How to Start a Hair Salon in New Hampshire (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a hair salon in New Hampshire requires two separate licenses from the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics: an individual cosmetology license for each licensed stylist, and a shop establishment license for the salon itself. New Hampshire requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school (or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship). You cannot open for business until the OPLC inspects your shop and approves your establishment application – budget up to two weeks for an inspection appointment.

Hair Salon Requirements in New Hampshire at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Individual cosmetology license (per stylist)	NH OPLC Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics	$55 application fee	Before working in salon; pass board exam first
Cosmetology school (1,500 hours)	NH-licensed cosmetology school	$8,000-$20,000 for full program	Before applying for individual license
Cosmetology board exam	PSI Exams (OPLC testing vendor)	~$95-$125	After completing school hours
License renewal (individual)	NH OPLC	$55 every 2 years	Biennial renewal
Shop/salon establishment license	NH OPLC Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics	$60 application fee	Before opening; inspection required
LLC formation	NH Secretary of State	$100-$102	1-3 business days
Annual LLC report	NH Secretary of State	$100/year (due April 1)	Annual
General liability insurance	Private carrier	$500-$1,500/year	Before operating
Workers’ compensation (if employees)	Private carrier	Varies by payroll	Required for any employees

How to Start a Hair Salon in New Hampshire (Step by Step)

Step 1: Complete Cosmetology School (1,500 Hours)

Before you can receive an NH cosmetology license, you must complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a New Hampshire-licensed cosmetology school. Alternatively, you may complete 3,000 hours of apprenticeship over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist.

NH cosmetology school programs typically cover:

• Hair cutting, styling, and chemical services (perms, color, relaxers)
• Skin care and basic esthetics
• Nail care basics
• Sanitation and disinfection protocols
• NH state laws and OPLC rules
• Business and client communication skills

Program cost: typically $8,000-$20,000 depending on the school. Federal financial aid (FAFSA) may be available at accredited programs. Search for NH-licensed cosmetology schools through the OPLC website: oplc.nh.gov/board-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics.

Step 2: Pass the NH Cosmetology Board Exam

After completing your training hours, apply to take the NH cosmetology board examination. The exam has two parts:

• Written (theory) exam: Tests knowledge of cosmetology science, chemistry, anatomy, sanitation, and NH state law
• Practical (clinical) exam: Hands-on skills demonstration

Exam cost: approximately $95-$125 total. Contact the OPLC for the current examination vendor and scheduling. You must pass both portions to qualify for licensure.

Step 3: Apply for Your Individual Cosmetology License

Submit your individual cosmetology license application to the NH OPLC Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics:

• Application fee: $55
• Renewal fee: $55 every 2 years
• Reinstatement fee: $55
• Required with application: school completion certificate, board exam results
• Applications: oplc.nh.gov/applications-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics

All fees are payable to the Treasurer, State of New Hampshire. Contact OPLC for current processing times.

Step 4: Form Your Business Entity

Register your salon as an LLC with the NH Secretary of State at quickstart.sos.nh.gov. Formation fee: $100-$102. Annual report: $100, due April 1.

Form the LLC before applying for your shop establishment license so the license is issued in the business entity’s name. This also protects your personal assets from slip-and-fall and professional liability claims.

Step 5: Prepare Your Salon to OPLC Standards

Your salon must meet OPLC sanitation and facility standards before the inspection. Key requirements include:

• Adequate ventilation to remove chemical fumes
• Running hot and cold water with a shampoo bowl or sink dedicated to hair services
• Covered waste receptacles in each work area
• Approved disinfectant containers for implements (barbicide or equivalent EPA-registered disinfectant)
• Separate areas for clean/sanitized tools and dirty/used tools
• Adequate artificial lighting at each work station
• Wet and dry sanitation methods in place

Review the OPLC’s laws and rules for barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics before investing in your build-out: oplc.nh.gov/board-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics-laws-and-rules.

Step 6: Apply for Your Shop Establishment License and Pass Inspection

Submit the shop/salon establishment application and the Owner/Manager Questionnaire to OPLC along with the $60 application fee:

• You cannot legally open for business until OPLC inspects your shop and grants approval
• Inspection appointments may take up to two weeks after submitting your application
• The inspector will verify physical compliance with OPLC sanitation, equipment, and facility standards
• Address any deficiencies promptly to avoid delays

Applications: oplc.nh.gov/applications-barbering-cosmetology-and-esthetics

Fees payable to: Treasurer, State of New Hampshire

Step 7: Get Business Insurance

Obtain appropriate insurance before opening:

• General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence recommended. Covers client injuries (slips, falls, burns from styling tools) and property damage.
• Professional liability (salon malpractice): Covers chemical damage to hair, allergic reactions, scalp burns. Many salon-specific GL policies bundle this coverage.
• Workers’ compensation: Required by NH law (RSA 281-A:5) for any employer with any employees. Your employed stylists – not independent contractors – require coverage.
• Property insurance: Covers salon equipment, mirrors, styling chairs, and inventory if damaged by fire, theft, or vandalism.

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in New Hampshire

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school (1,500 hours)	$8,000-$20,000	One-time; required for individual license
Board exam (written + practical)	$95-$125	One-time per applicant
Individual cosmetology license	$55	One-time application; $55 renewal every 2 years
Shop establishment license	$60	One-time application fee
LLC formation (Secretary of State)	$100-$102	One-time
Annual LLC report	$100/year	Due April 1
Salon equipment (chairs, mirrors, dryers)	$5,000-$30,000+	New or used; varies by size
Initial product inventory	$500-$3,000	Shampoos, color, styling products
General liability insurance	$500-$1,500/year	Annual; salon-specific policy
Registered agent service	$49-$150/year	Annual
Year 1 Total (solo stylist, leased space)	~$10,000-$30,000+	Excludes school tuition if already licensed

Estimated total startup cost: $10,000-$30,000+ (already licensed stylist) or $20,000-$55,000+ (including school tuition)

Related New Hampshire Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Food Truck in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Daycare in New Hampshire
• How to Start an HVAC Business in New Hampshire
• How to Start a Landscaping Business in New Hampshire
• How to Become a Private Investigator in New Hampshire

← Back to all New Hampshire business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of school do I need to get a cosmetology license in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school. Alternatively, you may complete 3,000 hours of apprenticeship over at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist. After completing training hours, you must pass both the written and practical portions of the NH cosmetology board exam before applying for your license.

How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in New Hampshire?

The individual cosmetology license application fee is $55. Renewal is also $55 every two years. However, the main cost is cosmetology school: NH-licensed programs typically cost $8,000-$20,000 for the full 1,500-hour program. The board exam costs approximately $95-$125. Total path-to-license cost: $8,000-$20,000+ depending on the school.

Can I open a salon before my shop establishment license is approved?

No. NH OPLC rules prohibit operating a salon establishment before the inspection has occurred and you have been approved for licensure. After submitting your shop application and $60 fee, an inspection appointment may take up to two weeks to schedule. Do not plan a public opening until you have received approval from OPLC. Operating without an approved establishment license can result in disciplinary action.

Can booth renters (independent contractor stylists) work in my salon without a separate shop license?

Individual stylists working in your salon still need their own individual NH cosmetology licenses. However, your salon establishment license covers the physical location. Booth renters who operate as true independent contractors (their own schedule, supplies, and client base) do not need to hold their own separate shop establishment license – your establishment license covers the location. However, properly classifying workers as independent contractors requires meeting IRS and NH criteria – misclassification can result in tax and workers’ comp penalties.