Opening a barbershop in New York can be rewarding but demanding. The NYS Department of State regulates barber licenses and Barber Shop Owner licenses; New York City adds a Barber Shop Permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Rent and labor costs are high, especially in NYC—planning and compliance are essential.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in New York: barber license (approved school or apprenticeship, health exam, sanitation course, practical exam), Barber Shop Owner license (NY Business Express), NYC Barber Shop Permit if you are in the five boroughs, business registration with the NY Department of State, workers’ compensation, realistic costs for NYC and upstate, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers while staying compliant with New York law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in New York
Research and Business Plan
New York’s barbershop market is highly competitive. In NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), rents and labor are among the highest in the country; Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, and Long Island offer a range of costs and demand. Many barbershops struggle with unclear pricing and positioning—doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in New York:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical New York haircuts range from about $25–$50 in many areas to $50–$100+ in premium NYC spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—professionals, families, students, or a specific community. Demographics differ sharply between NYC and upstate.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in NYC can be very high; upstate cities are more affordable. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers before committing.
- Peak times: Match your hours to when clients actually come—lunch and evening slots matter in business districts.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Your concept, target market, and how you’ll compete in your New York market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, competitor pricing, and your positioning.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth.
- Financial projections: Revenue, rent, labor (NY minimum wage is high and workers’ comp is required), and profitability.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop.
Useful resources for New York businesses:
Strategic Location in New York
Where you open in New York has a huge impact on rent, clientele, and competition. NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) commands premium rents but strong demand; Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, and Long Island offer a mix of affordability and traffic.
What makes a good New York location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Access: In NYC, subway and bus access matter; upstate, parking often matters.
- Zoning: Confirm with the city or county that the space is allowed for personal care / barbershop use before signing a lease.
- Safety and visibility: Well-lit, accessible areas tend to attract more repeat clients.
Search for commercial space in New York:
Major New York markets:
New York City
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island—very high rent and competition but strong demand. Barber Shop Permit (DOHMH) required in addition to state licenses.
Long Island & Westchester
Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester—suburban mix; rents and competition vary. Same minimum wage tier as NYC ($16.50 in 2025).
Upstate
Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse—more affordable rent and lower minimum wage ($15.50 in 2025). Good options to start with less capital.
Other areas
Smaller cities and towns across the state offer lower rents and steady local demand.
Legal Requirements and Permits in New York
New York barbershops are regulated by the NYS Department of State. You must have a barber license for every person cutting hair (approved barber course at an NYS-approved school or 2-year apprenticeship, health exam, contagious disease/sanitation course, and NYS practical exam within 2 years) and a Barber Shop Owner license to own, control, or operate a barbershop. In New York City, you also need a Barber Shop Permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). You need business registration with the NY Department of State (Division of Corporations) where applicable, and workers’ compensation is required for virtually all employers. Do not operate until you have the required state and, if in NYC, city permits.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your New York shop must hold a current Barber License from the NYS Department of State. You must be at least 17 years old, pass a health examination (within 30 days of application), successfully complete a barber course at an NYS-approved school (training hours are set by the school—contact schools for specifics), complete a one-time course on contagious disease transmission and sanitation/sterilization, and pass the NYS practical examination within 2 years. Alternatives: 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed NYS barber; education outside NYS (submit licensure certification and transcripts); 3 years experience in another state/country; or reciprocity from Maine, New Mexico, or Pennsylvania. Apply through the NYS License Center (Department of State).
Where: NYS Department of State – Barber
DOS – Become a barber →DOS – Barber licenses →Barber Shop Owner License
To own, control, or operate a barbershop in New York, you must have a Barber Shop Owner license from the NYS Department of State. Apply through NY Business Express (businessexpress.ny.gov). This license is separate from the individual barber license. If your shop services both men and women, you may need both a barber shop and a beauty shop license—check with the Department of State.
Where: NY Business Express
NY Business Express →DOS – Barber Shop Owner application guide →NYC Barber Shop Permit (New York City only)
If your barbershop is in New York City (five boroughs), you must obtain a Barber Shop Permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). You will need proof of workers’ compensation and disability insurance, sales tax certificate (if applicable), and proof that any outstanding Health Code violation fines have been paid. Fees vary by application timing (e.g. $7.50 or $15). The permit expires October 31 each year. Apply online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center (42 Broadway) or NYC Small Business Support Center (Jamaica).
Where: NYC Business / DOHMH
NYC – Barber Shop Permit →Business Entity and Division of Corporations
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the NY Department of State, Division of Corporations. File Articles of Organization for an LLC (filing fee $200) online via the e-Corp system, or by mail/email/fax. Sole proprietors may use a trade name; check local and state requirements. The Division maintains the Corporation and Business Entity Database.
Where: NY Department of State – Division of Corporations
DOS – LLC Articles of Organization →DOS – Form a business →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). New York has state income tax. If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need to register for New York sales tax with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance and collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →NY Tax – Sales tax →Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In New York, workers’ compensation is required for virtually all employers—including part-time workers and family members who work for the business. You can obtain coverage through private carriers, the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF), or self-insurance if qualified. Employers must post notice of coverage. NYC’s Barber Shop Permit requires proof of workers’ compensation and disability insurance. Failure to maintain required insurance can result in penalties.
NYS Workers’ Compensation Board →Estimated Initial Investment in New York
New York is among the most expensive states to open a barbershop. NYC rent and build-out can be very high; upstate cities are more affordable. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in New York.
Note: In NYC (Manhattan, prime Brooklyn/Queens), the upper end of these ranges is common. In Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. Keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is especially important in New York 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 New York Barbershop
New York expects clean, well-maintained tools and proper sterilization. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD and where to shop (national retailers ship to New York).
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—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 NY sales tax registration). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in New York
Every barber in your New York shop must have a current Barber License from the NYS Department of State. You can verify licenses through the Department of State. New York’s minimum wage is $16.50/hour in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester (2025), and $15.50 in the rest of the state ($17 and $16 in 2026). Workers’ compensation is required for virtually all employers—including part-time and family employees. Disability insurance is also required in New York and is needed for the NYC Barber Shop Permit.
What to consider when hiring in New York:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with the NYS Department of State.
- 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 NY minimum wage and wage-and-hour rules (overtime, etc.).
- Workers’ comp and disability: Get coverage as soon as you have employees—mandatory in New York.
Resources for hiring and compliance in New York:
Management System and Technology
Many barbershops struggle with no-shows and double bookings. Software like BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—which New York clients increasingly expect, especially in NYC and major metros.
Marketing and Promotion in New York
In New York, 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 NYC or Brooklyn, 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. #NYCBarber #BrooklynBarber #BuffaloBarber) to reach New York clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter in crowded New York markets.
Tips for Success in New York
Frequently Asked Questions – New York
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in New York?
Yes. You need a Barber Shop Owner license from the NYS Department of State to own or operate a barbershop, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Barber License from the Department of State. In New York City, you also need a Barber Shop Permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Do not operate until you have the required state and, if in NYC, city permits.
How many hours of training are required for a New York barber license?
New York does not set a single mandated hour requirement—approved NYS barber schools set their own training hours. You must complete a barber course at an NYS-approved school (or a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed NYS barber), pass a health exam, complete a one-time contagious disease/sanitation course, and pass the NYS practical exam within 2 years. You can also qualify through education outside NYS, 3 years experience elsewhere, or reciprocity from Maine, New Mexico, or Pennsylvania. See the NYS Department of State barber pages for full details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in New York?
A realistic range is roughly $35,000–$150,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. NYC (Manhattan, prime Brooklyn/Queens) tends toward the upper end; Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and smaller cities can be lower. Rent, security deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance (including mandatory workers’ comp), and 3–6 months of working capital are the main cost drivers.
What permits do I need to open a barbershop in NYC?
In New York City you need: a Barber License for each barber (NYS Department of State), a Barber Shop Owner license (NYS Department of State), and a Barber Shop Permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). You also need workers’ compensation and disability insurance, and if you sell products, a sales tax certificate. Apply for the NYC permit through NYC Business or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center.