How to Start a Hair Salon in Mississippi (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Mississippi requires two licenses: an individual cosmetologist license and a salon establishment license. Both are issued by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB). As of February 1, 2026, Mississippi eliminated the practical (hands-on) examination for all practitioner license types – now only the written theory exam and a law/sanitation assessment are required. Becoming a licensed cosmetologist requires 1,500 hours of education at an MSBCB-approved school. The individual license costs just $50 (initial and renewal every two years). The salon establishment license is $85 for the initial inspection and $60 to renew annually. Mississippi is also notable for requiring zero continuing education for standard cosmetologist renewals – only master-level licensees and instructors face CE requirements. The board was reconstituted with new members in January 2026 under new leadership, and is actively modernizing its rules.

Mississippi Hair Salon Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	Mississippi Secretary of State	$50 (online)	3-5 business days
Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)	MSBCB-approved school	$8,000-$18,000	Min. 9 months full-time
NIC Theory Exam (written)	NIC / testing center	Varies (verify with MSBCB)	After graduation
Law and Sanitation Assessment	MSBCB	Included with application	After graduation
Individual Cosmetologist License	MSBCB	$50 (initial); $50 (renewal/2 years)	License mailed 6-8 weeks from qualification
Salon Establishment License (initial)	MSBCB	$85 (includes first inspection)	Apply before opening; inspection required
Salon Establishment License (renewal)	MSBCB	$60/year	Annual renewal
Reinspection (if violations found)	MSBCB	$35	After initial inspection violations
Sales Tax Registration	Mississippi DOR (TAP portal)	Free	Before opening
Workers’ Compensation Insurance	Private Carrier	Varies	Required at 5+ employees
General Liability Insurance	Private Carrier	~$800-$2,000/year	Before opening

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

Step 1: Complete Mississippi Cosmetology Education

Mississippi requires completion of 1,500 hours at an MSBCB-approved cosmetology school. The hour breakdown is: 230 hours of theory, 1,200 hours of practical (hands-on) training, and 70 hours of career development. Programs take a minimum of 9 months for full-time students.

• Tuition ranges from $8,000-$18,000 depending on the school
• Federal student aid (FAFSA) may be available at accredited schools
• Minimum age to begin school: 17 for cosmetology
• Find MSBCB-approved schools through msbcb.ms.gov

Other Mississippi cosmetology license types:

• Esthetician: 600 hours (minimum 15 weeks)
• Nail Technician: 350 hours (minimum 9 weeks)
• Cosmetology Instructor: 750 hours (if 2+ years experience) or 2,000 hours

Step 2: Pass the Required Written Exams

2026 update: Effective February 1, 2026, the MSBCB eliminated the practical (hands-on skills) examination requirement for all practitioner license types. This is one of the most significant recent changes to Mississippi cosmetology licensing. Only written exams are now required.

Two exams must be passed:

1. NIC Theory Exam (National-Interstate Council written exam) – covers cosmetology theory, techniques, safety, and procedures. Available for cosmetology, barber, esthetics, nail technology, and instructor.
2. Mississippi Law and Sanitation Assessment – a separate required assessment covering Mississippi regulations and sanitation requirements.

Passing score: Minimum scaled score of 70 for practitioner licenses (75 for instructor licenses).

Retake policy: Up to 3 exam attempts within 365 days of completing school.

Contact MSBCB for current exam fees and scheduling:
Phone: 601-359-1820 | Email: info@msbcb.ms.gov | Website: msbcb.ms.gov/examination

Step 3: Get Your Mississippi Cosmetologist License

After passing both exams, apply for your individual cosmetologist license through MSBCB:

• Initial license fee: $50
• Renewal fee (every 2 years): $50
• Delinquent renewal penalty: $50
• Continuing education: None required for standard cosmetologist renewals – Mississippi does not mandate CE for standard practitioners
• Processing time: License mailed 6-8 weeks from date of qualification

Application requirements:

• Completed MSBCB application form
• Two recent passport photographs (taken within 90 days)
• Criminal background check (completed within 30 days of applying)
• Proof of English literacy
• $50 license fee

2026 transition note: Candidates who applied between January 1, 2025 and January 27, 2026 receive an extended 6-month window for license approval, due to the board’s prior period without a full quorum.

Senior exemption: Licensees age 70 and older pay no renewal fees.

Online licensing portal: ms.gov/msbc/online_licensure

Step 4: Form Your Mississippi LLC

File a Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State online portal ($50, approximately 3-5 business days). Apply for a free federal EIN at IRS.gov. Mississippi LLCs file a free annual report each April 15.

Step 5: Secure and Equip Your Salon Location

Your salon must comply with MSBCB facility standards and be equipped according to the MSBCB Required Establishment Equipment list (V.1.2025) before you can receive your salon license.

Required equipment per MSBCB standards:

• One dresser/workstation with mirror per cosmetologist
• One dryer
• Wet sanitizer per cosmetologist station (for implements)
• Dry sanitizer (clean, closed container) for clean implements
• Covered clean towel cabinet and covered soiled towel container per station
• Adequate covered trash cans of solid construction
• Closed cabinet of solid construction for nail technology supplies (if nail services offered)

For esthetics areas (if applicable):

• Treatment table, chair, or bed plus practitioner stool per esthetician
• One sink within 15 feet of each esthetics treatment area
• Treatment areas configured for client privacy

Also obtain any required local building permits and a certificate of occupancy from your city or county building authority before applying for the salon license.

Step 6: Apply for Your Mississippi Salon Establishment License

The salon itself must hold a separate Establishment License from MSBCB. You must apply before opening – an MSBCB inspector will visit and must approve the salon before you may operate.

• Initial application and first inspection fee: $85
• Reinspection fee (if violations found): $35
• Annual renewal fee: $60
• Delinquent renewal penalty: $50
• A new license application is required upon change of ownership or location
• All cosmetologists working at the salon must hold active individual licenses
• All licenses and sanitation rules must be posted conspicuously in the reception area

Inspections are unannounced. MSBCB inspectors may visit at any time during operating hours.

Contact MSBCB: 601-359-1820 | info@msbcb.ms.gov | 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201 | msbcb.ms.gov

Step 7: Register for Mississippi Taxes

Mississippi sales tax on salon services: Cosmetology and personal care services (haircuts, coloring, styling, chemical services) are generally subject to Mississippi’s 7% state sales tax. Register for a free sales tax permit through the Mississippi DOR TAP portal before opening.

Mississippi income tax: Mississippi LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities. The 2026 rate is 0% on the first $10,000 of taxable income and 4.0% on income over $10,000, on a trajectory toward elimination under HB 1.

Workers’ compensation: Required when you have 5 or more employees. Mississippi’s threshold applies across all industries. Regulated by the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission at mwcc.ms.gov.

Startup Cost Breakdown: Mississippi Hair Salon

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology School (1,500 hours)	$8,000-$18,000	Federal aid may reduce out-of-pocket cost; min. 9 months
NIC Theory Exam	Verify with MSBCB	Only written exam required as of Feb 1, 2026
Individual Cosmetologist License	$50	Initial; renews every 2 years at $50; zero CE required
LLC Formation	$50	Mississippi SOS online filing; 3-5 business days
Salon Establishment License	$85 (initial + inspection)	Annual renewal: $60; delinquent penalty: $50
Salon Lease (first + last + deposit)	$2,000-$8,000+	Highly variable by city and size
Salon Build-Out / Renovation	$5,000-$40,000	Stations, plumbing, electrical, flooring
Equipment (chairs, dryers, shampoo bowls)	$5,000-$15,000	New; used equipment can reduce costs significantly
Supplies (initial inventory)	$500-$2,000	Color, chemicals, tools, retail products
General Liability Insurance	$800-$2,000/year	Salon-specific coverage recommended
Sales Tax Registration	Free	TAP portal at dor.ms.gov; 7% on salon services

Estimated startup cost (excluding education): $15,000-$70,000

Related Mississippi Business Guides

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

← Back to all Mississippi business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a cosmetology license in Mississippi?

Complete 1,500 hours at an MSBCB-approved cosmetology school (minimum 9 months). Then pass the NIC Theory Exam and the Mississippi Law and Sanitation Assessment – as of February 1, 2026, the practical exam has been eliminated. Apply to MSBCB with two passport photos, a background check, and the $50 license fee. The license is mailed 6-8 weeks after qualification. Contact MSBCB at 601-359-1820 or msbcb.ms.gov.

How much does a Mississippi salon license cost?

The individual cosmetologist license costs $50 initial and $50 to renew every two years – zero continuing education required for standard practitioners. The salon establishment license costs $85 for the initial application and first inspection, then $60 to renew annually. The delinquent renewal penalty is $50. Each cosmetologist working at the salon must hold their own active $50 individual license.

Did Mississippi eliminate the cosmetology practical exam?

Yes. Effective February 1, 2026, the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering eliminated the practical (hands-on skills) examination for all practitioner license types. Only the written NIC Theory Exam and the Law and Sanitation Assessment are now required. This makes Mississippi one of roughly 13 states to have eliminated the practical exam, simplifying and accelerating the path to licensure.

How many cosmetology school hours are required in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires 1,500 hours at an MSBCB-approved cosmetology school – broken down as 230 theory hours, 1,200 practical hours, and 70 career development hours. Programs typically take 9 months minimum for full-time students. For comparison, esthetician licensure requires 600 hours and nail technician licensure requires 350 hours.

Do Mississippi cosmetologists need continuing education?

No – for standard practitioner licenses. Mississippi requires zero continuing education for standard cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, and barber license renewals. Only master-level licensees (who need 8 CE hours per 2-year cycle) and instructors face CE requirements. This is unusual – most states require CE for cosmetology renewal.

Can I rent booth space in a Mississippi salon?

Yes. Many Mississippi cosmetologists work as booth renters (independent contractors within a licensed salon). As a booth renter, you are responsible for your own active MSBCB cosmetologist license, your own Mississippi income tax obligations (4.0% on income over $10,000 in 2026, trending to zero), and your own professional liability insurance. The salon’s establishment license covers the physical location – not the individual practitioners.