How to Start a Hair Salon in Massachusetts (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Starting a hair salon in Massachusetts requires both an individual cosmetology license and a separate salon establishment license from the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Cosmetologists must complete 1,000 hours of approved training and pass a written theory exam (the practical exam was eliminated in October 2023). Salon services like haircuts, styling, and coloring are not subject to Massachusetts sales tax, though product retail sales are taxable at 6.25%. LLC formation costs $500-$520, with a $500-$520 annual report. This guide covers every requirement from official Massachusetts sources.

Hair Salon Requirements in Massachusetts at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation (Certificate of Organization)	Secretary of the Commonwealth	$500-$520	1-2 business days (online)
Cosmetology License (Individual)	Board of Cosmetology & Barbering	$68 application + $155 exam	4-8 weeks after passing exam
Salon Establishment License	Board of Cosmetology & Barbering	$136	Several weeks (includes inspection)
Local Board of Health Permit	City/Town Board of Health	Varies by municipality	After state license issued
Workers’ Compensation Insurance	DIA (private carriers)	Varies by payroll	Before hiring first employee
General Liability Insurance	Private Carrier	~$500-$2,000/year	Before opening
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)

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

Step 1: Get Your Cosmetology License

All cosmetologists in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Training Requirements

Complete 1,000 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school. The curriculum must include at least 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics training, plus shampooing, hairdressing, permanent waving, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, anatomy, and sanitation. You must be at least 16 years old and have completed 10th grade. Program duration: approximately 9 months (full-time) to 2 years (part-time).

Exam Requirements

Important change (October 2023): Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam. Candidates now only need to pass the written theory exam. The exam is administered by PSI Exams (not Pearson VUE – older guides referencing Pearson VUE are outdated).

Item	Detail
Exam type	Written theory exam only
Exam fee	$155
Passing score	70
Testing locations	PSI centers (Framingham, West Springfield, Malden)
Registration	PSI Exams portal

License Types

Type 2 – Operator License: Entry-level license for newly licensed cosmetologists. Application: $68.
Type 1 – Manager License: Requires 2+ years professional experience as a Type 2 operator. Upgrade fee: $82.

License renewal: $68 every 2 years. No continuing education is required for renewal in Massachusetts.

Step 2: Form Your Business Entity

Register an LLC with the Secretary of the Commonwealth ($500 by mail, $520 online). Apply for a free federal EIN from the IRS.

Step 3: Apply for a Salon Establishment License

Apply through the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. Fee: $136 (non-refundable, paid online via ePLACE). Biennial renewal: $82.

Required documents:

8.5″ x 11″ floor plan showing all stations, chairs, sinks, signage, bathrooms
2″ x 2″ photo and government-issued ID for each owner
Notarized CORI form for each owner
Certificate of Organization (if LLC)
Original Plumbing and Electrical Form (or No Work Required Form)
Price list of all services (gender pricing prohibited)
Copy of at least one valid cosmetology license for someone working at the salon

A Board inspector will schedule a final inspection – your salon must be completely set up and ready for business. Salon name cannot include words like “medical,” “clinical,” or “healing.” Licenses are non-transferable.

Step 4: Get Local Permits

Board of Health permit: Required from your city/town (separate from the state license). The state license must be issued first. Annual permit, fees set locally.

Business Certificate (DBA): File with your city/town clerk ($25-$65, valid 4 years).

Building permits: Certificate of occupancy, zoning compliance, and sign permits from your local building department.

Step 5: Get Insurance Coverage

General liability insurance ($1M per occurrence recommended) covers bodily injury and property damage claims. Professional liability covers claims from services (chemical burns, allergic reactions). Workers’ compensation is mandatory for all employers through DIA-regulated private carriers.

Step 6: Register for State Taxes

Salon services (haircuts, styling, coloring) are NOT taxable in Massachusetts. However, retail product sales (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) are taxable at 6.25%. If selling products, register for sales tax through MassTaxConnect. Income tax: 5% flat rate. If hiring: UI (2.42% on $15,000), PFML (0.88%), withholding (5%).

Massachusetts Salon Sanitation Requirements

Under 240 CMR 3.00, Massachusetts salons must meet strict sanitation standards:

All tools (combs, brushes, scissors, razors, clips, tweezers) must be cleaned and disinfected after each use
Disinfected equipment stored in airtight sanitary containers or sterilizers
Fresh towels and linens for each client
Adequate hot and cold water supply
Proper lighting and ventilation
No food preparation or consumption in salon areas
No animals except service animals

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Massachusetts

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school (1,000 hours)	$5,000-$20,000	One-time training cost
PSI written theory exam	$155	One-time
Individual cosmetology license	$68	Renewal: $68 every 2 years
Salon establishment license	$136	Renewal: $82 every 2 years
LLC Certificate of Organization	$500-$520	One-time filing fee
Annual Report	$500-$520/year	Due annually on formation anniversary
Business Certificate (DBA)	$25-$65	Filed with city/town clerk, valid 4 years
Federal EIN	Free	IRS, immediate online
Local Board of Health permit	Varies	Annual, set by municipality
General/professional liability insurance	$500-$2,000/year	$1M/$2M coverage
Workers’ comp insurance	Varies by payroll	Required at 1+ employees
Salon buildout/equipment	$10,000-$75,000+	Stations, chairs, sinks, decor

Estimated total startup cost: $16,884-$98,870+ (includes cosmetology school; lower end for a small 2-station salon, higher for a full buildout)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours do I need for a cosmetology license in Massachusetts?

1,000 hours at a Board-approved cosmetology school. The curriculum must include at least 50 hours of manicuring and 80 hours of aesthetics. You must be at least 16 years old and have completed 10th grade.

Is there a practical exam for cosmetology in Massachusetts?

No – Massachusetts eliminated the practical exam in October 2023. You only need to pass the written theory exam ($155) administered by PSI Exams. Passing score: 70. Older guides referencing a practical exam or Pearson VUE are outdated.

Are salon services taxable in Massachusetts?

Salon services (haircuts, styling, coloring) are NOT taxable. However, retail product sales (shampoo, conditioner, styling products sold separately) are subject to the 6.25% sales tax.

Do I need both a personal license and a salon license?

Yes. You need an individual cosmetology license ($68) AND a separate salon establishment license ($136). The salon license requires a floor plan, Board inspection, owner ID, CORI form, and at least one valid cosmetology license for someone working at the salon.

Is continuing education required for cosmetology in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal. You simply pay the $68 biennial renewal fee.

How much does it cost to open a hair salon in Massachusetts?

Total startup costs typically range from $16,884 to $98,870+ including cosmetology school ($5,000-$20,000), licensing ($359), LLC formation ($500-$520), annual report ($500-$520), insurance ($500-$2,000/year), and salon buildout ($10,000-$75,000+).

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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