Launch Your London Nail Salons: A Practical Startup Guide
This page gives you a practical, friendly roadmap to starting a nail salon in London. It covers the essentials for NAICS 812113 and breaks down what you need to set up, stay compliant, and attract clients. You’ll find a clear overview of the 13 essential requirements, along with what permits you’ll need, ballpark startup costs, and a realistic timeline from day one to opening.
Here’s what you’ll learn: a step-by-step path from business registration to grand opening. We outline the 13 essentials with practical tips for each stage—licensing and municipal permits, zoning and occupancy approvals, health and safety standards, sanitation planning, equipment and product sourcing, insurance and workers’ compensation, supplier contracts, signage, and budgeting for startup costs. You’ll also get a simple timeline to help you plan milestones and avoid delays.
London is a great fit for nail salons thanks to a steady demand for beauty services, a growing small-business community, and easy access to suppliers and talent. With the right plan, you can build a welcoming studio that serves locals and visitors alike.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nail salon in London is Esthetician Training Certification. This certification is legally required and you cannot operate without it. If you also plan to offer hair services, the Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) is another CRITICAL requirement that is non-negotiable; you would need it to legally perform any hairstyling work. In short, these qualifications are non-negotiable for starting and running a compliant salon in London.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep your business safe and compliant. Middlesex-London Infection Prevention and Control, Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance, and Middlesex-London Personal Service Settings Inspection are essential now. These cover how you run the shop day to day—cleanliness, proper sanitation, staff safety training, safe handling of tools, and planned inspections. Having clear hygiene policies, staff training, and proper recordkeeping will help you meet these standards.
For Business Registration and Tax, you’ll need to set up the basics: Business Number (BN) Registration, Business Licence, and Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario). You’ll also handle tax and payroll obligations: GST/HST Registration, Payroll Deductions Registration, and WSIB Registration and Coverage, along with Employment Standards Compliance. Don’t forget to protect the business with Professional/General Liability Insurance.
Finally, take the next steps with a practical plan: confirm your certs, check the local health and safety rules, complete the registrations, and create a simple timeline. If you break it into small tasks, you’ll move steadily from paperwork to a thriving, compliant salon. You’ve got this—start with the critical qualifications and build from there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nail salons in London:
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Middlesex-London Infection Prevention and Control RequiredInfection prevention and control measures required by Middlesex-London for personal service establishments. No registration - compliance under Ontario Reg. 136/18: 1. Dedicated handwashing sink (hot/cold water, soap, paper towels) 2. Single-use items discarded immediately after each client 3. Reusable equipment properly sterilized (autoclave for invasive) 4. Surfaces smooth, impermeable, easy to clean 5. Client records kept 3 years (1 year minimum on-site) 6. Staff trained in infection prevention 7. Middlesex-London Health Unit inspects annually + complaints Info: healthunit.com
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Middlesex-London Personal Service Settings Inspection RequiredPersonal service settings must comply with Ontario O. Reg. 136/18 and undergo inspection by Middlesex-London. Notify Middlesex-London Health Unit before opening personal service setting: 1. Submit notification under Ontario Reg. 136/18 at least 14 days before opening 2. Contact: 519-663-5317 or healthunit.com 3. Pass health inspection for personal service settings 4. Services: hairdressing, tattooing, piercing, esthetics, body modification 5. Dedicated handwashing sink required 6. Display inspection notice at entrance 7. Follow IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) guidelines
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Esthetician Training Certification RequiredWhile not legally mandatory in Ontario, most insurance companies and employers require completion of an accredited esthetician program for liability and competency purposes. Not mandatory licensing, but certification required by most employers. Complete diploma/certificate at approved Private Career College or community college (600-1500 hours). Must meet Esthetician Subject Specific Standard (March 2010). Graduates cannot perform controlled acts (RHPA). Exam after program. 9 VLOs + employability outcomes. Schools: Seneca, George Brown, Conestoga. Contact institution.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of London. Apply to City of London for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Hairstylist Certificate of Qualification (Includes Barbers) RequiredIn Ontario, hairstyling is a COMPULSORY CERTIFIED TRADE. Individuals practicing as hairstylists or barbers must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification or be registered apprentices to legally work in the trade. Ontario does not have a separate barber certification - both hairstylists and barbers fall under the "Hairstylist" trade classification and must meet the same certification requirements. To obtain certification, individuals must complete an apprenticeship program (approximately 1,500 hours of training) or an approved hairstyling program, followed by passing the Certificate of Qualification examination administered by Skilled Trades Ontario. Working as a hairstylist or barber without proper certification is illegal and subject to enforcement. Compulsory trade in Ontario. Register with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO, replaced OCOT April 2025). Need: Grade 12 or equivalent, 1500 hours training (career college) or apprenticeship. Pass certification exam. Red Seal available. Trade Equivalency Assessment for experienced workers. Exam fee: $150+HST. Must be registered apprentice, PCQ or CQ holder to work. Contact STO: 1-855-299-0028.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Professional/General Liability Insurance RecommendedService businesses should maintain liability insurance appropriate to their risk profile. Not provincially mandated but industry standard. CGL minimum $1M for small businesses. Required by contracts, landlords, clients. Covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury. E&O insurance for professional services. D&O for directors. Cyber insurance increasingly required. WSIB separate requirement. Contact licensed insurance broker (RIBO-regulated).
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