Q&A for How to Start a Home Salon Business

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Question

Can you run a beauty salon from home?

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".

Shun Pittman

Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author

Expert Answer

Check with your city and county government for zoning first. Some neighborhoods might not allow any commercial type of business.

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Question

What do you need to start a small business from home?

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".

Shun Pittman

Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author

Expert Answer

You'll need a government official to check that your home is a safe space to open a business. They'll make sure the air is clean and clear and that you have enough space to serve clients.

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Question

What is a cosmetology license and where does one acquire this qualification?

Community Answer

A cosmetology license is a certification assuring that you have the required knowledge/expertise to perform the work correctly and safely. Search for a beauty/barber school in your area and they can tell you how to obtain your license. Generally, this requires taking classes to complete a cosmetology program, which usually takes between 9 and 15 months to complete.

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Question

What if I can't put advertising in the newspapers?

Community Answer

Go to a printing shop, and get some business cards or flyers made. Then, whenever you're with other people, you can network and hand out your cards. You can also post your fliers in various places, such as cafes or libraries.

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Question

Would a shed building be doable as long as there is electric, heat, water and plumbing?

Community Answer

Yes, but decorate it in a way that is pleasing to clientele.

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Question

When I want to open a salon, do I need to have manager license, GED, and salon license?

Community Answer

You need a high school diploma or equivalent, a cosmetology license, and a salon owner's license.

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Question

How do I start beauty parlor in Ahmedabad?

Community Answer

Get a shop, equipment, and employees if necessary. Have your own phone number and a book to note down appointments. Advertise your business and know your customers and be friendly with them.

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Question

I want to put a salon in my basement if I decide not to advertise to the public, do I still need a cosmetology license in CT?

Community Answer

In order to run a salon as a stylist, you have to have a cosmetology/barber certification. This usually means going to school for 9-15 months then passing a state licensing test. Otherwise, you could be fined for operating without a license.

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Question

Do I need to claim taxes?

Community Answer

Yes. Any time there is money involved, taxes have to be filed.

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Question

If I have a cosmetology license, can I cut people's hair in their homes?

Community Answer

Unfortunately no, DBPR will not allow anyone to cut hair in someone else's home, it must be in a salon or business designated area.

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Question

I want to open a salon, but I won't do any service, I would hire people to do so. Should I have this certification as well?

Community Answer

If you are only leasing the building, there would not be a need for a certification.

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Question

Can I open a home salon in another country if I have the license from my country?

Community Answer

You can, but you may need to apply for a license in the other country as well, as they're usually not transferable.

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Question

Will the state board come to inspect a home salon?

Community Answer

Yes, the local council will do routine inspections annually (at minimum) even in home salons to ensure a safe and practical work standard is maintained across the industry.

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