Home salons must meet the same requirements as other salons for safety and cleanliness in Missouri. This means that before starting a home salon, you should have detailed plans in place for keeping your business areas separate from your living areas, appropriately storing and disposing of salon chemicals and equipment, and what to do in case of an emergency. Additionally, note that each person who works in your salon must hold a valid state license, and each salon license in Missouri covers three licensed cosmetologists. If you choose to hire or rent space to more than that, you will be required to pay additional fees.

Obtain a license as a master cosmetologist from the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, if you do not already possess one. Note that to be eligible to take the examination to become a master cosmetologist, you must have completed 3,000 hours of apprenticeship training as a licensed Cosmetology Apprentice. If you do not already possess a cosmetologist license, you can use the time while you are training to acquire equipment and supplies and prepare your home.

Designate which area of your home will be your salon. It is recommended that this be a well-ventilated room with a separate entrance, with plumbing access and/or a private restroom, and with non-carpeted floors. Determine what equipment you will need and where these items will be located in the room to allow ease of access and unrestricted movement.

Hire an architectural or construction professional to draw accurate floor plans of your home and of your salon area, including the square footage and location of restrooms and exits.

File a fictitious business name or DBA (doing business as) certificate with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Acquire the appropriate business licenses from your local county and city governments. You may also need to obtain local tax and/or zoning permits, depending on your county and city regulations. Apply for a state sales/use tax number from the Missouri Department of Revenue, if you will sell any products to clients of your home salon.

Submit an Application for Establishment Registration to the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, along with the appropriate licensing fee, a copy of the floor plans you commissioned, a copy of your current business license, and a copy of your fictitious name statement.

Prepare for the Board inspection of your home salon by placing equipment, ensuring all electrical/plumbing outlets are in working condition, and making other preparations. This inspection will be scheduled within 30 days of receipt of your application. Around 10 to 14 days after the inspection is completed, you will be issued a salon license or notified of any compliance issues that must be rectified before a license can be issued. Note that legally, you cannot provide service to any clients in your home salon until you have received the salon license.