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How to start a salon in Louisiana
Hair salon, barbershop, nail salon, spa, or beauty services.
Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$10,000 – $150,000
State
Louisiana
Step-by-step
- 1Form an LLC and get an EIN
- 2Verify all stylists hold valid state cosmetology licenses
- 3Apply for salon establishment permit + health inspection
- 4Get general liability + professional liability insurance
- 5Open a business bank account
- 6Set up booking + POS (Vagaro, Booksy, Square Appointments)
Licenses & permits you'll likely need
- State cosmetology / barbering license
- Salon establishment permit
- Health department inspection
- Sign permit
Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.
Insurance
- • General liability
- • Professional liability (malpractice)
- • Workers' comp
- • Property insurance
Tax notes
Tip income is taxable and must be reported. Use a POS (Square, Vagaro, Booksy) that tracks tips automatically.
Business banking
Booth-rental vs employee model has huge tax implications — decide early and document it in writing.
Official Louisiana filing links
File LLC / Corp with Louisiana
Louisiana Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
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