How to Start a Hair Salon in Rhode Island (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Rhode Island requires two licenses: an individual cosmetology license for each stylist (issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health), and a salon establishment license for the business location. Rhode Island requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology school training before you can sit for the state examination. Individual cosmetologist licenses cost $25 to apply and must be renewed biennially by October 30. The salon establishment also requires a separate license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. This guide covers the complete RI cosmetology licensing process for 2026.

Hair Salon Requirements in Rhode Island at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Cosmetology school (1,500 hours)	RI DOH-approved cosmetology school	$5,000-$20,000+ (school tuition)	9-12 months typically
Individual cosmetologist license	RI Dept. of Health – Board of Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology	$25 application	After 1,500 hours + passing exam
State cosmetology exam (PSI)	PSI Exams (theory)	~$43-$93 per exam	After completing school hours
Salon establishment license	RI Dept. of Health	Per DOH fee schedule	Before opening salon
LLC formation (recommended)	RI Department of State	$150 + $50/yr annual report	1-3 business days
Local business license	City or town hall	Varies	Before opening
Workers’ compensation (if employees)	Private carrier	Varies by payroll	Before first employee starts
Biennial license renewal	RI Dept. of Health	Per renewal fee schedule	By October 30 every 2 years

How to Start a Hair Salon in Rhode Island (Step by Step)

Step 1: Complete 1,500 Hours of Cosmetology School

Rhode Island requires completion of 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at a Rhode Island Department of Health-approved cosmetology school before you can take the state licensing exam. Basic eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must complete school hours at an RI DOH-approved cosmetology school

Other license categories with different hour requirements:

• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Nail Technician: 300 hours

Cosmetology school tuition varies widely: $5,000-$20,000+ depending on the school and program length. Most full-time programs take 9-12 months to complete 1,500 hours.

Step 2: Pass the PSI Cosmetology Theory Examination

After completing your school hours, you must pass the Rhode Island cosmetology written (theory) exam. Rhode Island uses PSI Exams for written cosmetology testing (as of November 1, 2015). Key details:

• Register for the Cosmetologist Theory exam through PSI’s website or by phone
• The exam tests knowledge of cosmetology theory, sanitation, chemistry, and state regulations
• Your cosmetology school will provide your official transcript showing completed hours – PSI will verify your eligibility before allowing you to schedule the exam
• Exam fees: check PSI’s current fee schedule (typically $43-$93 per exam attempt)

Step 3: Apply for Your Individual Cosmetologist License

Submit your license application to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology:

• Website: health.ri.gov/licensing/barbering-hairdressing-and-cosmetology
• Phone: 401-222-4998
• Application fee: $25
• If you need a new license printed due to a name change: $40 money order

Your application must include your school transcript and PSI exam passing score documentation. The RI DOH Board processes applications and issues licenses. Keep your license displayed at your workstation once issued.

Step 4: Obtain a Salon Establishment License

In addition to individual cosmetologist licenses, your salon establishment (the physical location) must be separately licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health under the cosmetology establishment regulations (Rhode Island Code of Regulations 216-RICR-40-05-4.7).

Requirements for salon establishment licensing include:

• Physical inspection of the facility by RIDOH for sanitation compliance
• Proper ventilation, sanitation, and equipment standards
• Proper display of all required licenses (individual and establishment) in the salon
• Compliance with all RIDOH cosmetology facility regulations

Contact the RI DOH Board of Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology (401-222-4998) for the current establishment license application and fee schedule.

Step 5: Form Your Business Entity and Get Local Permits

Register an LLC with the Rhode Island Department of State for $150 at sos.ri.gov. Annual report: $50 (plus $2.50 online), due September 1 – November 1. Note the Rhode Island $400 minimum annual tax.

Obtain a local business license from your city or town. For a salon with a physical retail location, also check with the local building department regarding zoning, any required renovation permits, and certificate of occupancy requirements before signing a lease.

Rhode Island imposes its 7% sales tax on hair services – register for a Retail Sales Permit at tax.ri.gov ($10/year).

Step 6: Verify and Maintain Employee Licenses

All cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians working in your salon must hold current, valid RI DOH licenses. Before anyone provides services to clients:

• Verify license status through the RI DOH licensing portal
• Keep copies of all employee licenses on file
• Track renewal dates – licenses must be renewed by October 30 every two years
• A stylist with a lapsed license cannot legally provide services

Step 7: Biennial License Renewal

Individual cosmetologist licenses expire and must be renewed by October 30 every two years. All licenses in your salon – individual and establishment – require biennial renewal. Set calendar reminders 90 days before the October 30 deadline to ensure all renewals are submitted on time.

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Rhode Island

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school (1,500 hours)	$5,000-$20,000+	Per student; varies by school
PSI exam fee	~$43-$93	Per attempt
Individual cosmetologist license (DOH)	$25	One-time application; biennial renewal
Salon establishment license (DOH)	Per DOH fee schedule	Contact DOH at 401-222-4998
LLC formation (RI Department of State)	$150	One-time; $50/yr annual report
RI minimum annual tax	$400/year	All LLCs and corporations
Retail Sales Permit (sales tax)	$10/year	Hair services taxable at 7% in RI
Local business license	Varies by city/town	Annual
Salon equipment and furnishings	$5,000-$30,000	Chairs, shampoo bowls, stations, dryers
General liability insurance	~$600-$1,500/year	Salon-specific GL policy
Year 1 Total (solo stylist, existing license)	~$7,000-$35,000	Excludes cosmetology school costs

Estimated total startup cost: $7,000-$35,000 (excluding school tuition)

Related Rhode Island Business Guides

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

← Back to all Rhode Island business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of school do I need to become a cosmetologist in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an approved cosmetology school. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. After completing 1,500 hours, you must pass the PSI Cosmetologist Theory examination before applying for your RI Department of Health license ($25 application fee).

When do Rhode Island cosmetology licenses need to be renewed?

Rhode Island cosmetology licenses must be renewed by October 30 every two years. Both individual cosmetologist licenses and salon establishment licenses require biennial renewal. Letting a license lapse prevents a stylist from legally providing services and can result in regulatory action against your salon. Set renewal reminders 90 days before the October 30 deadline.

Do I need a separate license for my salon establishment in Rhode Island?

Yes. In addition to individual cosmetologist licenses for each stylist, the salon establishment itself requires a separate license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. The establishment license requires a physical inspection of your salon for sanitation compliance, proper ventilation, equipment standards, and display of required licenses. Contact the RI DOH Board of Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology at 401-222-4998 for the establishment license application.

Are hair salon services taxable in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island imposes its 7% sales tax on hair salon services, including haircuts, coloring, styling, and other personal care services. As a salon owner, you must register for a Retail Sales Permit at tax.ri.gov for $10/year, collect 7% sales tax from clients on all taxable services, and remit it to the RI Division of Taxation.

Can I hire booth renters in my Rhode Island salon?

Yes. Booth rental arrangements are common in Rhode Island salons. Each booth renter must hold their own current and valid RI DOH cosmetologist license. Booth renters are treated as independent contractors for tax purposes – they are responsible for their own income tax payments and typically are not covered by your workers’ compensation policy. Consult with a tax professional about the proper treatment of booth renters for Rhode Island and federal tax purposes.