Indian Salon Rules and Regulations: Licenses, Laws & Legal Guide (2025)
Introduction
Opening a beauty salon in India is exciting, but before the first client walks through your doors, you need to understand the legal responsibilities that come with it. From obtaining the right licenses to maintaining hygiene standards, compliance is crucial for operating a trusted and successful beauty business.
In the thriving world of salon ownership, understanding the rules and regulations can be quite a task. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about Indian salon rules and regulations so you can operate legally, safely, and confidently in 2025.
Let’s get started.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Start a Beauty Salon in India?
Before launching your salon, you need to legally set up your business. This ensures you operate without interruptions and build long-term trust.
Key legal requirements include:
- Register your business as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company
- Apply for a PAN card in your business name
- Obtain a GST registration (mandatory for businesses with a turnover over ₹20 lakhs)
- Get a Trade License from your local municipal authority
- Register under the Shops and Establishments Act
Setting this foundation early helps you avoid legal hassles and gives you access to credit, supplier tie-ups, and government schemes.
Top 13 Indian Salon Rules and Regulations to Follow:
1. Health and Safety Regulations
Health and safety should be your top priority. In India, salons need to comply with local municipal health and safety regulations.
Key Points:
- Ensure proper ventilation.
- Provide personal protective equipment to employees.
- Limit noise to acceptable levels.
2. Essential Licenses and Permits for Salons in India
To operate legally, your salon must acquire the following licenses based on the services you offer. Indian salon license checklist:
- Trade License – Issued by the local municipality
- FSSAI License – If you offer beverages or packaged water
- Fire Safety NOC – Required for salons above 500 sq. ft.
- Professional Tax Registration – To comply with the local tax regulations
- Labour License – If employing more than 10 staff members
3. Sanitation Rules
Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially in the beauty business.
Sanitation Checklist:
- Sterilise tools after each use.
- Clean surfaces regularly with approved disinfectants.
- Wash towels and other reusable items after each use.
- Dispose of single-use items safely and responsibly.
4. Employment Laws
India’s employment laws cover aspects such as minimum wage, overtime, and anti-discrimination.
Key Points:
- Comply with the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
- Follow the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, for pay equality.
- Adhere to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
5. Professional Ethics
Professional ethics are the cornerstone of your salon’s reputation.
Key Points:
- Respect client confidentiality.
- Provide transparent pricing.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
6. Building Regulations
Your salon should comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. Ensure it’s also accessible to clients with disabilities.
7. Customer Service Standards
Good customer service is integral to your salon’s success.
Customer Service Checklist:
- Effective communication with clients.
- Honour appointments and respect clients’ time.
- Handle complaints gracefully and promptly.
8. Product Regulations
Use only beauty products approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
9. Environmental Regulations
Follow regulations for waste disposal, especially for chemical waste, and try to minimise water and energy use.
10. Privacy and Data Protection Laws
The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, govern data protection in India.
11. Insurance and Liability
Ensure your salon against potential risks like property damage, accidents, or lawsuits.
Table: Types of Insurance
| Insurance Type | Protection Against |
| Public Liability Insurance | Claims due to accidents/injuries in the salon |
| Property Insurance | Damage to the salon property |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance | Claims due to professional negligence |
12. Staff Training and Development
Continual staff training ensures that your team stays updated on the latest beauty trends, techniques, and regulations.
13. Rules for Minors
For certain procedures on minors, like ear piercing or hair colouring, parental consent might be required. Always verify the laws in your local area.
Regional Rules: How Salon Laws Vary Across Indian States
Salon regulations can vary by state and even district. Here are some examples:
- Delhi: Large salons may need an Environmental Clearance Certificate
- Maharashtra: Requires FDA registration for cosmetic usage and storage
- Tamil Nadu: Health Department inspection before the trade license is approved
- Kerala: Panchayats may demand CCTV coverage in reception areas
Always check with your local municipal office to get state-specific guidelines.
What Are the Common Legal Mistakes Salon Owners Make?
Avoid these compliance slip-ups that many new salon owners make. Operating without a valid trade license, skipping GST registration despite crossing the turnover limit, using expired cosmetic products, not taking client consent for high-risk services, and hiring unqualified or undocumented staff.
Fixing these later is costly and could damage your brand’s reputation. Start right from day one.
How to Stay Updated With Changing Salon Laws?
Salon laws and hygiene standards change frequently. Stay informed through official portals like MSME, GSTN, and FSSAI, beauty industry associations (like B&WSSC), through business newsletters and YouTube legal updates, or get regular consultations with a CA or legal advisor.
MioSalon: Helping You Run a Legally Compliant and Digitally Smart Salon
Running a salon means juggling appointments, inventory, clients, and compliance. That’s where MioSalon steps in, a complete salon management software built for Indian salon owners.
Here’s what MioSalon helps you do,
- Maintain Digital Client Consent Forms
Getting written client consent is essential, especially for services involving chemicals, heat tools, or skin treatments. MioSalon allows you to collect digital consent through customizable forms that clients can sign on a tablet or phone.
This not only ensures legal safety but also improves client trust and professionalism.
- Track Staff Attendance, Commissions & Payroll
MioSalon simplifies team management by automatically recording staff attendance through biometric systems or app-based check-ins.
It tracks each team member’s performance, service count, and sales, helping you calculate commissions accurately without spreadsheets.
- Automate Appointment Reminders via SMS & WhatsApp
No-shows are one of the biggest revenue leaks in salons. MioSalon helps you tackle this by sending automated appointment reminders via SMS and WhatsApp.
Clients receive timely alerts before their scheduled services, with the option to confirm, reschedule, or cancel.
- Manage Inventory and Expiry Tracking for Products
Inventory mismanagement can lead to lost revenue and compliance risks. MioSalon offers real-time inventory tracking, allowing you to see what products are used, nearing expiry, or running low.
You can set alerts for stock replenishment, track consumption trends, and prevent the use of expired products, which is not only unprofessional but also unsafe and legally questionable.
With compliance-friendly features, MioSalon lets you focus on beauty while it takes care of the business.
FAQs:
1. What licenses do I need to open a salon in India?
To legally open a salon in India, you need a Trade License, GST registration (if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs), Shops & Establishments registration, PAN, and possibly a Fire Safety NOC, FSSAI License (if you serve beverages), and a Labour License if employing more than 10 people.
2. Are there any hygiene and sanitation rules for Indian salons?
Yes. Salons must sterilise tools after every use, clean surfaces with approved disinfectants, wash linens regularly, and safely dispose of single-use items as per municipal health regulations.
3. Do salon laws vary from state to state in India?
Yes. Each state or municipality may have unique additional requirements. For instance, Delhi may require an Environmental Clearance Certificate, while Maharashtra may need FDA registration for cosmetic storage.
4. What are the most common legal mistakes salon owners make?
Some frequent mistakes include not registering for GST after crossing the turnover limit, skipping trade licenses, using expired cosmetic products, failing to collect client consent, and hiring undocumented staff.
Conclusion
Understanding and following the rules and regulations is an integral part of running a successful beauty salon in India. This guide provides a general overview, but remember to consult with a local legal expert for specific advice.
Stay informed, stay compliant, and keep creating beauty with MioSalon. Get Your Free Demo Today and stay fully compliant in 2025 and beyond.
How to Get Started?
1. Book a Free Demo – See MioSalon in action. Our team will walk you through the features that match your salon’s needs.
2. Personalised Onboarding – Once you’re ready, we’ll set up your account, import your data, and tailor the software to your services, team, and preferences.
3. Staff Training & Support – We’ll train your team to use the system smoothly, including appointments, payments, client records, and more.
4. Go Live – Start taking bookings, sending reminders, and managing your salon efficiently. You’re all set to shine.
Start your Free Demo and see how MioSalon helps you streamline appointments, staff schedules, and client communication, all while improving salon etiquette and experience.
Want pricing info? Check out our Plans & Pricing page.
