Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Fast Facts

This fact sheet outlines the regulations and permits you may need to operate a Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Salon in Nova Scotia. Listed, are sources of industry information that will help you understand some of the issues to consider before starting your business. You are also invited to review some our other business information guides; they include the Business Start-Up Info-Guide, Taxation Info-Guide, and Financing Info-Guide.

Additional information can be obtained by calling one of our Business Information Officers or visiting our library.

Summary

Hair Salon

Salon owners primarily get their revenue from providing services to customers. Services generally include:

• style, perm or colour hair
• provide manicures and pedicures
• provide scalp and facial treatments

Money is also made by sales of hair and beauty products used in the shop.

Barber Shop

Barbers are usually limited to haircutting and shaving.

Tanning Salon

Any entity, individual or firm primarily engaged in the sale and marketing of the indoor tanning process and allied products, at the Salon level, to the tanning public.

PERMITS

The following is a list of the permits you may need in order to operate a Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Salon in Nova Scotia. Please keep in mind that there may be additional permits that you require which are not listed, or some of these permits may not be applicable to your business.

Currently, there are no permits required to operate a Tanning Facility in Nova Scotia. There are suggested guidelines for tanning salon owners, operators and users distributed by Health Canada.

Business Registration

Most businesses are required to register in Nova Scotia. When you register your business, you will also receive a business number, which is required for taxation purposes. Often suppliers will also request a business number before offering you credit.

For further information, call (902) 424-7770 or toll free 1-800-670-4357 see the document Registry of Joint Stock Companies or visit the web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rjsc/needs.asp

Municipal Permits

Most municipalities in Nova Scotia have permits and licences, which are required in order to operate a business. The type of permits and requirements can vary greatly so it is important that you contact your local municipality to determine what you need. You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr.

SOCAN Music License

Generally if you use music for the public's appreciation in your commercial premises, you need a license from the Society of Composers Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). Examples of commercial premises where you will need a license include restaurants, offices, and retail stores.

For further information, call: 1-800-707-6226, see the document Society of Composers Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) or visit the web site: http://www.socan.ca

Worker's Compensation Board

Most firms, which employ three or more workers, need to register for coverage. Any employer who fails to register but is required to do so under the Act may be liable for the full cost of any workplace accident, plus additional penalties.

For further information, call Employer Services: 1-877-211-9267, see the document Workers' Compensation Board or visit the web site: http://www.wcb.ns.ca

ASSOCIATIONS

Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia

The Association ensures that members of the general public are protected by providing sanitation and licensing inspections. If you provide any of the following services, you must be licensed by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia: Hairdressing, Facials, Make-up Application (but not Makeup Artistry), manicures and pedicures.

Important Note: Pending legislative changes will mean that in the near future the Cosmetology Association will issue and regulate the full Esthetic industry including artificial nails, body waxing, body sugaring and makeup artistry

For further information, call (902) 468-6477 or visit the web site: www.nscosmetology.ca

Nova Scotia Registered Barbers Association

The Association ensures that members of the general public are protected by providing sanitation and licensing inspections. Barbers must be licensed by the Nova Scotia Registered Barbers Association.

For further information, call (902) 479-3041 or visit their web site at: www.canlii.org/ns/laws/regu/1957r.32/20051019/whole.html

C/NSBSC REFERENCE LIBRARY

The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC) Reference Library is a great resource for potential and established entrepreneurs. Resources are available for the public's use within the library during regular hours of operation. The following lists some of the Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Salon resources available for use in the C/NSBSC Reference Library:

Guidelines for Tanning Salon Owners, Operators and Users - Health Canada- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety, 2001

Hair Salon Start-Up Guide - Entrepreneur Magazine Group, 1994.

Hair Salon Business Plan - Business Plans Handbook - Volume 6, 1999.

There are many more excellent resources for Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Salon at the Library Guide located at 1575 Brunswick Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You can also access a selection of our most popular reference books at one of the Community Business Resource Network located throughout the province. Call our toll-free number for the site nearest you or see the document.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Cosmetology Act (as introduced)
Cosmetology Act (as passed, with amendments)
Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick
Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Personal Services :Tatooing, Ear/Body Piercing and Electrolysis
Registered Barbers Act

If you are unable to access any of the above web sites, please call one of our Business Information Officers who may be able to help you find the contact information you need.