Opening a barbershop in New Jersey can be a solid move. The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling runs licensing for cosmetologists and hairstylists; barber services fall under that license (no separate barber license in NJ). You don’t have to be licensed to own a shop, but everyone who cuts or shaves hair must be licensed. Applications go through the Board (njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos).
This guide covers what you need in NJ: Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license (1,200 hours at an approved school, then exam), a salon/shop license for the establishment, business registration with the NJ Division of Revenue, workers’ comp if you have employees, what it typically costs in Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, and elsewhere, where to look for space, and how to stay compliant.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in New Jersey
Research and Business Plan
New Jersey’s barbershop market isn’t the same everywhere. Newark, Jersey City, and North Jersey are busy and competitive; Trenton, Paterson, Elizabeth, and South Jersey 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 New Jersey:
- Competition: Use Google Maps and Yelp to see how many barbershops are nearby, what they charge (in NJ you’ll see everything from about $25–$40 in many areas to $50–$75+ in Newark and Jersey City), and what they’re known for.
- Who you’re serving: Decide whether you’re going after professionals, families, commuters, or a specific neighborhood—it shapes your pricing and vibe.
- Rent and build-out: Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken usually mean higher commercial rent; Trenton, Paterson, and South Jersey are often cheaper. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or a local broker.
- When people come in: Lunch and after work are big near offices; 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 NJ 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 (NJ has a high state minimum wage), and when you expect to break even.
- Day-to-day: Hours, services, and how the shop will run.
Helpful links for New Jersey businesses:
Strategic Location in New Jersey
Location in NJ drives rent, who walks in, and how much competition you face. Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken usually mean higher rent and more shops; Trenton, Paterson, Elizabeth, and South Jersey often have lower rent and loyal local traffic.
What to look for in a New Jersey location:
- Visibility and foot traffic: A storefront on a busy street or near offices and retail helps with walk-ins.
- Parking: A lot of NJ clients drive; easy parking can make or break a spot.
- Zoning: Confirm with the municipality that the space is allowed for personal care or barbershop use before you sign.
Where to look for space:
Major New Jersey markets:
Newark & North Jersey
Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken—strong demand, higher rent, lots of competition. Large, diverse market.
Trenton, Paterson, Elizabeth
State capital and urban centers—more affordable rent, steady local demand.
Suburbs & South Jersey
Bergen, Middlesex, Camden counties and beyond—mix of rent levels and traffic.
Other areas
Smaller towns across NJ with lower rents and loyal clientele.
Legal Requirements and Permits in New Jersey
Barbershops in New Jersey fall under the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. There is no separate barber license in NJ—barber services are covered under the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license (1,200 hours at an approved school, then exam). The shop needs a salon/shop license. Applications go through the Board (njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos). The owner doesn’t have to be licensed, but everyone performing barbering must be. You also need business registration with the NJ Division of Revenue and workers’ compensation if you have employees.
Cosmetologist-Hairstylist License (Individual)
Everyone cutting or shaving hair in your NJ shop must hold a current Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. You need 1,200 hours of instruction at an approved school, then pass the examination. You must be at least 17 and have a high school diploma or GED. Licenses renew every two years (even-numbered years). Check the Board site for current fees and forms.
Where: NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
NJ Board – Licensing requirements →Salon/Shop License (Establishment)
Your barbershop must have a salon/shop license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Submit the application with the required fees through the Board. Display the license as required. Report any ownership changes. Details and forms are on njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos.
Where: NJ State Board – Salon/Shop license
NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling →Business Entity – NJ Division of Revenue
If you run as an LLC or corporation, form and register with the NJ Division of Revenue (state.nj.gov). You’ll need a registered agent in New Jersey. Sole proprietors can use a trade name; check state and local rules.
Where: NJ Division of Revenue
NJ – Business formation →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 New Jersey sales tax with the NJ Division of Taxation and collect and remit tax.
IRS – EIN →NJ Division of Taxation →Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability is a good idea (and many landlords require it). In New Jersey, workers’ compensation is required for employers with employees. Get coverage as soon as you hire.
NJ Workers’ Compensation →Estimated Initial Investment in New Jersey
What you’ll spend in NJ depends on where you open. Newark, Jersey City, and North Jersey usually push costs up; Trenton, Paterson, Elizabeth, and South Jersey tend to be more affordable. Below is a rough breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in New Jersey.
Note: In Newark, Jersey City, or Hoboken, expect the upper end more often. In Trenton, Paterson, or South Jersey, 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 New Jersey Barbershop
The NJ 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 New Jersey.
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 NJ sales tax). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in New Jersey
Every barber in your NJ shop must have a current Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. You can verify through the Board. New Jersey’s minimum wage is well above federal ($15.13/hour as of 2024; check current rate). Workers’ compensation is required if you have employees.
When hiring in New Jersey:
- License: Confirm the license is current and in good standing with the NJ Board.
- Experience: Review their work and, if you can, client references.
- Pay: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and follow NJ 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 Newark, Jersey City, and the suburbs expect.
Marketing and Promotion in New Jersey
In New Jersey, 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 Newark or Jersey City, 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. #NewarkBarber #JerseyCityBarber #NJBarber) to reach NJ clients.
- Reviews on Google and Yelp matter, especially in busy NJ markets.
Tips for Success in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions – New Jersey
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in New Jersey?
Yes. You need a salon/shop license from the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling for the establishment, and every person who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license from the Board. You also need workers’ compensation if you have employees.
How many hours of training are required for barber services in New Jersey?
Barber services in NJ fall under the Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license, which requires 1,200 hours of instruction at an approved school, then pass the examination. You must be at least 17 and have a high school diploma or GED. Apply and get details through the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos).
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in New Jersey?
A typical range is $28,000–$100,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. Newark, Jersey City, and North Jersey tend toward the upper end; Trenton, Paterson, and South Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Plan your business and make sure you (or your barbers) have or will get a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist license (1,200 hours, then exam). Find a location that meets local zoning. Form your business with the NJ Division of Revenue if you’re using an LLC or corporation. Apply for your salon/shop license through the NJ Board (njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos). Get workers’ comp as soon as you have employees.