Salons and spas provide a range of services, from cosmetic treatments to personal care. A business is often called a salon if it provides hairdressing, manicuring or other esthetic services. Spas generally provide the same treatments as salons along with additional services that help to relax their clients, such as massage therapy, saunas, steam rooms or whirlpools.
Before opening your business, consider which type of services you would like to offer. This guide is written for an independent salon or spa. For information on buying a franchise, visit The Canadian Franchise Association online or call When you start a business there are several things to consider before you can sell your product or service.
Most businesses in Ontario need to complete a minimum of three basic steps:. Our Starting a business guide will give you more information on these steps and other basic requirements for starting a business in Ontario. Read online: Starting a business. Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.
In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL to find licences and regulations that may affect your business. Use online: Permits and licences search. Some common licences, permits and regulations that may apply to starting your salon or spa include:. If you provide hairstyling services, you must be certified to work in Ontario. To become certified and work legally as a hairstylist in Ontario you must either:.
In addition, "Red Seal" certification allows qualified tradespersons to practice their trade, including hairstyling, in any province or territory in Canada without having to re-apply for certification in other provinces. If you manufacture, distribute or sell cosmetics and personal care products, you are responsible for:.
