Opening a barbershop or even a salon can be a challenging job. There are many rules and regulations that govern the industry, usually set by state boards and by city codes and ordinances. Many cities have barber educators who are licensed to teach in their shop or school and who have a great deal of knowledge of what is required in their city to be able to operate a violation-free shop. They generally love the business and love to talk about it. If you can seek their support, you will have a head start.

Now let’s talk about learning the old-fashioned way and researching it yourself by reading the rules and regulations. The best sources to find information on specific requirements are the State Boards or the Regulatory Commission. But you still have to deal with your city or town’s occupancy and building codes to get a “C of O” (Certificate of Occupancy) approval. We have compiled an alphabetical list by States and their web addresses related to barbershop and cosmetology regulation. Remember that each state requires different things, but some important safety items have been a sharps container (disposal of used razors), displaying certificates/licenses, and having an MSDS (material safety data sheet) on file. for each chemical you use.

Let’s start with the basics or MUST have:

A combination sink/shampoo chair with hot and cold running water

A hairdressing chair, multipurpose chair or barber chair, one per person

Hand or hood dryer with or without chair

One workstation (wall-mounted, stationary), per person

A sanitizer container with sanitizing or sterilizing solution

Seating in the reception area

Cabinet for clean towels and supplies

A container for used towels

· Reception

floor mats

child booster seat

The best places to get the information you need on equipment requirements for a salon or barbershop is your local Chamber of Commerce and your state board.

The following links are for all State Boards: