance, you pay a baseline fee of $20 to start, which increases by an interval of $10 for each $1,000 spent on construction. So if you spend $2,000 on construction, your permit fee will be $30. 

Do You Need a License to Open a Nail Salon?

Can you do nails without a license? Not if you’re making a profit, you can’t. However, can you open a nail salon without a nail specialty license? Technically yes, if your plan is to run operations without performing any actual nail services. Be advised, however, that most states’ nail salon requirements mandate owners obtain some type of business license and certain permits to legally operate in general. Plus, every employee of yours that performs nail work at your salon must hold their own individual nail tech license. 

Begin Your Nail Salon Journey with GlossGenius

Having the right permits and licenses can help you avoid violations, penalties, or worse – losing your entire nail salon. Doing your due diligence (like researching your local and state regulations) before starting your business can ensure you’re fully informed of all the necessary paperwork to maintain compliance with the law. Licenses and permits aren’t generally expensive, though the cost can add up if you need several of them, and that can be particularly hard for brand new business owners. However, if you’re incorporated or own an LLC, you can claim these expenses as tax write-offs.  

GlossGenius is the perfect platform to support aspiring nail salon owners and their journey toward success. Take advantage of features like Online Booking, which gives you the option to manually or auto-approve appointments, allowing you to set your schedule on your terms. GlossGenius Marketing features will handle your email and SMS blasts, so you can keep loyal clients up to date and expand your reach to new ones. And with our Point-of-Sale hardware, you can process transactions on the spot, giving the clients the convenience to tap and go. 

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FAQs

What is the new law for nail salons in California?

Starting January 1st, 2025, nail salons in California are no longer allowed to hire nail techs as independent contractors or booth renters. Any manicurist who works at a salon must be classified as an employee, and granted all the same rights and legal protections as one. 

Can I do nails from home in Maryland?

The state of Maryland requires salons to have their own exclusive space, completely separate and distinct from all living quarters, with a separate entrance for patrons and customer-only bathroom. The strictness of these rules essentially prohibits individuals or businesses from providing professional nail services at home. However, with the proper permits, nail techs may provide mobile nail services, as well as services at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or the residence of an individual confined to their home due to medical reasons.