How to Start a Hair Salon in Connecticut (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Connecticut requires a state hairdresser license issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Connecticut requires 1,500 hours of training at an approved beauty school and passing a state board written exam before you can practice. Salon owners who also cut hair need the individual hairdresser license; the business itself requires a separate salon establishment license from DPH. Connecticut is a strong salon market – high household incomes mean clients who can afford premium services and consistent appointments.

Hair Salon Requirements in Connecticut at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	CT Secretary of the State	$120	1-3 business days
Hairdresser / Cosmetician License	CT Dept. of Public Health (DPH)	$65 exam + $100 license = $165	Pass exam + application review
Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)	DPH-approved beauty school	$10,000-$20,000+ tuition	12-18 months
Hairdresser License Renewal	CT DPH	$100 every 2 years	Due last day of birth month
Salon Establishment License	CT DPH	Varies (DPH inspection)	Before opening
Local Business License	Municipality	Varies	Varies
Sales Tax Permit	CT DRS (myconneCT)	$100	Online registration
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Private carrier	Varies	Before first hire

How to Start a Hair Salon in Connecticut (Step by Step)

Step 1: Complete 1,500 Hours of Cosmetology School

Connecticut requires 1,500 hours of training at a DPH-approved beauty school to qualify for the hairdresser/cosmetician license. The training covers:

• Haircutting, styling, and finishing techniques
• Hair coloring and chemical treatments (perms, relaxers)
• Scalp treatments and care
• Salon management and state law
• Infection control and sanitation (critical for state exam)
• Client consultation and safety

Connecticut cosmetology school tuition ranges from approximately $10,000-$20,000+ for the full program. Programs typically take 12-18 months for full-time students.

Step 2: Pass the Hairdresser State Exam

After completing school, apply to take the written exam through Prometric:

• Exam format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 2 hours
• Passing score: 70 (70 out of 100 questions correct)
• Exam fee: $65
• No practical exam: Connecticut eliminated the practical exam requirement – written exam only
• Schedule and pay at Prometric.com

Step 3: Apply for Your Hairdresser License

After passing the exam, apply for your license through the CT DPH Hairdresser Licensure by Examination page:

• Complete the license application
• Submit your Prometric exam score report
• Submit your school graduation/transcript documentation
• License fee: $100
• Total licensing cost: $165 ($65 exam + $100 license)

License Renewal

Connecticut hairdresser licenses must be renewed biennially (every 2 years) by the last day of your birth month. Renewal fee: $100. No continuing education is required for hairdresser/cosmetician license renewal in Connecticut.

Step 4: Form Your Business Entity

File your Certificate of Organization at business.ct.gov ($120). Get a free EIN from IRS.gov. If operating under a salon name (e.g., “Luxe Hair Studio CT”), file a trade name certificate with your town clerk ($10-$20).

Step 5: Salon Establishment Permit (Local Health Department)

The business that operates as a salon must obtain a shop establishment permit from your local health department – not CT DPH. In Connecticut, individual hairdresser licenses are issued by DPH, but the salon/shop establishment permits are regulated and issued by local health districts.

Important: Connecticut law requires that the person operating the salon must have been licensed as a hairdresser and cosmetician for at least 2 years before they can open and operate a salon establishment.

Typical local health department requirements for salon permits:

• Minimum space requirements (square footage per operator station)
• Proper sanitation facilities: shampoo bowls, hand-washing sinks, covered trash containers
• Adequate lighting and ventilation
• Sterilization equipment for tools and implements
• Proper storage for clean and soiled towels
• A local health inspector visits before the permit is issued

Contact your local health department or health district for the establishment permit application, current fees (typically ~$100/year), and inspection requirements. Find your local health district at CT DPH Local Health Administration.

Step 6: Sales Tax on Salon Services

Connecticut’s service taxability rules are important for salons:

• Salon services (hair cutting, coloring, styling labor): Generally NOT taxable in Connecticut under state law. The service itself is exempt.
• Retail product sales: Shampoo, conditioners, styling products sold to clients ARE taxable at 6.35%
• Combined service + product charges: If you charge separately for services and retail products, tax only applies to the product portion

Register for a free sales tax permit at myconneCT for product sales.

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Connecticut

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school (1,500 hours)	$10,000-$20,000+	Required education; one-time
Prometric exam fee	$65	State board written exam
Hairdresser license	$100	Initial; $100 biennial renewal
LLC formation	$120	One-time state fee
Annual report	$80/year	Due each year
Salon establishment license	Varies (CT DPH)	Contact DPH for current fee
Salon build-out / equipment	$5,000-$50,000+	Styling chairs, shampoo bowls, mirrors, lighting
Lease deposit + first months rent	$2,000-$10,000+	Varies widely by location
General liability insurance	$500-$1,500/year	$1M/$2M recommended
Workers’ comp insurance	Varies	Mandatory from first employee
Initial inventory (products)	$500-$3,000	Color, retail products, supplies

Estimated total startup cost (excluding school): $8,000-$70,000+

Related Connecticut Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in Connecticut
• How to Start a Food Truck in Connecticut
• How to Start a Daycare in Connecticut
• How to Start an HVAC Business in Connecticut
• How to Start a Landscaping Business in Connecticut
• How to Start a Private Investigation Business in Connecticut

← Back to all Connecticut business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a cosmetology license in Connecticut?

Complete 1,500 hours at a DPH-approved Connecticut beauty school, pass the Prometric written exam ($65), and apply for your license through CT DPH ($100). There is no practical exam in Connecticut – the state eliminated it. Total licensing cost: $165 plus school tuition. Your license must be renewed every 2 years for $100; no continuing education is required for renewal.

How many hours of cosmetology school are required in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires 1,500 hours of training at a DPH-approved beauty school. The curriculum covers haircutting, coloring, chemical treatments, sanitation and infection control, and state law. Programs typically take 12-18 months for full-time students. Tuition ranges from $10,000-$20,000+.

Do salon services get taxed in Connecticut?

Salon services (hair cutting, coloring, styling – the labor) are generally not subject to Connecticut sales tax. However, retail product sales (shampoo, conditioners, styling products sold to clients) ARE taxable at 6.35%. Connecticut has no local sales tax – 6.35% is the uniform statewide rate.

Do I need a salon permit in addition to my personal cosmetology license in Connecticut?

Yes. In Connecticut, the individual hairdresser license (from CT DPH) and the salon establishment permit are separate. The salon establishment permit is issued by your local health department – not CT DPH. The local health department inspects and licenses the shop facility. Additionally, the person operating a salon must have held a hairdresser license for at least 2 years before opening. Contact your local health district for the establishment permit application and fees (typically ~$100/year).

How often does a Connecticut cosmetology license need to be renewed?

Connecticut cosmetology/hairdresser licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennially). The renewal fee is $100. Renewal is due by the last day of your birth month in the renewal year. Importantly, no continuing education is required for Connecticut hairdresser/cosmetician license renewal.

Can booth renters (independent contractors) work in my Connecticut salon?

Yes, booth rental arrangements are common in Connecticut salons. Each booth renter must hold their own valid Connecticut hairdresser license. Note that independent contractor vs. employee classification has important implications for taxes and workers’ comp – consult a tax professional about proper classification of booth renters.