Thinking about opening your own salon in Texas?
Hey there—have you been toying with the idea of starting your own hair salon? Wondering what it really takes to open one in the Lone Star State? You’re not alone. Texas is one of the most promising places to launch a beauty business, thanks to its booming population, diverse communities, and entrepreneur-friendly regulations.
Whether you're a licensed stylist ready to branch out or an investor exploring the beauty industry, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started—with no fluff, just real, useful steps.
Before you start planning your salon layout or hiring staff, the legal groundwork must be in place.
Most salon owners opt for an LLC (Limited Liability Company) because it separates your personal and business assets while offering tax flexibility. Other options include sole proprietorships or corporations, depending on your goals and whether you have partners.
You'll need to register your business through the Texas Secretary of State. If you choose an LLC, this process can be completed online. Make sure your desired business name is available.
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a social security number for your business. It’s required to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees. You can apply directly through the IRS website.
Before signing a lease, contact your local city government to confirm the space is zoned for a hair salon. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have specific rules for commercial properties offering personal care services. Some cities also require a local business license or certificate of occupancy.
You’ll need approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to legally operate a hair salon.
This license is for the business, not the individual stylists. You can apply through the TDLR website. The application fee is around $130. Once submitted, TDLR will schedule a salon inspection before granting final approval.
Every person performing hair services must be licensed by TDLR. That means completing 1,000 hours of approved training and passing both written and practical exams. Licenses must be renewed every two years and require four hours of continuing education.
TDLR requires both business and individual licenses to be posted in a visible area inside your salon. This includes your salon license and each stylist’s operator license.
TDLR holds salons to strict health and safety standards. Complying from the start helps you avoid fines and protects your reputation.
A compliant salon must have:
At least one shampoo bowl with hot and cold running water
Designated areas for clean and soiled towels
Disinfectant containers for combs, scissors, and other tools
Proper lighting and ventilation
Non-porous flooring and surfaces that are easy to sanitize
All tools and surfaces must be disinfected after each use. Single-use items (like neck strips or disposable razors) cannot be reused. Salons are also required to use properly labeled storage for hazardous materials.
TDLR can inspect your salon at any time. They may issue citations for infractions like expired licenses, poor hygiene, or noncompliant setups. Keeping a checklist and training your team on best practices can help ensure a smooth visit.
If you plan to sell retail products (shampoo, styling cream, tools), you’ll need a Texas Sales Tax Permit. Apply online at the Texas Comptroller’s website.
Protect your business with general liability insurance. This covers customer injuries, property damage, and legal costs. If you hire employees, Texas also requires workers’ compensation coverage unless you opt out formally.
You’ll need to register with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to handle employee payroll and taxes. Make sure to comply with federal and state labor laws regarding overtime, breaks, and workplace safety.
Furniture plays a big role in both the functionality and appearance of your salon. Your chairs, shampoo beds, trolleys, and waiting area seating should be ergonomic, easy to clean, and reflect your brand style.
If you're looking for reliable, factory-direct salon furniture, consider DP Beauty Furniture. We specialize in:
Custom-built furniture for beauty professionals
Wholesale pricing with no middleman
Durable designs that meet salon sanitation standards
Opening a salon in Texas requires more than creativity—it takes planning, paperwork, and the right partners. With the correct licenses, a compliant space, and a well-thought-out setup, you can build a business that not only survives but thrives.
If this guide helped you get one step closer to opening your dream salon, we’d love to support you further. At DP Beauty Furniture, we provide customizable, high-quality salon furniture directly from our factory to your door. Whether you're furnishing one chair or an entire salon, we’re here to help make your space stand out.
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Texas Business Registration | https://www.sos.state.tx.us/ |
| IRS EIN Application | https://www.irs.gov |
| Cosmetology License (TDLR) | https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cosmet/cosmet.htm |
| TDLR License Lookup | https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/ |
| Texas Sales Tax Permit | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/ |
| Texas Workforce Commission | https://twc.texas.gov/ |
Q1: Do I need a cosmetology license to open a salon if I won’t be doing hair?
No, but you do need a salon license. Any individual providing hair services must have their own TDLR-issued operator license.
Q2: Can I operate a hair salon from home in Texas?
Yes, but you must follow in-home salon rules from TDLR. This includes using a separate entrance, having a designated salon area, and passing inspection.
Q3: How much does it cost to open a salon in Texas?
Startup costs vary. For a small salon, expect to spend between $10,000–$50,000 depending on location, renovations, furniture, and equipment.
Q4: How long does it take to get a salon license?
Once your application is submitted and your inspection is completed, licensing can take around 2–4 weeks.
Q5: Where can I get salon chairs, shampoo beds, and trolleys?
Check out DP Beauty Furniture, where we offer wholesale prices, custom options, and shipping across the U.S.
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