Opening a barbershop in California can be a rewarding business, but the state’s regulations and high costs require careful planning. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) sets strict rules for barber licenses, establishment licenses, and health and safety—and cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco add their own business and zoning requirements.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in California: BBC barber and establishment licensing, business registration with the California Secretary of State, local permits via CalGOLD, realistic costs for LA and the Bay Area, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers while staying compliant with California labor law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in California
Research and Business Plan
California’s barbershop market varies sharply by region. In Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, rents and competition are high; in Sacramento, Fresno, or the Inland Empire, startup costs can be lower. Many barbershops we see struggle with unclear pricing and target clientele—doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in California:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical California haircuts range from about $25–$45 in many areas to $50–$80+ in premium LA or SF spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—professionals, students, families, or a specific community. Demographics and income levels differ a lot between, say, the Bay Area and the Central Valley.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in California often runs $30–50+ per square foot per year in major metros. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers for your city before committing to a location.
- Peak times: One common issue in California is not matching hours to when clients actually come—observe foot traffic and consider lunch and evening slots, especially in business districts.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Your concept, target market, and how you’ll compete in your California market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, competitor pricing, and your positioning.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth in your area.
- Financial projections: Revenue, rent, labor (remember California’s high minimum wage and workers’ comp), and profitability.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop.
Useful resources for California businesses:
Strategic Location in California
Where you open in California has a huge impact on rent, clientele, and competition. Prime spots in LA or SF cost more but can support higher prices; smaller cities and suburbs often offer lower rent and still strong demand.
What makes a good California location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Parking: Many California clients drive; easy parking or validated parking can matter.
- Zoning: Confirm with the city that the space is allowed for personal care / barbershop use before signing a lease.
- Safety and access: Well-lit, accessible areas tend to attract more repeat clients.
Search for commercial space in California:
Major California markets:
Los Angeles area
Koreatown, Silver Lake, Downtown LA, West Hollywood, Long Beach—high rent and competition but strong demand. Good for established concepts and premium pricing.
San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco (Mission, SOMA, Castro), Oakland, San Jose—very high rent. Strong tech and professional clientele; expect premium positioning.
San Diego
Gaslamp, North Park, Hillcrest—vibrant mix of residents and visitors. Rents and competition vary by neighborhood.
Other California cities
Sacramento, Fresno, Anaheim, Riverside, and Bakersfield offer lower rents and growing markets; good options to start with less capital.
Legal Requirements and Permits in California
California barbershops are regulated by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC). You must have a barber license for every person cutting hair and an Establishment License for the shop itself. On top of that, you need business registration, a city/county business license, and compliance with health and safety rules. One common issue in California is opening before the BBC has issued your establishment license—do not operate until you have it.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your California shop must hold a current Barber License from the BBC. To qualify for the exam you must: be at least 17 years old, have completed the 10th grade (or equivalent), and complete either (a) 1,000 hours of training at a BBC-approved barber school, or (b) an approved apprenticeship under the Shelley-Maloney Act, or (c) qualifying out-of-state experience (e.g. 3 months of licensed practice can count as 100 hours of training). Cosmetology license holders can take a barber crossover course. The Board accepts ITIN in lieu of SSN where applicable.
Application fee: $125 (non-refundable). Apply online or submit the Barber Application for Examination and Initial License.
Where: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (barbercosmo.ca.gov)
BBC – License requirements →Barber application (PDF) →Establishment License (Barbershop)
Your barbershop itself must have an Establishment License from the BBC. You apply using the Application for Establishment License (Form #F–BBC–05). The fee is $50 (non-refundable). The establishment must have a licensee in charge at all times, meet health and safety rules (disinfection, running water, handwashing, toilets, potable drinking water), and display all licenses. If you move, change suite number, or change ownership, you need a new establishment license. The BBC can inspect your shop; failure to comply can result in fines or closure.
Where: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
BBC – Establishment application (PDF) →BBC – Inspections →Business Entity and Secretary of State
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the California Secretary of State (e.g. via bizfile Online). Sole proprietors may not need to file with the SOS but often need a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) if the business name differs from your legal name. Filing fees and annual reports apply for LLCs and corporations.
Where: California Secretary of State – bizfile Online
bizfile Online →SOS – Starting a business →City and County Business License
Most California cities and counties require a business license or tax certificate to operate. Requirements and fees vary—Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and smaller cities each have their own process. Use CalGOLD (California’s permit assistance tool) to find which agencies and permits apply to your city and business type.
Where: Your city or county finance / clerk office; CalGOLD for guidance
CalGOLD – Permit assistance →EIN and Taxes
If you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (free, online). If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need a California Seller’s Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and must collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →CDTFA (sales tax) →Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In California, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory if you have employees. Costs vary by carrier and payroll; budget roughly $1,500–$5,000+ per year depending on size and claims history.
Estimated Initial Investment in California
California is one of the most expensive states to open a barbershop. Rent, build-out, and labor costs are high. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in California.
Note: In Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, the upper end of these ranges is common. In Sacramento, Fresno, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. In our experience working with barbershops, keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is especially important in California because of high rent and labor costs.
Manage Your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organise appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders
- Reduce no-shows and stay organised
- Save time on admin
Equipment You Need for Your California Barbershop
The California Board expects clean, well-maintained tools and proper disinfection. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD and where to shop (national retailers ship to California).
Professional Barber Chairs
You need at least one chair per barber. Hydraulic, durable chairs are the backbone of the shop.
Estimated price: $300 – $3,500 per chair
Entry-level from around $300; premium brands $2,000+.
Mirrors and Lighting
Large mirrors (at least 60x90 cm) and good lighting are required for quality work and pass BBC expectations for a professional setup.
Estimated price: $200 – $2,000+ (mirrors and lights combined)
Clippers, Shears, and Razors
Each barber needs professional clippers (e.g. Wahl, Andis, Oster), quality shears, and razors. The BBC requires proper sterilization between clients—invest in an autoclave or approved disinfectant systems.
Estimated price: $150 – $600+ per clipper; $80 – $500+ per shear set; razors and blades extra
Products and Disinfection
Stock pomades, gels, beard oil, aftershave, and other retail products if you sell them (remember CDTFA seller’s permit). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow BBC rules for tool sterilization.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in California
Every barber in your California shop must have a current Barber License from the BBC. You can verify licenses on the Board’s website. California labor law is strict: minimum wage is $16.50/hour as of January 2025 (and higher in several cities, e.g. Los Angeles, San Francisco), and you must carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees.
What to consider when hiring in California:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with the BBC.
- Experience and portfolio: Review their work and, if possible, client references.
- Pay structure: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and comply with California wage-and-hour rules (overtime, meal/rest breaks, etc.).
- Workers’ comp: Get a policy as soon as you have employees; it’s mandatory in California.
Resources for hiring and compliance in California:
Management System and Technology
Many barbershops we see struggle with no-shows and double bookings. Software like BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—which California clients increasingly expect, especially in tech-heavy markets like the Bay Area and LA.
Marketing and Promotion in California
In California, Instagram and Google are essential. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile so you show up in local search and Maps. Post your work, location, and prices; run occasional promotions to fill the chair. In competitive markets like LA or San Diego, a clear brand and consistent posting help you stand out. Word of mouth still works—deliver great service and ask happy clients for reviews.
- Google Business Profile: Keep your address, hours, and photos updated so you appear in “barbershop near me” searches.
- Instagram: Post cuts, fades, and shop vibes; use local hashtags (e.g. #LAbarber #SFbarber) to reach California clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter a lot in crowded California markets.
Tips for Success in California
Frequently Asked Questions – California
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in California?
Yes. You need an Establishment License from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) for the shop, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Barber License from the BBC. You also need a business license from your city or county (and possibly other permits—check CalGOLD). Do not operate until the BBC has issued your establishment license.
How many hours of training are required for a California barber license?
The standard path is 1,000 hours of training at a BBC-approved barber school. Alternatives include an approved apprenticeship under the Shelley-Maloney Act or qualifying out-of-state experience (e.g. 3 months of licensed practice can count as 100 hours). You must pass the state exam. See the BBC’s license requirements page for full details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in California?
A realistic range is roughly $40,000–$170,000+, depending on size, city, and build-out. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego tend to be at the higher end; Sacramento, Fresno, and smaller cities can be lower. Rent, security deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance, and 3–6 months of working capital are the main cost drivers.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in California?
Plan your business and confirm your barbers (or yourself) have or will get a BBC barber license. Then secure a location that meets zoning and BBC requirements, form your business entity with the California Secretary of State if using an LLC or corporation, and apply for your Establishment License with the BBC. Use CalGOLD to find city/county business license and other permit requirements for your address.