Opening a Barbershop or Hair Salon in Los Angeles

How to Open Up a Barber Shop or Hair Salon in Los Angeles

Steps to undertake for opening a barber shop or hair salon in Los Angeles.

• Find a proper location for your business
• Register your business, your business name and business entity.
• Obtain a change of use permit, which ensures that the property meets the city requirements for particular type of business type.
• Obtain building permits are required for plumbing, electrical and structural changes to a building, such as, alterations, additions, demolition and construction.
• Obtain your establishment and cosmetology License. For operating a barber shop or hair salon in Los Angeles, you will need to complete an Establishment Application, available at https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/forms/estab_app.pdf
• Additionally you, your employees and any independent contractors who are renting a chair or booth in the barbershop or hair salon will need to have a current license with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Requirements of All Barbershops and Hair Salons in Los Angeles

• Hand Washing Facilities

An establishment must provide adequate hand washing facilities, including soap, air hand dryers or paper towels.

• Toilet Facilities

According to California Business and Professions Code Section 7351 the establishment must provide at least one public toilet room located on or near the premises. The restroom cannot be used as a storage.

• Hot and Cold Running Water

At least one sink with hot and cold running water must be provided in each work area, where hairdressing is performed.

• Drinking Water

Potable drinking water must be available to employees and customers

• Cleanliness and Repair

The establishments must keep the floors, woodwork, walls, furniture, ceilings, furnishing and fixtures clean and in a good condition.

Legal Obligations of Opening a Barbershop or Hair Salon in Los Angeles

The Gender Tax Repeal Act of 1995 requires barbers and hair salons to conspicuously and clearly disclose the customers in writing the pricing for each service provided. Barbers and hair salons must follow specific posting requirements.

The Price List of Barbershops and Hair Salons Must:

• Clearly and completely display pricing for every standard service, which means the 15 most-frequently requested services.
• Use a font 14-point boldface or larger.
• Be posted in an area conspicuous to the customer.
• The establishment is also required to provide a customer with a complete written price list upon request.

Moreover, barbers and hair salons must display in a conspicuous place at least one sign which states: “CALIFORNIA LAW PROHIBITS ANY BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT FROM DISCRIMINATING, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRICE CHARGED FOR SERVICES OF SIMILAR OR LIKE KIND, AGAINST A PERSON BECAUSE OF THE PERSON’S GENDER. A COMPLETE PRICE LIST IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.”

After receiving a written notice, the Business establishments must correct a violation of any of the requirements in a 30-day period. Otherwise, it can be fined $1,000 for each violation for failing to do so.

Additionally, according to California Civil Code Section 52(a), a business may be liable for any amount determined by a jury, or a court sitting without a jury, up to three times the amount of actual damage but no less than $4,000, plus any attorney’s fees. However, an action under this section 52(a) doesn’t prohibit an aggrieved party from seeing any other available procedure or remedy.

Do you have any additional questions about starting a business in Los Angeles, California? Our business law attorneys at KAASS Law would be happy to answer your questions and help you out.