Critical
License Required
All stylists must hold a valid Tennessee cosmetology license (1500 hours training + exam).
Open a Hair Salon in Tennessee
Complete startup guide with TN-specific costs, licensing, and requirements.
Startup cost range — full setup
Hair Salon · TN
$31,500
–
$135,000
lower spend
higher spend
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Profit margin
- 8-15%
Overview
Tennessee has moderate hair salon startup costs close to the national average. Opening a hair salon in Tennessee requires $31,500 to $135,000 in startup capital. The average salon profit margin is 8-10%, with well-managed salons achieving up to 15%.
Heads-up
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Important Notices
Notice · WARNING
Competitive Market
The US has over 1 million hair salons. Differentiate with specialty services or superior client experience.
Notice · WARNING
Labor Costs
Staff wages are 40-55% of revenue. Efficient scheduling and retention are crucial for profitability.
Cost breakdown
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Important Notices
| Item | Low | High | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salon Build-out $50-$75 per sq ft | $9,000 | $45,000 | |
| Styling Stations $1,000-$3,000 per station | $4,500 | $27,000 | |
| Salon Furniture Chairs, dryers, wash units | $2,700 | $13,500 | |
| Styling Tools Per stylist | $900 | $2,700 | |
| Initial Product Inventory Hair care, color, supplies | $1,800 | $7,200 | |
| POS System Booking & payments | $500 | $2,000 | |
| Signage & Branding Interior + exterior | $900 | $4,500 | |
| Business License Tennessee registration | $50 | $500 | |
| Salon Establishment License Required to operate | $100 | $500 | |
| LLC Filing Tennessee filing fee | $300 | $300 | |
| Insurance Liability + property | $1,800 | $5,400 | |
| Marketing Launch Website, ads, grand opening | $900 | $4,500 | |
| Working Capital 3 months expenses | $4,500 | $18,000 | |
| Startup range | $31,500 | $135,000 |
The line items above are the main cost drivers, not an exhaustive sum. Several are alternatives rather than additions — a mobile setup or a storefront, a rented kitchen or a build-out — so they are not added together. The startup range is the figure used across this page.
Related guide
Complete Hair Salon startup guide
National costs, equipment lists, pricing strategy, step-by-step instructions.
Read
What's required
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Cosmetology License & Requirements
-
Cosmetology License
$701500 hours required in Tennessee
-
Cosmetology School
$5,000-$20,000State-approved program
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State Board Exam
$100-$200Written + practical exam
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Salon Establishment License
$100-$500Required for salon location
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Business License
$50-$300Tennessee business registration
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EIN (Tax ID)
FreeIRS requirement
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Seller's Permit
Free-$50For retail product sales
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Health Inspection
$50-$200Sanitation compliance
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Certificate of Occupancy
$50-$300Building code compliance
Markets
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Cosmetology License & Requirements
| # | City | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Nashville Largest market in TN, high demand | Largest market in TN, high demand |
| 02 | Memphis Strong salon scene, growing area | Strong salon scene, growing area |
| 03 | Knoxville Suburban market, loyal clientele | Suburban market, loyal clientele |
| 04 | Chattanooga Regional hub, diverse demographics | Regional hub, diverse demographics |
| 05 | Murfreesboro Smaller market, less competition | Smaller market, less competition |
Cross-state
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Hair Salon Costs in Other States
Operator notes
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Tennessee Hair Salon Tips
Tip · 01
Booth Rental Model
Consider booth rental to reduce payroll costs. Stylists rent space and manage their own clients.
Tip · 02
Retail Products
Retail products offer 50%+ margins. Recommend take-home products to boost profits with minimal labor.
Tip · 03
Online Booking
46-50% of bookings happen after hours. Implement 24/7 online booking to capture more clients.
Tip · 04
Second-Gen Space
Taking over an existing salon saves $10,000-$30,000 in build-out costs.
Tip · 05
No State Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax, improving your take-home profits.
Process
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Tennessee Hair Salon Tips
-
Get Licensed
Complete 1500 hours at a Tennessee-approved cosmetology school and pass the state board exam.
-
Write Business Plan
Define your salon concept, target market, services, and financial projections.
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Secure Financing
Arrange $31,500-$135,000 through savings, SBA loans, or investors.
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Choose Location
Find a space with good visibility, parking, and appropriate zoning for a salon.
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Form LLC
Register your LLC with Tennessee Secretary of State ($300) and get EIN.
-
Build Out Space
Install plumbing for wash stations, electrical for dryers, and salon-specific infrastructure.
-
Obtain Permits
Apply for salon establishment license, business license, and schedule health inspection.
-
Purchase Equipment
Buy styling stations, chairs, wash units, dryers, and initial product inventory.
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Hire Stylists
Recruit licensed cosmetologists. Verify all licenses are current and valid.
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Launch Marketing
Build website, social media presence, and plan grand opening promotions.
Common questions
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Tennessee Hair Salon FAQ
Q.01 How much does it cost to open a hair salon in Tennessee?
Hair salon startup costs in Tennessee range from $31,500 for a small salon to $135,000+ for a larger, upscale salon. Major costs include build-out ($9,000-$45,000), equipment ($4,500-$27,000), and working capital.
Q.02 What licenses do I need to open a hair salon in Tennessee?
You need a cosmetology license (1500 hours training + state exam), salon establishment license, business license, and seller's permit. All employed stylists must also hold valid cosmetology licenses.
Q.03 How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires 1500 hours of cosmetology school training, which typically takes 9-18 months. After completing training, you must pass the state board written and practical exams.
Q.04 What is the profit margin for hair salons?
Average hair salon profit margin is 8-10%. Well-managed salons can achieve 10-15% through efficient scheduling, retail sales, and cost control. Labor is the biggest expense at 40-55% of revenue.
Q.05 Should I rent booth space or hire employees?
Booth rental reduces payroll costs and management burden but offers less control over service quality. Employee model provides more control but increases costs and complexity. Many successful salons use a hybrid approach.
Q.06 How much do hair salon owners make in Tennessee?
Hair salon owners in Tennessee typically earn $40,000-$80,000 annually, with successful multi-chair or multi-location owners earning $100,000+. Income depends on salon size, location, and management efficiency.
Related
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