How to Start a Hair Salon in Wyoming (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Wyoming requires a cosmetology license from the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology for each practitioner, as well as a salon establishment license for the business location. Cosmetologists must complete 1,600 hours of training at a Wyoming Board-approved school, pass both a written and practical examination, and be at least 16 years old. Wyoming offers a streamlined licensing structure – no continuing education is required for license renewal, and renewal cycles are every two years after the first year. Salon establishments must meet sanitation standards inspected by the Board. This guide covers all the steps to open a licensed hair salon in Wyoming.

Hair Salon Requirements in Wyoming at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
Individual cosmetology license	Wyoming Board of Cosmetology	Contact Board for current exam and license fees	After completing 1,600 hours + passing exams
Salon establishment license	Wyoming Board of Cosmetology	Contact Board for fee	Before opening; inspection required
LLC formation	Wyoming Secretary of State	$100	1-3 business days
Sales tax license (Seller’s Permit)	Wyoming Department of Revenue	$60 one-time	Before first taxable service
Workers’ compensation registration	Wyoming DWS (wyui.wyo.gov)	Premium based on payroll	Before first employee’s first day
Local business license (if required)	City or county	Varies	Before opening

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

Step 1: Complete Your Cosmetology Training

Before you can take licensing exams, you must complete the required training hours at a Wyoming Board of Cosmetology-approved school. Wyoming’s training hour requirements vary by specialty:

License Type	Required Training Hours
Cosmetologist (full cosmetology license)	1,600 hours
Hairstylist	1,000 hours
Esthetician	600 hours
Nail Technician	400 hours
Instructor	500 hours (plus active cosmetology license and 50 weeks of salon experience)

For most hair salon owners, the full cosmetology license (1,600 hours) or hairstylist license (1,000 hours) is appropriate. Training programs are offered by Wyoming Board-approved cosmetology schools throughout the state.

Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exams

After completing required training hours, you must pass both:

• Written examination: A theory-based exam covering cosmetology knowledge, safety, and applicable laws.
• Practical examination: A hands-on skills demonstration assessed by an examiner.

Both exams are administered through the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology’s approved testing provider. Contact the Board for current exam scheduling and fees.

Step 3: Apply for Your Individual License

Submit your license application to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology:

• Website: cosmetology.wyo.gov
• Address: 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 302, Cheyenne, WY 82002
• Phone: (307) 777-3534

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have completed the 10th grade or an equivalent level of education
• Must have graduated from a Wyoming Board-approved cosmetology school with the required training hours
• Must have passed both the written and practical examinations

License renewal: Your first Wyoming license expires one year after it is issued. After that, licenses are renewed every two years, on the last day of your birth month. Wyoming does not currently require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal – renewing on time and paying the renewal fee is sufficient.

Step 4: Form Your Business Entity

File Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State at wyobiz.wyo.gov for $100. An LLC is the standard choice for salon owners. Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax.

Step 5: Obtain a Salon Establishment License

In addition to your individual cosmetology license, the salon location itself must be licensed by the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology as an establishment. Contact the Board to obtain a salon establishment license application. A Board inspector must approve your salon space before the establishment license is issued.

• Ensure your salon meets Wyoming cosmetology sanitation standards (disinfection protocols, proper tool storage, clean towel requirements, etc.).
• The establishment license must be renewed and displayed prominently at the salon.
• Each individual cosmetologist working in your salon must also hold their own current individual license – verify licenses before hiring any practitioners.

Step 6: Register for Sales Tax

Hair salon services (haircuts, coloring, styling) are taxable in Wyoming. Register for a Wyoming Seller’s Permit before your first service.

• Apply at excise-wyifs.wy.gov. One-time license fee: $60.
• Wyoming’s state sales tax rate is 4.0%. Local county additions may bring the combined rate up to 5-8%.
• Collect sales tax on all taxable services and product sales, and remit on your assigned filing schedule.

Step 7: Register for Workers’ Compensation (If Hiring)

If your salon has any employees (including booth renters who qualify as employees under Wyoming law), register with Wyoming DWS at wyui.wyo.gov before their first day of work. Wyoming is a monopolistic workers’ comp state – coverage must be through the state fund.

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Wyoming

Expense	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school tuition	$6,000-$20,000	Varies by school; financial aid available
Licensing exam fees	Contact Board	Written + practical exams
Individual cosmetology license	Contact Board	Renewed every 2 years after first year
Salon establishment license	Contact Board	Annual renewal; Board inspection required
LLC formation	$100	One-time, online at wyobiz.wyo.gov
Sales tax license (Seller’s Permit)	$60 one-time	Required for taxable services
General liability insurance	$500-$2,000/year	Recommended; some landlords require it
Salon equipment and build-out	$10,000-$75,000+	Styling chairs, stations, sinks, mirrors

Official Resources

• Wyoming Board of Cosmetology
• Wyoming Business Center – LLC Filing
• Wyoming Internet Filing System – Sales Tax Registration
• WYUI – Workers’ Comp & Unemployment Registration
• Wyoming Business Hub – All Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for a Wyoming cosmetology license?

Wyoming requires 1,600 hours for a full cosmetologist license, 1,000 hours for a hairstylist license, 600 hours for an esthetician license, and 400 hours for a nail technician license. Training must be completed at a Wyoming Board of Cosmetology-approved school.

How do I renew my Wyoming cosmetology license?

Your first Wyoming cosmetology license expires one year after it is issued. After that, you renew every two years on the last day of your birth month. Wyoming does not require continuing education for renewal – you simply pay the renewal fee and submit the renewal application to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology at cosmetology.wyo.gov. No CE hours are required.

Do I need a separate establishment license to open a salon in Wyoming?

Yes. In addition to your individual cosmetology license, the salon location must have a separate establishment license from the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology. A Board inspector must approve the salon space before the establishment license is issued. Contact the Board at (307) 777-3534 or cosmetology.wyo.gov to start the process.

Are hair salon services taxable in Wyoming?

Yes. Hair salon services including haircuts, coloring, and styling are subject to Wyoming sales tax. Register for a Wyoming Seller’s Permit ($60 one-time fee) at excise-wyifs.wy.gov before your first service. Wyoming’s state rate is 4.0% plus local county additions.

Can booth renters work in my Wyoming salon?

Yes, booth rental arrangements are common in Wyoming salons. Each booth renter must hold their own active Wyoming cosmetology license. Whether a booth renter qualifies as an employee or an independent contractor affects your workers’ compensation and tax obligations – consult with a Wyoming employment law attorney or tax advisor to structure your arrangements correctly.

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