Opening a barbershop in Texas can be a rewarding business. The state’s regulatory framework is run by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which sets rules for barber licenses, establishment licenses, and health and safety. Cities from Houston to Austin add their own business and zoning requirements, but overall Texas offers lower costs and no state income tax compared with many other states.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in Texas: TDLR Class A Barber and establishment licensing, business registration with the Texas Secretary of State, local permits, realistic costs for Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers while staying compliant with Texas law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Texas
Research and Business Plan
Texas’s barbershop market varies by region. In Houston, Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio, competition and rents differ by neighborhood; in Fort Worth, El Paso, or suburbs, startup costs can be lower. Many barbershops struggle with unclear pricing and target clientele—doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in Texas:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical Texas haircuts range from about $20–$40 in many areas to $45–$65+ in premium Austin or Dallas spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—professionals, families, students, or a specific community. Demographics differ between Houston, Austin, and smaller cities.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in Texas is often lower than in California or New York. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers for your city before committing.
- Peak times: Match your 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 Texas 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, and profitability. Texas has no state income tax, which helps net margins.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop.
Useful resources for Texas businesses:
Strategic Location in Texas
Where you open in Texas has a big impact on rent, clientele, and competition. Austin has become pricier; Houston and Dallas offer a mix of affordable and premium areas. Suburbs and smaller cities often offer lower rent and still strong demand.
What makes a good Texas location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Parking: Many Texas clients drive; easy parking matters.
- 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 Texas:
Major Texas markets:
Houston
Diverse, spread-out metro; Montrose, Midtown, The Heights, and suburbs. Rent and competition vary by area. Strong demand across the city.
Dallas–Fort Worth
Dallas (Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, Uptown), Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington. Mix of urban and suburban; rents generally more affordable than coastal metros.
Austin
South Congress, East Austin, Downtown—rents have risen. Tech and creative clientele; premium positioning common.
San Antonio and others
San Antonio, El Paso, and smaller cities offer lower rents and growing markets; good options to start with less capital.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Texas
Texas barbershops are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You must have a Class A Barber license for every person cutting hair and an Establishment License for the shop itself (Standard, Mini, or Mobile). On top of that, you need business registration with the Texas Secretary of State where applicable, a city/county business license where required, and compliance with health and safety rules. Do not operate until TDLR has issued your establishment license.
Class A Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your Texas shop must hold a current Class A Barber License from TDLR. To qualify: be at least 17 years old and complete 1,000 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed by TDLR. You become eligible for the written exam after 900 hours; after completing all 1,000 hours and passing the written exam, you can take the practical exam. Once both exams are passed, you apply for the license. Cosmetology operators can apply for a Class A Barber license through a crossover path. Out-of-state applicants may qualify through the equivalence pathway.
Application fee: $50 (non-refundable). License valid for two years. Apply online or by mail.
Where: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
TDLR – Apply for Class A Barber →TDLR – Barbering and Cosmetology →Establishment License (Barbershop)
Your barbershop must have an Establishment License from TDLR. You can apply for a Standard Establishment, Mini-Establishment, or Mobile Shop license. Apply through TDLR’s online system. The establishment must meet TDLR health and safety rules (disinfection, running water, sanitation, etc.) and display all licenses. If you move or change ownership, you need to update or reapply as required by TDLR. TDLR can inspect your shop; failure to comply can result in fines or closure.
Where: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
TDLR – Apply for establishment →TDLR – Establishments →Business Entity and Secretary of State
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the Texas Secretary of State (e.g. via SOSDirect). Sole proprietors may use an Assumed Name (DBA) if the business name differs from their legal name. Filing fees and periodic reports apply for LLCs and corporations.
Where: Texas Secretary of State – SOSDirect
SOSDirect →SOS – Business structure →City and County Business License
Many Texas cities and counties require a business license or tax permit to operate. Requirements and fees vary—Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and smaller cities each have their own process. Check your city’s finance or clerk office and the Texas Comptroller for sales tax if you sell products.
Where: Your city or county; Texas Comptroller for sales tax
Texas.gov – 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). Texas has no state income tax. If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) and must collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →Texas Comptroller – Sales tax →Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is not required for most private employers. Employers who do not provide coverage are “non-subscribers” and must file an annual notice with the Division of Workers’ Compensation and post notices; they also lose certain legal defenses in employee injury suits. Many Texas barbershop owners still carry workers’ comp to protect themselves and employees. Costs vary by carrier and payroll.
TDI – Workers’ comp employer FAQ →Estimated Initial Investment in Texas
Texas is generally more affordable than California or New York for opening a barbershop. Rent, build-out, and labor costs vary by city. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in Texas.
Note: In Austin or prime Houston/Dallas areas, the upper end of these ranges is more common. In San Antonio, Fort Worth, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. Texas has no state income tax, which helps with ongoing cash flow. Keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is a good practice.
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 Texas Barbershop
TDLR 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 Texas).
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 pass TDLR 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. TDLR 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 Texas Comptroller sales tax permit). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow TDLR rules for tool sterilization.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in Texas
Every barber in your Texas shop must have a current Class A Barber License from TDLR. You can verify licenses on TDLR’s website. Texas follows the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour as of 2025); many barbers work on commission or booth rent. Workers’ compensation insurance is not required for most private employers in Texas, but non-subscribers must file notice with the state and post workplace notices—and many owners still carry coverage for protection.
What to consider when hiring in Texas:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s Class A Barber license is current and in good standing with TDLR.
- 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 federal wage-and-hour rules (overtime, etc.).
- Workers’ comp: Optional in Texas but recommended; if you opt out, follow non-subscriber notice and posting requirements.
Resources for hiring and compliance in Texas:
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 Texas clients increasingly expect, especially in Austin, Houston, and Dallas.
Marketing and Promotion in Texas
In Texas, 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 Austin or Houston, 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. #HoustonBarber #AustinBarber #DallasBarber) to reach Texas clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter in crowded Texas markets.
Tips for Success in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions – Texas
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Texas?
Yes. You need an Establishment License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for the shop, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Class A Barber License from TDLR. You also need a business license or permit from your city or county where required. Do not operate until TDLR has issued your establishment license.
How many hours of training are required for a Texas barber license?
You must complete 1,000 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed by TDLR. You become eligible for the written exam after 900 hours; after completing all 1,000 hours and passing the written exam, you take the practical exam. Once both exams are passed, you apply for the Class A Barber license ($50 fee). Licenses are valid for two years. See TDLR’s barbering and cosmetology pages for full details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Texas?
A realistic range is roughly $25,000–$95,000+, depending on size, city, and build-out. Austin and prime Houston/Dallas areas tend toward the higher end; San Antonio, Fort Worth, 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. Texas has no state income tax, which helps ongoing cash flow.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Texas?
Plan your business and confirm your barbers (or yourself) have or will get a TDLR Class A Barber license. Then secure a location that meets zoning and TDLR requirements, form your business entity with the Texas Secretary of State if using an LLC or corporation, and apply for your Establishment License with TDLR. Check your city and county for business license and other permit requirements.