Opening a barbershop in North Carolina can be a solid move. The North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners (BBEE) runs licensing for barbers and barbershops. You don’t have to be a licensed barber to own a shop, but everyone who cuts or shaves hair must be licensed. Applications and renewals go through the Board’s site (bbee.nc.gov).
This guide covers what you need in NC: barber license (1,528 hours at an approved school, then exam), a barbershop license for the establishment, business registration with the NC Secretary of State, workers’ comp if you have three or more employees, what it typically costs in Raleigh, Charlotte, the Triangle, and elsewhere, where to look for space, and how to stay compliant.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in North Carolina
Research and Business Plan
North Carolina’s barbershop market isn’t the same everywhere. The Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Cary) and Charlotte are busy and competitive; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, 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 North Carolina:
- Competition: Use Google Maps and Yelp to see how many barbershops are nearby, what they charge (in NC you’ll see everything from about $18–$35 in smaller towns to $40–$65+ in Charlotte and the Triangle), 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: Charlotte and the Triangle usually mean higher commercial rent; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, 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 NC 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 (NC follows federal minimum wage), and when you expect to break even.
- Day-to-day: Hours, services, and how the shop will run.
Helpful links for NC businesses:
Strategic Location in North Carolina
Location in NC drives rent, who walks in, and how much competition you face. Charlotte and the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Cary) usually mean higher rent and more shops; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, and smaller towns often have lower rent and loyal local traffic.
What to look for in an NC location:
- Visibility and foot traffic: A storefront on a busy street or near offices and retail helps with walk-ins.
- Parking: A lot of NC 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 North Carolina markets:
Charlotte & metro
Charlotte and suburbs—strong demand, higher rent, lots of competition. Big, diverse market.
Triangle (Raleigh–Durham)
Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill—busy and competitive, solid client base.
Greensboro, Winston-Salem
Piedmont Triad—more affordable rent, steady local demand.
Fayetteville & other areas
Smaller cities and towns across NC with lower rents and loyal clientele.
Legal Requirements and Permits in North Carolina
Barbershops in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners (BBEE). Each person cutting or shaving hair needs a barber license (1,528 hours at an approved barber school, then pass the exam). The shop itself needs a barbershop license. Applications and renewals are handled through the Board at bbee.nc.gov. The owner doesn’t have to be a licensed barber, but everyone performing barbering must be. You also need business registration with the NC Secretary of State where applicable, and workers’ compensation is required if you have three or more employees.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber in your NC shop must hold a current license from the NC Board of Barber Examiners. You need 1,528 hours of training at an approved barber school, then pass the exam. You can apply online or by paper; the Board schedules exams on a first-come, first-served basis. Out-of-state barbers may qualify with at least 1,500 hours of school or five years of licensed practice. Check the Board site for current fees and forms.
Where: NC Board of Barber Examiners
NC Board of Barber Examiners →Barber forms →Barbershop License (Establishment)
Your barbershop must have a barbershop license from the NC Board of Barber Examiners. Submit the application with the required fees through the Board. Display the license as required. Report any ownership changes to the Board. Details and forms are on bbee.nc.gov.
Where: NC Board of Barber Examiners – shop license
BBEE – Barbershop license →Business Entity – NC Secretary of State
If you run as an LLC or corporation, form and register with the NC Secretary of State. File online; you’ll need a registered agent in North Carolina. Sole proprietors can use a trade name; check state and local rules.
Where: NC Secretary of State
NC Secretary of State – Business registration →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 North Carolina sales tax with the NC Department of Revenue and collect and remit tax.
IRS – EIN →NC Department of Revenue →Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability is a good idea (and many landlords require it). In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is required for employers with three or more employees. Get coverage as soon as you hit that threshold.
NC Industrial Commission – Employer info →Estimated Initial Investment in North Carolina
What you’ll spend in NC depends on where you open. Charlotte and the Triangle usually sit at the higher end; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, 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 Charlotte or the Triangle, expect the upper end more often. In Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, 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 North Carolina Barbershop
The NC Board 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 North Carolina.
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 NC sales tax). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in North Carolina
Every barber in your NC shop must have a current license from the NC Board of Barber Examiners. You can verify through the Board (bbee.nc.gov). North Carolina uses the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour as of 2025). Workers’ compensation is required if you have three or more employees.
When hiring in NC:
- License: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with the Board.
- Experience: Review their work and, if you can, client references.
- Pay: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and follow minimum wage and wage-hour rules.
- Workers’ comp: Get it as soon as you have three or more 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 Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Triangle expect.
Marketing and Promotion in North Carolina
In NC, Google and Instagram drive most 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 Charlotte or the Triangle, 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. #CharlotteBarber #RaleighBarber #NCBarber) to reach NC clients.
- Reviews on Google and Yelp matter, especially in busy NC markets.
Tips for Success in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions – North Carolina
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in North Carolina?
Yes. You need a barbershop license from the NC Board of Barber Examiners for the establishment, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current barber license from the Board. You also need workers’ compensation if you have three or more employees.
How many hours of training are required for an NC barber license?
You must complete 1,528 hours at an approved barber school, then pass the exam. Out-of-state barbers may qualify with at least 1,500 hours of school or five years of licensed practice. Apply and get exam details through the NC Board of Barber Examiners (bbee.nc.gov).
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in North Carolina?
A typical range is $22,000–$85,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. Charlotte and the Triangle tend toward the upper end; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, 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 North Carolina?
Plan your business and make sure you (or your barbers) have or will get a barber license (1,528 hours, then exam). Find a location that meets local zoning. Form your business with the NC Secretary of State if you’re using an LLC or corporation. Apply for your barbershop license through the Board (bbee.nc.gov). Get workers’ comp as soon as you have three or more employees.