Starting a salon business today looks very different from how it did even a decade ago. Many beauty professionals are no longer limited to a single storefront. Instead, they combine in-salon services with mobile offerings like weddings, fashion events, corporate bookings, and in-home appointments. If you’re planning to offer manicures, hairstyling, makeup, or other beauty services, the opportunity is huge, but so is the need to set your business up correctly from the start.
This guide walks you through how to start a salon business, price your services, protect yourself legally, and build a foundation that can grow.
Define Your Salon Business Model
Before you file paperwork or buy supplies, decide how you’ll operate.
Common salon business models today include:
- A traditional salon or studio location
- A home-based salon (where permitted by local zoning laws)
- A mobile beauty business traveling to weddings, homes, hotels, and events
- A hybrid model combining a small studio with on-location group bookings
Your model affects everything from licensing and insurance to pricing and scheduling. Mobile and group services, in particular, require extra planning for travel time, contracts, and liability coverage.
Choose the Right Business Structure
One of the biggest early decisions is how to legally structure your salon.
Most salon owners choose one of these:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Popular for beauty businesses because it separates personal and business assets while staying simple to manage.
- Sole proprietorship: Easy to start, but offers no personal liability protection.
- Corporation: Less common for small salons unless you plan to scale with employees and multiple locations.
For many solo stylists, nail techs, and makeup artists, an LLC strikes the right balance of protection and flexibility, especially when doing house calls or large group events.
Handle Licenses, Permits, and Compliance
Beauty businesses are regulated at the state and local level.
You may need:
- A cosmetology, esthetics, nail, or barber license
- A salon or establishment license
- Local business permits
- Health department approvals (especially for nail services)
Mobile and home-based salons often face additional rules, so always verify requirements for every city or county you serve. Staying compliant from day one builds credibility with clients and venues.
Source Professional Materials and Supplies
Your tools and products directly affect service quality and client trust.
Plan to source:
- Professional-grade tools and equipment
- Sanitization and safety supplies
- Portable setups for mobile appointments
- Retail products if you plan to sell add-ons
Buying wholesale can significantly reduce costs once your business is established. Keep detailed purchase records for tax deductions and inventory tracking.
Get the Right Insurance Coverage
Insurance is non-negotiable, especially for mobile and group bookings.
Most salon owners should consider:
- General liability insurance for accidents or property damage
- Professional liability insurance in case of service-related claims
- Commercial auto insurance if traveling to clients
- Workers’ compensation if you hire assistants or staff
Clients, venues, and wedding planners often require proof of insurance before booking, so having coverage in place helps you land higher-value contracts.
Choose a Physical Location (or Skip One Strategically)
If you plan to open a salon location, evaluate:
- Foot traffic and visibility
- Nearby complementary businesses
- Parking and accessibility
- Local zoning and lease terms
If you’re mobile-first, your “location” may be your service area instead. In that case, invest in branding, a strong online presence, and efficient scheduling tools to make booking easy.
Price Your Services for Individuals and Groups
Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for new salon owners.
Consider these factors:
- Time per service (including setup and breakdown)
- Product costs
- Travel time and mileage
- Event complexity and group size
For weddings and fashion events, many salons use package pricing with minimum booking requirements. Clear contracts and deposits protect your time and income, especially during peak seasons.
Prepare for House Calls and Event Bookings
Mobile services require extra planning:
- Written service agreements
- Clear cancellation policies
- Portable sanitation setups
- Arrival and setup timelines
Professional systems make you stand out and justify premium pricing. Clients expect reliability, especially for once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings.
Build a Brand That Can Scale
A salon business today is more than services – it’s a brand.
To grow:
- Create consistent branding across online listings and social media
- Build an email list or subscriber base
- Track finances and expenses from day one
- Set up systems that allow you to add contractors or employees later
This is where having your business legally structured and compliant matters most. Companies like Bizee help salon owners stay organized with filings, compliance reminders, and ongoing support freeing you to focus on growth instead of paperwork.
Starting a salon business now means embracing flexibility, mobility, and professionalism. Whether you’re opening a physical salon, traveling to weddings, or offering in-home services, success comes from combining creativity with smart business decisions.
By choosing the right structure, protecting yourself with insurance, pricing confidently, and using tools to handle formation and compliance, you build a salon business that’s not only profitable but also scalable for the future.