1. Governing Authority
Tennessee cosmetology is regulated by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI).
Primary statute: Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 62, Chapter 4 - Tennessee Cosmetology Act of 1986 (as amended).
Current rules: Published by the Tennessee Secretary of State; available on the Board website and in the Salon at all times.
2. Individual Practitioner Licenses
Tennessee issues separate licenses for disciplines. Key requirements (verify current on CORE.tn.gov or Board site):
| License Type | Minimum Age | Training Hours | Exam | Initial Fee (approx) | Renewal / CE Notes |
|---------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------|--------------------|
| Cosmetologist | 16 | 1,500 school hours (or 750 + 750 apprenticeship) | PSI written + practical | $60 | Biennial; CE may apply per current rules |
| Aesthetician (Skin Care) | 16 | 750 hours | PSI written + practical | Check current | Discipline-specific |
| Manicurist / Nail Technician | 16 | 600 hours | PSI written + practical | Check current | Discipline-specific |
| Natural Hair Stylist | 16 | 300 hours | PSI written + practical | Check current | Limited services |
| Eyelash Specialist | 16 | Per current curriculum | Per Board | Check current | Newer classification |
Common Requirements for All Individual Licenses
- Proof of education (10th grade, GED, or HiSET equivalent)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Application via online CORE portal
- Passing scores on required exams administered by PSI
- Background check or fingerprinting if required at time of application
- License must be renewed on schedule; practice on expired license is prohibited
Apprenticeship Option: Tennessee allows a combination of school hours + apprenticeship under a qualified licensee for certain paths.
3. Establishment (Shop) License
A full-service or limited-service cosmetology shop must hold a current establishment license before opening or providing services to the public.
- Application: Online via CORE.tn.gov at least 3 weeks before planned opening
- Initial fee: $150 (subject to change)
- Must designate a licensed manager (cosmetologist, aesthetician, manicurist, etc.) who is on premises whenever services are being rendered in the shop
- Owner may serve as manager if properly licensed in a discipline offered by the shop
- Change of ownership or location requires new or amended application
Mobile Shops: Separate rules and licensing may apply; verify before operating.
4. Posting, Display, and Inspection Requirements
Tennessee Board rules require:
- The current shop/establishment license must be conspicuously posted for the public.
- Each practitioner's individual license must be posted at or near the workstation where services are performed.
- Current inspection sheet must be posted and available.
- A copy of the Board rules and laws must be kept on the premises and available to all workers and inspectors.
Inspections: Expect periodic unannounced inspections. Be prepared to show licenses, sanitation logs, product labels, and proper disinfection procedures. Correct violations promptly to avoid penalties.
5. Sanitation, Disinfection, and Prohibited Practices
All establishments and licensees must follow the Board's health and safety rules (see current 0440-02 rules and any updates).
Key expectations:
- Use only EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants with proper contact times.
- Single-use items (files, buffers, cotton, etc.) disposed after one client; no double-dipping.
- Proper storage of clean and soiled implements.
- No animals in the salon except documented service animals.
- No use of prohibited hazardous substances or products banned by the Board or FDA.
- Maintain clean, well-lit, ventilated facilities with hot and cold running water.
- Hand washing and glove use per protocol.
Booth renters and all practitioners are individually responsible for sanitation at their station and for services they perform.
6. Booth Rental / Independent Contractor Considerations
Tennessee does not have a detailed state-level "booth rental registration" separate from individual licensure and the establishment license. Booth renters (independent contractors) must:
- Hold their own current individual Tennessee license(s)
- Comply with all Board sanitation, disinfection, and scope-of-practice rules
- Maintain their own liability insurance
- Handle their own taxes and any required local business filings
The host salon (establishment) remains responsible for the overall shop license, common areas, and ensuring that all persons providing services on the premises are properly licensed and that licenses are posted.
A written booth rental agreement is strongly recommended to document the independent contractor relationship, rent terms, client ownership, insurance, and compliance responsibilities. Misclassification (treating an IC as an employee or vice versa) can create tax, wage, and licensing risks.
Always consult current Board guidance and a qualified advisor.
7. Recordkeeping, Client Protection, and Complaints
Maintain client records as required by the Board (service details, products, contraindications). Protect client privacy.
The Board accepts complaints regarding unlicensed practice, sanitation violations, or unprofessional conduct. Establishments and licensees should maintain professional standards and respond promptly to any Board inquiry.
8. Sales Tax and Other Business Obligations
Tennessee sales tax generally applies to tangible personal property (retail products) and may apply to certain services. Booth renters typically collect and remit their own sales tax on retail and applicable services. Confirm current treatment with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Other obligations may include local business licenses, zoning compliance, and workers' compensation if employees (not ICs) are hired.
9. Sources and Verification
- Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners / TDCI: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo
- Online licensing portal: CORE.tn.gov
- Rules and Laws: Publications available via Tennessee Secretary of State and Board site
- TCA Title 62 Chapter 4
As of date: 2026-06. Fees, forms, training hours, CE, and procedures change. Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Board before opening, hiring, renting, or renewing.
This Tennessee Salon Licensing & Compliance Guide is a professional reference template. It is not legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Requirements are summarized from publicly available Board and state sources at the time of preparation. Confirm all details, required postings, manager rules, and any recent amendments with the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and other relevant authorities before relying on this document. Consult qualified counsel or a licensing specialist for your specific situation. As of 2026-06.
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