How Much Does it Cost to Open a Nail Salon

Alright, so you’ve created your business plan, thought out the perfect name and branding for your nail salon, but now comes the question: how much does it cost to open a nail salon? It’s time to jot down all expenses you’re going to have – from the upfront essentials like equipment and licenses to recurring costs that keep your salon running smoothly. 

Understanding the true startup costs is essential to avoid overspending or hitting cash flow issues down the line. Let’s break down the key expenses involved in launching your own nail salon, so you can plan with confidence and clarity!

Costs of Opening a Nail Salon

#1 Location and rent

Securing the right location is one of the most important steps, and most expensive. Your rent will depend largely on where your nail salon is located, the size of the space, foot traffic, and local market conditions. 

Average monthly rent prices can vary significantly based on whether you’re setting up in a major city or a smaller town:

• In urban areas like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000+ per month for a small to mid-sized commercial space in a high-traffic area. Prime locations such as shopping centers or downtown strips usually command a premium.
• In suburban or smaller towns, rent is more affordable, typically ranging between $1,200 and $3,500 per month, depending on proximity to residential neighborhoods, parking availability and the condition of the space.

Keep in mind that most landlords will require a security deposit, which is commonly equal to one to two month’s rent. Some landlords might even require more, especially for newly renovated space or longer lease terms. You may also need to pay the first and last month’s rent upfront, along with application or broker fees in competitive markets.

Lease terms usually run from 1 to 5 years, with options to renew. You need to review all lease clauses carefully, especially regarding maintenance responsibilities, rent increases, and early termination penalties. 

To avoid any complications later, consult a real estate attorney or commercial lease specialist.

#2 Salon equipment

Next, to actually perform your job you’ll need salon equipment. Whether you’re starting small or aiming for a high-end setup, the choice of salon equipment will directly impact your budget.

To start, you’ll need the following items:

• Manicure stations with storage and proper lighting
• Pedicure chairs (with or without built-in massage and foot baths)
• Drying lamps for hands and feet
• Comfortable seating for the waiting area
• Tool sterilizers, carts, and product storage units
• Reception desk and display shelving for retail products

If you’re purchasing brand-new equipment, here’s a rough estimate of what you might spend:

• Manicure stations: $200–$600 each
• Pedicure chairs: $1,000–$5,000 each (depending on features)
• Drying lamps: $100–$300
• Sterilizers and carts: $150–$500
• Reception area setup: $500–$2,000+

You can cut costs by 30% to 60% if you purchase used equipment. Many nail salon owners start with gently used pieces sourced from closing salons, auctions, or specialty resellers. However, you should inspect items carefully for wear, functionality, and hygiene standards, especially when buying used pedicure chairs or electrical tools. 

Equipment cost will vary depending on the size of your salon and the number of stations, but you can expect it to range from $5,000 on the low end (with used items) to $25,000 or more for a fully equipped, brand-new setup. 

Don’t forget to budget for ongoing maintenance and replacements over time. If you invest in quality equipment early on, you can reduce long-term costs down the road.

#3 Licensing and permits

You need to obtain all necessary licenses to ensure legal compliance and build trust with your clients, before opening your salon. 

You shouldn’t try to operate without licenses since doing so is not only illegal but also exposes you to heavy fines, potential lawsuits, forced closure, and long-term damage to your reputation. 

Here are all the necessary licenses and permits you need:

Business license

A general business license legitimizes your salon’s operation within a specific jurisdiction. The price of a general business license can vary depending on your location and the size of your business, but generally falls between $50 and $500. Renewals are usually annually or biannually, with fees varying accordingly.

Cosmetology or nail technician license

Each nail technician needs a valid state-issued license, which involves completing a certified training program and passing a state board exam. The licensing fee falls between $50 and $200, with renewal fees varying by state. Some states also require salon owners to possess a separate establishment license.

Check out the nail tech license and certification requirements by state.

Health and safety permits

To ensure the well-being of your clients, you must comply with health regulations, which may need obtaining health permits. These permits cost between $50 and $300, and may need regular inspections to maintain compliance.

Certificate of occupancy

This certificate verifies that your salon’s premises meet all building codes and zoning requirements. This includes things like building surveys, construction, plumbing, and electrical and fire safety. Its costs vary depending on the state, but typically range from $50 to $600.

Seller’s permit

If you plan to sell products, such as nail care items, you need a seller’s permit. Depending on state regulations, fees for this permit can range from $5 to $100.

#4 Products and supplies

Another significant cost of opening a nail salon is stocking up on essential products and supplies. These items are what your technicians will use daily to provide service, so you should definitely invest in quality products to ensure satisfaction and safety for your clients.

Here’s a breakdown of the core supplies you’ll need:

• Nail polish and gel colors (regular, gel, dip powder)
• Nail tools (clippers, files, buffers, brushes)
• Gloves and disposable items (for hygiene and client protection)
• Towels and table linens (washable or disposable)
• Sanitizers and disinfectants (to meet health regulations)
• Acrylic, gel, and nail extension kits
• Cotton balls, acetone, remover wraps, base and top coats

Initial stock costs will fall between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on your salon size, service menu, and whether you choose premium or budget-friendly brands. These costs include a variety of polish colors, nail enhancement materials, and hygiene products in bulk.

After your initial setup, you’ll also need to restock your products monthly. This costs around $500 to $1,500, depending on client volume and product usage. If you have high traffic you may spend more, especially if you offer services like nail art, gel extensions, and pedicures. 

#5 Renovation and interior design

Now comes the fun part, creating the right atmosphere in your new salon! Your interior design plays a big role in shaping your brand and setting the tone for the client experience, no matter if you choose a modern design or a spa-like experience.

Renovation and design costs can include:

• Remodeling and layout adjustments (plumbing, electrical work, partition walls)
• Flooring, lighting, and paint
• Custom signage and window displays
• Reception area and waiting room setup
• Brand-aligned decor (mirrors, plants, artwork, mood lighting)
• Built-in cabinetry or storage solutions

The total cost might vary depending on how upscale you want your salon to be:

• A basic renovation with simple cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, basic fixtures) might cost around $5,000 to $15,000.
• A mid-range setup with custom signage, better materials, and some layout remodeling could cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
• A high-end or luxury design with custom interiors, premium finishes, lighting design, and branding details can easily exceed $40,000 to $75,000+.

You can also hire a professional interior designer who might even help you choose more budget friendly options, and design solutions you wouldn’t think of. But keep in mind this will add 10% to 20% to the budget of your total renovation costs.

#6 Online booking system

Opening a nail salon comes with so many phone calls, cancellations and no-shows, but what if we tell you that you can turn every potential client into revenue by making it easy for them to book, show up, and come back! 

You can do all that and much more with Trafft!

Trafft is an online booking system that allows your clients to book any time of the day, from any device! 

You can embed Trafft into your existing website, or if you don’t have one, you can use Trafft’s automatically generated booking website that you can customize to fit your brand and service menu.

With powerful integrations to Google Calendar, Outlook, Stripe, PayPal, and more, Trafft keeps your schedule in sync, automates reminders, and accepts online payments or deposits – all in one place.

It’s everything you need to keep you organized, reduce no-shows, and keep your nail salon running like a well oiled machine! 

The best part is, Trafft is FREE for up to five users! Check out other Trafft’s pricing plans and start your nail business right!

#7 Marketing and branding

In order to show your skills, beautiful salon interior design and high-quality products, you need clients. And how do you get clients? With effective marketing!

When you’re just starting out, focus on channels that offer fast reach and local exposure:

• Flyers and print material: Great for promoting your grand opening in nearby neighborhoods, malls, and community centers. Expect to spend around $100-$500 for design and printing.
• Google Ads and social media advertising: Targeted local campaigns can help drive bookings early on. A small budget of $200-1,000 a month can go a long way if managed wisely.
• Instagram and Facebook: These are essential for any beauty business. Share before and after photos, client testimonials, promotions and build an engaging following.

Apart from advertising, you’ll also need strong branding. Key items include:

• Logo: A professional logo typically costs between $100 and $500, depending on whether you DIY or hire a designer.
• Website: Your digital storefront. Basic websites can cost $200–$1,500 to build, with ongoing hosting costs.
• Business cards and appointment cards: Useful for walk-ins and referrals. Budget around $50–$200 for a first print run.

Effective marketing is consistent marketing, it doesn’t need to break the bank. A well-branded, visible salon will create trust, engage referrals, and keep your chairs busy!

So, How Much Does it Cost to Start a Nail Salon?

Here’s a breakdown of the total cost of opening a nail salon:

Low end estimate: $25,000 – $45,000

High-End Estimate: $75,000 – $125,000+

Every cost adds up, from rent and equipment, to licensing, renovation, and marketing – that’s why you need to plan carefully. Understanding all costs in advance will help you launch your salon with confidence and lay the groundwork for long-term success!