How to Start a Hair Salon in Nevada (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Starting a hair salon in Nevada requires a cosmetologist license from the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology (NVCOSMO) and a separate establishment (salon) license before opening your doors. Nevada requires 1,600 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school, passage of a three-part licensing exam, and an establishment license for the physical salon location. Nevada’s salon services are generally exempt from sales tax (the service itself is not taxable, though products sold retail are taxable).

Las Vegas and the greater Clark County area is one of the largest beauty markets in the country, driven by tourism, entertainment, and a growing permanent population. The Reno metro is a strong secondary market. This guide covers all requirements from official Nevada Board of Cosmetology sources.

Hair Salon Requirements in Nevada at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation (3 filings)	Nevada Secretary of State	$425 total	1-3 business days
Cosmetology School (1,600 hours)	NVCOSMO-approved school	$6,000-$18,000	12-18 months
Cosmetologist License Exam (3 parts)	NIC (National Interstate Council)	$110	Schedule after school
Initial Cosmetologist License	Nevada Board of Cosmetology	$35-$102 (prorated)	2-4 weeks after exam
Salon Establishment License	Nevada Board of Cosmetology	$215 (2-year)	Before opening
Pre-Opening Salon Inspection	Nevada Board of Cosmetology	Included; re-inspection $25	Scheduled with NVCOSMO
Local Business License	City/County Clerk	Varies ($100-$300)	1-2 weeks
General Liability Insurance	Private Carrier	$600-$1,500/year	Before opening
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Private Carrier	Varies by payroll	At first employee
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)

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

Step 1: Complete 1,600 Hours of Cosmetology Training

Nevada requires 1,600 hours of training at a Nevada Board of Cosmetology-approved school before you can take the licensing exam:

Total hours required: 1,600
Theory requirement: Minimum 250 hours in cosmetology theory
Minimum age: 18 years old
Minimum education: Completion of 10th grade (or equivalent)
Program duration: Full-time programs typically take 12-18 months
Cost: $6,000-$18,000 depending on school (federal financial aid may be available)

Nevada also permits cosmetology apprenticeships as an alternative path – check with NVCOSMO for current apprenticeship requirements and approval process.

Step 2: Pass the Three-Part Licensing Exam

After completing school, schedule your exams through NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology). Nevada requires passing all three parts:

Exam Part	Content	Passing Score
Cosmetology Theory Written	Hair, skin, nail theory; chemistry; sanitation and infection control	75%
Nevada State Laws Written	Nevada cosmetology laws, rules, and regulations	75%
Practical Skills Exam	Hands-on demonstration of hair cutting, coloring, styling, and sanitation	75%

Exam fee: $110 for all three parts
Languages: Exams available in English and Spanish
Scheduling: Through NIC’s website; exams offered at multiple locations in Nevada and nationwide

Step 3: Apply for Your Cosmetologist License

After passing all three exam parts, apply for your individual cosmetologist license through the Nevada Board of Cosmetology:

Initial license fee: $35-$102 (prorated based on your position in the 2-year renewal cycle – where you fall relative to your birthday)
License renewal: Every 2 years on your birthday
Renewal fee: $70 (2-year) / $140 (4-year if applicable)
Late renewal penalty: $20 per month late
Continuing education: 4 hours per renewal cycle in infection control and safety

Step 4: Secure Your Salon Location

Before applying for the establishment license, find a location that meets Nevada’s facility standards:

Plumbing: Proper hot and cold running water; dedicated shampoo sinks
Sanitation: Separate clean and soiled item storage; adequate disinfection stations
Ventilation: Proper ventilation to dispel fumes from chemical services
Workstations: Adequate spacing between stations (NVCOSMO specifies minimums)
Flooring: Smooth, non-absorbent, easily cleanable flooring
Restroom: Accessible restroom facilities

Ensure your space complies with local building codes. If leasing, confirm the space is zoned for personal services businesses.

Step 5: Apply for Your Salon Establishment License

A separate Salon Establishment License from NVCOSMO is required before opening your salon:

License	Fee
Establishment License (2-year)	$215
Establishment License (4-year)	$415
Re-inspection fee (if failed initial inspection)	$25

NVCOSMO will schedule a pre-opening inspection of your facility. Pass this inspection before your establishment license is issued. Any deficiencies must be corrected before re-inspection.

A new establishment application is required if you change your salon’s location, name, or ownership.

Step 6: Form Your LLC, Get Local Licenses, and Register for Taxes

Get a local business license from your city or county clerk. In Las Vegas (Clark County), you may need both a Clark County and City of Las Vegas business license.

Salon services (haircuts, styling, coloring, perms): Generally NOT subject to sales tax in Nevada – the service charge is exempt
Retail product sales (shampoo, conditioner, styling products sold to clients): Taxable as tangible personal property. Collect sales tax at the applicable combined rate (8.38% in Clark County)

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Nevada

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology School (1,600 hours)	$6,000-$18,000	Federal aid may be available
NIC Licensing Exams (3 parts)	$110	One-time
Cosmetologist License (initial)	$35-$102	Prorated; $70 renewal every 2 years
Salon Establishment License	$215	2-year; $415 for 4-year
LLC Formation (3 filings)	$425	One-time; SilverFlume
Annual State Renewals	$350/year	Annual List + Business License
Local Business License	$100-$300	Varies by city/county
Sales Tax Permit	$15	One-time
Salon Buildout / Renovation	$15,000-$75,000	Varies widely by space condition
Salon Equipment (chairs, sinks, dryers)	$5,000-$20,000	New; used equipment significantly cheaper
Initial Retail Inventory	$1,000-$3,000	Products for sale and professional use
General Liability Insurance	$600-$1,500/year	Professional liability recommended
Workers’ Comp Insurance	Varies	Required at 1 employee in Nevada
Federal EIN	Free	Apply at IRS.gov

Estimated startup cost (not including school): $23,000-$100,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Nevada requires 1,600 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school, including at least 250 hours in cosmetology theory. Full-time programs typically take 12-18 months to complete. After finishing school, you must pass a three-part licensing exam (theory, Nevada laws, and practical) with a 75% minimum score on each part.

How much does the Nevada cosmetology exam cost?

The NIC licensing exam costs $110 for all three parts (cosmetology theory, Nevada state laws, and practical skills exam). The exam is available in English and Spanish. A passing score of 75% is required for each individual part.

Do I need a separate license to open a salon in Nevada?

Yes. In addition to your individual cosmetologist license, you must obtain a Salon Establishment License from the Nevada Board of Cosmetology. The 2-year establishment license costs $215 (or $415 for a 4-year license). NVCOSMO conducts a pre-opening inspection before the license is issued.

Are salon services taxable in Nevada?

Salon services (haircuts, coloring, styling) are generally NOT subject to sales tax in Nevada – the service charge itself is exempt. However, retail product sales (shampoo, styling products sold to clients) are taxable. Obtain a Nevada Sales Tax Permit ($15) to collect tax on product sales.

How much does it cost to start a hair salon in Nevada?

Not including cosmetology school ($6,000-$18,000), opening a salon costs approximately $23,000-$100,000. Major expenses include salon buildout ($15,000-$75,000), equipment ($5,000-$20,000), licensing fees ($750-$1,200), LLC formation ($425), and insurance ($600-$1,500/year). Booth-rental salon models significantly reduce upfront costs.

Do I need continuing education to renew my Nevada cosmetology license?

Yes. Nevada requires 4 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle, focused on infection control and safety. Licenses renew every 2 years on your birthday at $70 ($140 for 4-year). A $20/month late penalty applies for late renewals.

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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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