How to Start a Hair Salon in Washington D.C. (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Washington D.C. requires an individual cosmetologist or barber license from the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (administered by DLCP), plus a separate salon establishment license for the physical shop location, and a Basic Business License (BBL). Individual cosmetologists must complete 1,500 hours of training from a DC-approved cosmetology school and pass both a written and practical examination. Cosmetology licenses expire on April 15 of even-numbered years; barber licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. Continuing education (6 credits per renewal cycle) is required for all renewals after the first. D.C.’s Board of Barber and Cosmetology also regulates braiding, esthetics, nail technicians, electrolysis, and body artists.

Hair Salon Requirements in Washington D.C. at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)	DC-approved cosmetology school	$10,000-$20,000+	12-18 months typical
Cosmetologist License (written + practical exam)	DC DLCP – Board of Barber and Cosmetology	Contact DLCP for current application fee	After completing 1,500 hours; exam via approved testing agency
Salon Establishment License	DC DLCP – Board of Barber and Cosmetology	Contact DLCP for current fee	Required before opening shop
LLC or Business Entity Formation	DC DLCP (Corporations Division)	$99 (online/mail)	3-5 business days
Certificate of Occupancy	DC Department of Buildings	Varies	Required before salon establishment license
Basic Business License (BBL)	DC DLCP Business Licensing Division	$70 app + $25/endorsement + 10% tech fee	2-4 weeks
General Liability Insurance (annual)	Private insurer	$500-$2,000/year	Before opening

How to Start a Hair Salon in Washington D.C. (Step by Step)

Step 1: Complete 1,500 Hours of Cosmetology Training

To obtain a DC cosmetologist license, you must complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training from a school approved by the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology. The curriculum must meet DC Board standards and cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, sanitation, and client safety. Alternatively, apprenticeship programs require completing a 2,000-hour curriculum. Contact the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology for a list of approved schools: dlcp.dc.gov. Phone: (202) 671-4500.

Other license types and their hour requirements:

• Barber: 1,500 hours
• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Nail Technician: 350 hours
• Natural Hair Braider: No licensing required as of recent DC legislative changes – verify current status with DLCP

Step 2: Pass the Cosmetologist Licensing Examination

After completing your training hours, pass both the written (theory) and practical (hands-on) cosmetology licensing examinations administered through a DC Board-approved testing agency. The practical exam tests your technical skills on a live model or mannequin. Contact DLCP for the current list of approved testing agencies and examination scheduling information. Fee information is available from DLCP at (202) 671-4500.

Step 3: Apply for Your Individual Cosmetologist License

Submit your cosmetologist license application to the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology through DLCP’s Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) portal. Your application must include proof of school completion (transcript of hours), exam results, and payment of the application fee. Key license details:

• Cosmetology license expiration: April 15 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.), regardless of when issued
• Barber license expiration: September 30 of odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, etc.)
• Continuing Education (CE): 6 CE credits required per renewal cycle (2 hours health/safety/welfare + 4 hours general electives). CE waived for first renewal and for owner license renewals.

Step 4: Form Your Business Entity

Form an LLC with the DLCP Corporations Division. Fee: $99 online via mybusiness.dc.gov. Get a free EIN from the IRS at irs.gov. The LLC must be in good standing with DLCP before a salon establishment license is issued. Your LLC’s registered office must have a DC address.

Step 5: Secure Your Salon Location and Certificate of Occupancy

Lease or purchase a commercial space approved for cosmetology salon use. Before a Salon Establishment License will be issued, you must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from the DC Department of Buildings confirming the space is approved for salon use. The CO application is submitted through the DC Department of Buildings: dob.dc.gov. The space must meet DC zoning and building code requirements for salon operations including sanitation, ventilation, and plumbing.

Step 6: Apply for the Salon Establishment License

A Salon Establishment License is required for any physical salon location in Washington D.C. This is a separate license from your individual cosmetologist license. Apply through the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology via DLCP. The establishment license requires:

• Certificate of Occupancy for the salon space
• Demonstration of compliance with DC sanitation regulations for cosmetology salons
• Payment of establishment license fee (contact DLCP for current fee)
• DLCP may inspect the premises before issuing the establishment license

Contact DLCP Board of Barber and Cosmetology: dlcp.dc.gov. Phone: (202) 671-4500.

Step 7: Obtain Your Basic Business License (BBL)

Apply for a Basic Business License (BBL) with the cosmetology salon endorsement from the DLCP Business Licensing Division. Fees: $70 application fee + $25 per endorsement + 10% technology surcharge. Renewed every 2 years. Apply at mybusiness.dc.gov or in person at 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20024.

Step 8: Register for DC Taxes and Get Insurance

Register with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue at mytax.dc.gov for:

• Sales Tax: Some salon services in D.C. are subject to sales tax. Haircuts and styling services are generally not taxable, but retail sales of hair care products are taxable at the general DC rate (6.0% through September 30, 2026; 7.0% from October 1, 2026). Confirm your specific service/product classifications with OTR.
• Franchise Tax (Form D-30): 8.25% on net income if DC gross receipts exceed $12,000/year. Minimum tax: $250.
• Employer Withholding and UI: Required if hiring any employees. Register with DOES for unemployment insurance at does.dc.gov.

Purchase general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence recommended) and professional liability / cosmetologist insurance before opening. Workers’ compensation is required as soon as you hire any employee.

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Washington D.C.

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)	$10,000-$20,000+	Varies by school; financial aid may be available
Cosmetologist License (exam + application)	Contact DLCP	(202) 671-4500
Salon Establishment License	Contact DLCP	Separate from individual license
LLC Formation	$99	Online/mail via My DC Business Center
Certificate of Occupancy	Varies	From DC Department of Buildings
Basic Business License (BBL)	~$107+	$70 app + $25/endorsement + 10% tech fee
Salon Buildout and Equipment	$10,000-$75,000+	Styling chairs, shampoo bowls, mirrors, reception area
Professional Liability Insurance (annual)	$500-$2,000	Cosmetologist malpractice + general liability
DC Biennial Report (LLC, every 2 years)	$300	Due April 1 of year after formation

Estimated total first-year startup cost: $25,000 to $100,000+ (buildout and school costs are primary variables)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours do I need to become a licensed cosmetologist in Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training from a DC Board-approved school. Alternatively, apprenticeship programs require a 2,000-hour curriculum. After completing your training hours, you must pass both a written and practical examination administered by a DC Board-approved testing agency. Contact the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology: dlcp.dc.gov. Phone: (202) 671-4500.

When does a DC cosmetology license expire?

All DC cosmetology and specialty licenses expire on April 15 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.), regardless of when the license was issued. DC barber licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. At renewal, cosmetologists must complete 6 Continuing Education (CE) credits (2 hours in health/safety/welfare and 4 hours in general electives) from a Board-approved CE provider. The CE requirement is waived for the first renewal and for owner license renewals.

Do I need a separate establishment license to open a salon in D.C.?

Yes. In addition to your individual cosmetologist license, you must obtain a Salon Establishment License from the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology for the physical salon location. This establishment license requires a Certificate of Occupancy from the DC Department of Buildings and compliance with DC sanitation regulations for cosmetology facilities. Apply through DLCP at (202) 671-4500 or visit dlcp.dc.gov.

Are hair salon services subject to sales tax in Washington D.C.?

Generally, personal service sales such as haircuts and styling are not subject to DC sales tax. However, retail product sales (shampoo, conditioner, styling products sold to clients) are taxable at DC’s general sales tax rate of 6.0% through September 30, 2026, then 7.0% from October 1, 2026. Register for a DC sales tax account with the Office of Tax and Revenue at mytax.dc.gov. Contact OTR at (202) 727-4TAX to confirm your specific service and product classifications.

What continuing education is required for DC cosmetology license renewal?

DC cosmetologists must complete 6 Continuing Education (CE) credits per renewal cycle: 2 hours in a health/safety/welfare course and 4 hours in general elective courses from a Board-approved CE provider. This CE requirement applies to all renewals except the first renewal and owner license renewals, which are waived. CE must be completed before submitting your renewal application. Contact the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology for the list of approved CE providers: dlcp.dc.gov.