Whether you run a fast-paced salon, a relaxing spa, or a neighborhood barbershop, operating a beauty business in Texas means following the rules outlined by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) under Occupations Code Chapter 1603.

This guide translates the law into simple, practical steps so that salon, spa, and barbershop owners can keep their businesses compliant, and protect their licenses, their staff, and their clients.

1. Why TDLR Regulations Matter for Salon & Barbershop Owners

TDLR regulates:
✔️ Licensed beauty professionals
✔️ Licensed salon, spa, and barbershop establishments
✔️ Beauty schools

For owners, this means you are responsible for making sure:

• Your establishment license is active

• All providers working in your space are properly licensed

• Your business follows required sanitation and safety rules

• You provide required TDLR complaint information to clients

Compliance protects your business reputation and helps maintain safe services for clients.

2. Services That Require Licensing in Texas

If your establishment offers these regulated services, you must ensure they’re performed only by licensed professionals:

• Haircutting, styling, chemical services

• Beard/mustache grooming or shaving with a safety razor

• Manicure/pedicure/artificial nails

• Facials and beautifying services

• Hair removal with chemicals or tweezers

• Hair weaving or attaching commercial hair

If it falls into these categories, it’s regulated under Chapter 1603.

3. What Services Are Not Considered Barbering or Cosmetology

According to Texas law, the following do not require a license:

• Threading (hair removal using thread)

• Maintenance/servicing of wigs or hairpieces after initial retail sale

This helps owners understand the boundary between licensed and unlicensed services.

4. Key Responsibilities for Salon, Spa & Barbershop Owners

A. Keep Your Establishment License Active

No salon or barbershop can legally operate without an establishment license.

B. Verify Staff Licenses

Anyone performing regulated services must hold the correct Texas license.

C. Do Not Lease Space to Unlicensed Providers

If someone rents a chair or room in your establishment, they must be properly licensed.

D. Follow State Sanitation Rules

The state mandates sanitation practices designed to prevent spread of infectious or contagious disease.

E. Display TDLR Complaint Information

This is required at all licensed establishments.

5. Staying Inspection-Ready at All Times

TDLR inspections help ensure safety and compliance. Owners should routinely check:

• Proper disinfectant use

• Clean and organized service areas

• Licenses posted correctly

• Up-to-date sanitation practices

• Tools/equipment maintained properly

A consistent routine prevents surprises during inspections.

6. Compliance Checklist for Texas Salon & Barbershop Owners

Licensing
☐ Establishment license is current
☐ Staff licenses verified and posted

Sanitation
☐ Tools sanitized per TDLR rules
☐ Disinfection procedures followed
☐ Safety practices reviewed regularly

Operations
☐ Booth renters are licensed
☐ Only approved services are advertised
☐ Client complaint info posted

Protect Your Business With TDLR-Approved CE From KudosLearn

Texas requires continuing education that includes sanitation and human trafficking prevention.
Make compliance easy:

👉 Renew your Texas cosmetology, esthetician, barber, or manicurist license at KudosLearn.com. If you’ve held your license for more than 15 years, Kudos offers a convenient 2-hour CE course just for you.

Our CE courses are:
✔️ 100% online
✔️ TDLR-approved
✔️ Reported directly to TDLR

✔️ Compliant with required with 1-hour of Sanitation and Human Trafficking
✔️ Designed for professionals to learn new skills

Keep your establishment safe and compliant - choose Kudos for your next renewal.