Opening a barbershop in Michigan can be a solid move. LARA (Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) runs barber and barbershop licensing. You don’t have to be a licensed barber to own a shop, but everyone who cuts or shaves hair must be licensed. Applications go through LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL).
This guide covers what you need in Michigan: barber license (1,800 hours at a licensed barber college or apprenticeship, then exam), a barbershop license for the establishment, business registration with the Michigan Secretary of State, workers’ comp if you have employees, what it typically costs in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and elsewhere, where to look for space, and how to stay compliant.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Michigan
Research and Business Plan
Michigan’s barbershop market isn’t the same everywhere. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are busy and competitive; Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and smaller towns tend to have lower rent and a steadier local crowd. Shops that open without a clear idea of who they’re serving often struggle—so do the research first.
What to look at in Michigan:
- Competition: Use Google Maps and Yelp to see how many barbershops are nearby, what they charge (in MI you’ll see everything from about $20–$35 in smaller cities to $40–$65+ in Detroit and Ann Arbor), and what they’re known for.
- Who you’re serving: Decide whether you’re going after professionals, families, students, or a specific neighborhood—it shapes your pricing and vibe.
- Rent and build-out: Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids usually mean higher commercial rent; Lansing, Flint, and beyond are often cheaper. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or a local broker.
- When people come in: Lunch and after work are big in business districts; weekends matter in family areas. Set your hours accordingly.
Your business plan should cover:
- Summary: Your concept, who you’re targeting, and how you’ll stand out in your MI market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, what others charge, and where you fit.
- Marketing: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth.
- Numbers: Revenue, rent, labor (Michigan has a state minimum wage above federal), and when you expect to break even.
- Day-to-day: Hours, services, and how the shop will run.
Helpful links for Michigan businesses:
Strategic Location in Michigan
Location in Michigan drives rent, who walks in, and how much competition you face. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids usually mean higher rent and more shops; Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and smaller towns often have lower rent and loyal local traffic.
What to look for in a Michigan location:
- Visibility and foot traffic: A storefront on a busy street or near offices and retail helps with walk-ins.
- Parking: A lot of Michigan clients drive; easy parking can make or break a spot.
- Zoning: Confirm with the city or county that the space is allowed for personal care or barbershop use before you sign.
Where to look for space:
Major Michigan markets:
Detroit & metro
Detroit and suburbs—strong demand, mixed rent, lots of competition. Big, diverse market.
Grand Rapids
West Michigan—busy and competitive, solid client base.
Ann Arbor, Lansing
College town and capital—Ann Arbor pricier; Lansing more affordable.
Flint, Kalamazoo & other areas
Smaller cities and towns across MI with lower rents and loyal clientele.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Michigan
Barbershops in Michigan are regulated by LARA (Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). Each person cutting or shaving hair needs a barber license (1,800 hours at a licensed barber college or through apprenticeship, then pass the exam administered by PSI). The shop itself needs a barbershop license. Applications go through LARA. The owner doesn’t have to be a licensed barber, but everyone performing barbering must be. You also need business registration with the Michigan Secretary of State where applicable, and workers’ compensation is required for employers with employees (check current MI rules).
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber in your Michigan shop must hold a current license from LARA. You need 1,800 hours of training at a licensed barber college (225 hours classroom, 1,575 practical) or through an approved apprenticeship. You must pass both a practical and theory exam (administered by PSI). Check LARA’s barber licensing guide for current fees and forms.
Where: LARA – Bureau of Professional Licensing (Barbers)
LARA – Barbers →Barbershop License (Establishment)
Your barbershop must have a barbershop license from LARA. Submit the application with the required fees through LARA/BPL. Display the license as required. Report any ownership changes. Details and forms are on michigan.gov/lara (Barbers).
Where: LARA – Barbershop license
LARA – Barbers →Business Entity – Michigan Secretary of State
If you run as an LLC or corporation, form and register with the Michigan Secretary of State. File online; you’ll need a registered agent in Michigan. Sole proprietors can use a trade name; check state and local rules.
Where: Michigan Secretary of State
MI Secretary of State – Business →EIN and Taxes
If you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation, get an EIN from the IRS (free, online). If you sell retail (e.g. pomade, beard oil), register for Michigan sales tax with the Michigan Department of Treasury and collect and remit tax.
IRS – EIN →MI Department of Treasury →Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability is a good idea (and many landlords require it). In Michigan, workers’ compensation is generally required for employers with employees. Get coverage as soon as you hire.
MI Workers’ Compensation Agency – Employers →Estimated Initial Investment in Michigan
What you’ll spend in Michigan depends on where you open. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids usually sit at the higher end; Lansing, Flint, and smaller towns are often more affordable. Below is a rough breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop.
Note: In Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Grand Rapids, expect the upper end more often. In Lansing, Flint, or smaller towns, you’ll often land in the lower to mid range. Plan for 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital.
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 Michigan Barbershop
LARA expects clean, well-maintained tools and proper sanitation. Invest in solid chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD; national retailers ship to Michigan.
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 and good lighting are required for quality work and 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. Proper sterilization between clients is required.
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 if you sell them (register for MI sales tax). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in Michigan
Every barber in your Michigan shop must have a current license from LARA. You can verify through LARA’s license lookup. Michigan’s minimum wage is above federal ($10.33/hour as of 2024; check current rate). Workers’ compensation is required if you have employees.
When hiring in Michigan:
- License: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with LARA.
- Experience: Review their work and, if you can, client references.
- Pay: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and follow Michigan minimum wage and wage-hour rules.
- Workers’ comp: Get it as soon as you have employees.
Useful links:
Management System and Technology
No-shows and double bookings hurt. BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—something clients in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor expect.
Marketing and Promotion in Michigan
In Michigan, Google and Instagram drive a lot of new clients. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile so you show up in local search and Maps. Post your work, location, and prices; run occasional promos to fill the chair. In Detroit or Grand Rapids, a clear brand and steady posts help you get noticed. Word of mouth still works—give great service and ask for reviews.
- Google Business Profile: Keep address, hours, and photos updated so you show up for “barbershop near me.”
- Instagram: Post cuts, fades, and shop vibes; use local hashtags (e.g. #DetroitBarber #GrandRapidsBarber #MichiganBarber) to reach MI clients.
- Reviews on Google and Yelp matter, especially in busy Michigan markets.
Tips for Success in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions – Michigan
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Michigan?
Yes. You need a barbershop license from LARA for the establishment, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current barber license from LARA. You also need workers’ compensation if you have employees.
How many hours of training are required for a Michigan barber license?
You must complete 1,800 hours at a licensed barber college (225 classroom, 1,575 practical) or through an approved apprenticeship, then pass the practical and theory exams (PSI). Apply and get details through LARA (michigan.gov/lara, Barbers).
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Michigan?
A typical range is $24,000–$90,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids tend toward the upper end; Lansing, Flint, and smaller towns are often lower. Rent, deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance, and 3–6 months of working capital are the main costs.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Michigan?
Plan your business and make sure you (or your barbers) have or will get a barber license (1,800 hours, then exam). Find a location that meets local zoning. Form your business with the Michigan Secretary of State if you’re using an LLC or corporation. Apply for your barbershop license through LARA. Get workers’ comp as soon as you have employees.