Starting a Cosmetology Business

Cosmetology is a generic name that covers different aspects of beauty treatment. Beauty applications that refer to cosmetology include manicure, pedicure, waxing, and hair treatment.

Others are skincare, cosmetics, hair-styling and beauty treatment solutions. The business is highly lucrative and very competitive.

You need to provide high quality unique service to survive in this industry. A cosmetologist gives beauty treatment and offer wide range of services.

To succeed in this business you need to focus on a niche section and specialize. To start your enterprise you need the perquisite skills and technical knowledge.

Other requirements for success are planning, funding, registration, licensing and permits. Purchase only quality equipment, find an idea location and hire only qualified staff.

Beauty Treatments

• Hair-styling
• Weaving
• Braiding
• Manicure/pedicure
• Waxing
• Skincare
• Cosmetics
• Massage
• Aromatherapy
• Makeup
• Perms
• extensions

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Training

You don’t have to be a cosmetologist to own a beauty business. However adequate knowledge would provide a stronger foundation.

Develop the skill as an apprentice or study at a trade institution. And you need lots of practical experience.

Deepen your knowledge through seminars, books and tutorials. Having a cosmetology license would make securing beauty trade permits much easier.
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Business License

Register the enterprise as a one man business or LLC. Your business premises would undergo an inspection before you get a license. 

Get a personal tax identification number and insurance cover. The liability insurance is to protect the proprietor from litigation.

While the tax id number gives your business permission to collect and submit tax per transaction. The only license you need to start a salon is a cosmetology trade license.

You also need a certified beautician on the premises. And you are required to place your approved license within the establishment for customer to see.

Regulations and Rules of Opening a Salon

There are a few regulations and rules guiding the business. Here are a few requirements.

• Focus on a niche
• Make it a legitimate business
• Apply for salon trade license
• You need an In-house certified cosmetologist
• Join cosmetology association
• You need to pass inspection
• In some state you sit for an exam
• You must be 18+
• License and certification displayed for customers to see
• Get an Employer identification number from inland revenue service

Funding the Business

You can start the business with your personal savings. It is not capital intensive however you need equipment, rent money, staff wages and pay utility bills.

Find an ideal location within a shopping mall or commercial area. Make sure the outfits layout is beautifully done and provide comfortable chairs.

Hire Qualified Staff

Hire qualified staff with knowledge of cosmetology. Make sure each staff has their area of expertise to provide more services

Decide on a Niche

You can offer broad based services however narrowing your niche provides better service. Focus on one or two services and purchase appropriate equipment.

Marketing

You need proper marketing to bring in the customers. Use different advertisement methods such as printing flyers, business cards and posters. Place a sign board in front of your shop.