How to Start a Hair Salon in Delaware (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a hair salon in Delaware requires two separate licenses from the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (under the Division of Professional Regulation): a personal Cosmetologist License for each practitioner, and a Salon/Shop Establishment Permit for the business location. Both are applied for through the DELPROS portal. Delaware requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology school training plus passing the NIC Theory and Practical exams. This guide covers every requirement using official DPR sources.

Hair Salon Requirements in Delaware at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Cosmetologist License (each practitioner)	DE Board of Cosmetology and Barbering / DPR	$128 application fee	Weeks to months (school + exam + application)
NIC Theory Exam	Prometric (NIC-approved)	~$160	Schedule after completing school hours
NIC Practical Exam	Prometric (NIC-approved)	~$145	Schedule after passing Theory exam (or concurrently)
Salon/Shop Establishment Permit	DE Board of Cosmetology and Barbering / DPR	$128 application fee	After passing inspection
Delaware Business License	Division of Revenue	$75/year	Immediate (temp) / 10 days
LLC Formation	Division of Corporations	$90	Varies
General Liability Insurance	Private insurer	Varies	Before opening
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Private insurer (required at 1+ employee)	Varies	Before hiring

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

Step 1: Complete Your Cosmetology Training

Delaware requires completion of 1,500 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school before you can sit for the licensing exams. Alternatively, you may complete a Board-approved apprenticeship of 3,000 hours under a licensed Delaware cosmetologist.

During school, your institution will arrange for your transcript to be sent directly to Prometric (the exam administrator) – you do not send it yourself. Typical cosmetology school programs in Delaware take 12-18 months full-time.

Step 2: Pass the NIC Theory and Practical Exams

Delaware uses the National Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prometric for cosmetologist licensing:

• NIC Theory Exam: 90-minute computer-based written exam covering sanitation, safety, chemistry, and cosmetology principles. Cost: approximately $160. Minimum passing score: 75%.
• NIC Practical Exam: 2-3 hour hands-on examination demonstrating hair services, basic facial, manicure, and nail polish application. Cost: approximately $145. Minimum passing score: 75%.

Schedule both exams through Prometric at prometric.com. Both exams must be passed to receive licensure. If you fail either exam, you may retake it after a waiting period – check with Prometric and the Board for current retake policies.

Step 3: Apply for Your Cosmetologist License Through DELPROS

After passing both exams, apply for your Delaware Cosmetologist License through the DELPROS portal at delpros.delaware.gov. Application fee: $128. The application requires your school transcript (sent by the school), exam results, and a government-issued ID. For questions, contact the Board at (302) 744-4500 or dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology.

License renewal: Cosmetologist licenses expire October 31 of even years. Next renewal: October 31, 2026. Renewal fee: approximately $110 per 2-year cycle. Delaware does not require continuing education for cosmetologist renewal (as of 2026) – verify at renewal time.

Step 4: Secure Your Salon Location

Find and lease a location that can meet Board inspection standards. Key requirements include:

• Adequate plumbing (shampoo bowls, restroom facilities)
• Proper ventilation (chemical fume management)
• Sufficient space between workstations
• Sanitation equipment (clean and dirty towel storage, disinfectant containers)
• Display area for all licenses (must be visible to clients)

Review the Board’s sanitation rules before signing a lease. Confirm zoning allows a personal service business at your chosen location.

Step 5: Apply for Your Salon/Shop Establishment Permit

A salon cannot legally operate without an Establishment Permit – this is separate from the individual cosmetologist licenses. Apply for the Salon/Shop Establishment Permit through DELPROS at delpros.delaware.gov. Application fee: $128. A mobile salon permit is also available for $128 if you offer mobile hair services.

Establishment permits expire June 30 of odd years. Renew through DELPROS before expiration.

Step 6: Pass the Salon Inspection

After submitting your Establishment Permit application, a Board-authorized inspector will visit your salon to verify compliance with all sanitation, equipment, and operational standards. Ensure your salon is fully set up and stocked before requesting or scheduling the inspection. You cannot begin operations until the Establishment Permit is issued.

Step 7: Register Your Business and Get Your Delaware Business License

Form an LLC ($90, Division of Corporations) and obtain your Delaware Business License ($75/year) at onestop.delaware.gov. Every business operating in Delaware must have a Business License from the Division of Revenue. Renew annually by December 31.

Step 8: Comply With Ongoing Requirements

• Display all licenses: Every practitioner’s license and the Establishment Permit must be displayed in the salon where clients can see them.
• Ensure all practitioners are licensed: Every cosmetologist, aesthetician, nail technician, or barber working in your salon must hold a current Delaware license for their specialty.
• Workers’ comp: Required as soon as you hire one employee (booth renters who are truly independent contractors may be exempt – consult an employment attorney to confirm proper classification).

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Delaware

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school tuition	$10,000-$20,000+	1,500 hours required; varies by school
NIC Theory Exam	~$160	Prometric; 75% minimum
NIC Practical Exam	~$145	Prometric; 75% minimum
Cosmetologist License Application	$128	DELPROS; per practitioner
Salon Establishment Permit Application	$128	DELPROS; per salon location
Delaware Business License	$75/year	Division of Revenue
LLC Formation	$90	One-time; Division of Corporations
LLC Annual Franchise Tax	$300/year	Due June 1
Salon equipment and furniture	$5,000-$30,000+	Stations, shampoo bowls, chairs, dryers, tools
Salon lease (first/last month + security)	$3,000-$15,000+	Highly variable by location and size
General liability insurance	$500-$1,500/year	Recommended; some lease agreements require it
Workers’ comp (if hiring)	Varies by payroll	Required at first employee

Estimated total startup cost: $20,000-$75,000+ (school tuition and salon build-out are the major variables)

Related Delaware Business Guides

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

← Back to all Delaware business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of school do I need to become a licensed cosmetologist in Delaware?

Delaware requires 1,500 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school. Alternatively, you can complete a Board-approved apprenticeship of 3,000 hours under a licensed Delaware cosmetologist. After completing your hours, you must pass both the NIC Theory Exam and NIC Practical Exam through Prometric with a minimum score of 75% on each.

What is the difference between a cosmetologist license and a salon establishment permit in Delaware?

They are two separate licenses. The Cosmetologist License ($128 application fee) is a personal license for an individual practitioner – it belongs to the individual, not the business. The Salon/Shop Establishment Permit ($128 application fee) is issued to the business location – you need it to legally operate a salon in Delaware, even if you are the only practitioner. Both are issued by the Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering through DELPROS.

Does Delaware require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal?

As of 2026, Delaware does not require continuing education for cosmetologist license renewal. Your license renews every two years (expires October 31 of even years) with a renewal fee of approximately $110. Always verify current requirements with the Board at (302) 744-4500 before your renewal date, as requirements can change.

Can I operate a booth rental salon in Delaware?

Yes. Booth rental is a common model in Delaware salons. Each booth renter must hold their own current Delaware license for their specialty. The salon owner must still hold the Salon Establishment Permit and is responsible for the salon’s overall compliance. Proper independent contractor classification is important – booth renters must have genuine independence to avoid employee misclassification. Consult an employment attorney if unsure about classification.

What are the exam fees to become a licensed cosmetologist in Delaware?

The NIC Theory Exam costs approximately $160 and the NIC Practical Exam costs approximately $145, both administered by Prometric. Total exam cost: approximately $305. Add the $128 DELPROS application fee, for a total licensing cost of approximately $433 (plus cosmetology school tuition, which is separate).