Who needs licensed cosmetologists, nail specialists, estheticians and barbers in New York?
Issued by New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
Everyone who cuts, colors, waxes or does nails holds an individual license after the school hours and the state exam. Hiring unlicensed staff puts the business license at risk.
Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Sources and dates
Department of State cosmetology application (January 2026). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
Yes. Everyone who cuts, colors, waxes or does nails holds an individual license after the school hours and the state exam.
Yes. Everyone who cuts, colors, waxes or does nails holds an individual license after the school hours and the state exam.
Yes. Everyone who cuts, colors, waxes or does nails holds an individual license after the school hours and the state exam.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
No. In New York it is listed for hair salons, barbershops and nail salons.
New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs licensed cosmetologists in New York? | DoorWorthy