Start a nail salon

Typically $1,500 to $12,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $1,500 to $12,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients.
How it charges: Per service, with nail art and add-ons priced extra.

A nail technician or cosmetology license from your state
A station to rent in a salon, or your own space
Tools, polish, a way to sterilize them and liability insurance

What goes wrong early

Licensing hours come before your first paid client
Station rent is due whether or not you’re booked
Sanitation inspections are strict

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. A nail technician or cosmetology license from your state. A station to rent in a salon, or your own space. Tools, polish, a way to sterilize them and liability insurance. Typically $1,500 to $12,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per service, with nail art and add-ons priced extra.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (services and prices, a look book and online booking) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (services and prices, a look book and online booking) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and win-back. You approve anything that matters.

Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Rebooking reminders. Asks customers to book again a set time after a visit, if they haven’t already.
Win-back. Invites customers back when they haven’t come in a while, counted from their last visit.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a nail salon?

Typically $1,500 to $12,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a nail salon part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a nail salon need a license?

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per service, with nail art and add-ons priced extra.

What goes wrong early?

Licensing hours come before your first paid client. Station rent is due whether or not you’re booked. Sanitation inspections are strict.