Hairdresser in salon: conditions of access and exercise in France

Verified 06 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Definition

The salon hairdresser carries out a craft activity.

He's a professional hair specialist. It proposes aesthetic care and hygienic hair.

As such, he advises its customers in the choice of their hairstyles according to their morphology and tastes. He realizes the cuts as well as the application of care and temporary or durable colors.

It can work on natural or artificial hair (wig).

The hairdresser in salon can exercise the benefits following:

  • Washing, cutting, folding, dyeing, coloring, waviness, straightening, permanent, scalp treatment
  • Shaving and trimming of beard and mustaches
  • Advice.

In addition to its role creativeHowever, the salon hairdresser can also sell hair or beauty products.

Access

To practice in France, the hairdresser must have the required qualifications. If these conditions are not filled, the practice of the profession of hairdresser is illegal.

Practicing the profession without having the required qualifications is punishable by fine of €7,500. Illegal practice of the profession is also a criminal offense ofspoofing, punishable byone year in prison and €15,000 of a fine.

If the hairdresser wishes to run or manage a company, he must also respect conditions of good repute. If they do not comply with these conditions, running or managing a company is prohibited.

If the training and qualification conditions are not filled, the practice of the profession of hairdresser is illegal.

Exercise without the required qualifications is punishable by fine of €7,500. This may also constitute a criminal offense ofspoofing : it is punishable byone year in prison and €15,000 of a fine.

The rules on training and qualification depend on the nationality of the hairdresser:

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French

To work in France, you must have a diploma or experience obtained in France or Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the profession of hairdresser in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the hairdressing profession.

EU or EEA Diploma

The French hairdresser having obtained an EU or EEA diploma must ask the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

This certificate allows to recognize the diploma obtained in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

Please note

When the training received presents so-called “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the hairdresser to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the hairdresser.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues the hairdresser admitted with a certificate of professional qualification.

3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of hairdresser in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as the head of a company, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

National of an EU or EEA State

The training and qualification conditions are different if the European national wishes to work in France permanently (freedom of establishment) or temporarily (freedom to provide services).

Permanent exercise (freedom of establishment in France)

To settle in France, the European national must prove a diploma or experience obtained in France or Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the profession of hairdresser in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the hairdressing profession.

EU or EEA Diploma

To establish permanent residence in France, a hairdresser who is a national of a Member State ofEuropean Union or a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA) must ask the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

If the profession is regulated in the State of origin, it is also possible to provide a certificate of competence or evidence of formal qualifications required for the pursuit of the activity of hairdresser in an EU or EEA State.

If the profession of hairdresser is not regulated in the State of origin, the practice of the profession must be justified full-time for one year or part-time for an equivalent period in the previous 10 years. This justification is accompanied either by a certificate of competence obtained from the CMA or by a formal qualification obtained in an EU or EEA Member State.

Within one month of receipt of the application, the CMA shall issue a receipt stating the date of receipt of the application.

In the event of an incomplete application, the CMA shall notify the hairdresser of the list of missing documents within 15 days of its receipt.

In the absence of notification of the CMA's decision within 3 months of receipt of the complete application, recognition of the professional qualification or competences shall be deemed to have been acquired.

Please note

When the training received presents so-called “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the hairdresser to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the hairdresser.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues the hairdresser admitted with a certificate of professional qualification.

SOLVIT is particularly active in the recognition of professional qualifications.

The use of SOLVIT is possible if the following 2 conditions are met:

  • The public administration of one EU country has not respected the rights it has under EU law as a citizen or company of another EU country.
  • A legal action has not yet been initiated (the administrative appeal is not considered as such).

Submit a complaint to Solvit

After a period of 10 weeks, SOLVIT presents a solution:

  • If this solution resolves the dispute concerning the application of European law, the solution is accepted and the case is closed.
  • If there is no solution, the case is closed as unresolved and referred to the European Commission.
3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of hairdresser in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Unionor in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as a company manager, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

SOLVIT is particularly active in the recognition of professional qualifications.

The use of SOLVIT is possible if the following 2 conditions are met:

  • The public administration of one EU country has not respected the rights that EU law confers on it as a citizen or company of another EU country.
  • A legal action has not yet been initiated (the administrative appeal is not considered as such).

Submit a complaint to Solvit

After a period of 10 weeks, SOLVIT presents a solution:

  • If this solution resolves the dispute concerning the application of European law, the solution is accepted and the case is closed.
  • If there is no solution, the case is closed as unresolved and referred to the European Commission.
Temporary exercise (freedom to provide services)

In order to temporarily and occasionally practice the profession of hairdresser in France, it is necessary tobe established in one of the Member States of theEuropean Union or theEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

However, if the profession of hairdresser is not regulated in the State concerned, the profession must have been practiced for a period ofat least one full-time year in one or more EU or EEA Member States or during a equivalent part-time period during the 10 years preceding the service performed in France.

The hairdresser must inform the competent CMA by written declaration that he wishes to practice this profession. If he cannot produce the documents requested under this declaration, he may ask the CMA to carry out an aptitude test to establish his professional qualification.

They can also obtain a certificate of professional qualification from the CMA.

Please note

When the training received presents so-called “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the hairdresser to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the hairdresser.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues the hairdresser admitted with a certificate of professional qualification.

Third-country national

In order to settle in France, a third-country national must have a diploma or experience obtained in France or in Europe.

French Diploma

To be able to practice the profession of hairdresser in France, you must have obtained one of the following diplomas:

All these diplomas must attest to a qualification in the hairdressing profession.

EU or EEA Diploma

In order to establish himself permanently in France, the hairdresser who is a national of a third country must ask the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

This certificate allows to recognize the diploma obtained in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA).

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

FYI  

When the training received presents so-called “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the hairdresser to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the hairdresser.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues the hairdresser admitted with a certificate of professional qualification.

Third State Diploma

In order to establish himself permanently in France, the hairdresser who is a national of a third country must ask the CMA: titleContent competent in the place of practice of a attestation of recognition of professional qualification.

The following supporting documents shall be communicated to the competent CMA:

  • Valid proof of identity
  • Proof(s) of diploma(s) in the original language with their translation
  • Documents attesting to professional experience (e.g. payslips)
  • Employment contract (if possible)
  • Sometimes a fee that varies depending on the relevant CMA

FYI  

When the training received presents so-called “substantial” differences with the qualifications and training required in France, the CMA may ask the hairdresser to carry out a compensation measure. This can be an adaptation course or an aptitude test. The choice is left to the hairdresser.

At the end of the compensation measure, the CMA issues the hairdresser admitted with a certificate of professional qualification.

3 years of professional experience in France or Europe

It is possible to practice the profession of hairdresser in France if one justifies a professional experience of 3 years in the profession in France, in theEuropean Union or in a State ofEuropean Economic Area (EEA). This experience must have been acquired as a company manager, self-employed or employee.

In this case, the person must obtain the issuance of a attestation of professional qualification by the competent Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) in the place of practice.

Conditions to be respected throughout the activity

If he wishes lead or manage a company, the craftsman must comply with the conditions of good repute. These conditions ensure that he has not been convicted.

It is impossible to lead or manage a company when the professional is in one of the following cases:

  • Prohibition to direct, administer or control, directly or indirectly, a commercial, craft, agricultural or legal company
  • Conviction to one additional penalty the prohibition of the pursuit of a professional or social activity for a crime or offense.

Control by the CMA

The Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) can check whether the conditions of good repute are respected.

To carry out this check, it can access the national file of the prohibitions to manage.

Please note

The duty of good repute must be respected and can be monitored throughout the activity.

Exercise

We are dealing here with the obligations imposed on the entrepreneur and not directly on the employee.

The choice of a legal form (or legal status) of the company is a decisive step.

It determines how the company operates, but it also has implications for the tax system and social protection.

There are two main legal forms:

  • - (EI) : allows to carry out its activity alone and in its own name. The Head of company and the one and the same person. Micro-company (or self-company) is one with a simplified tax and social regime.
  • Business : allows to carry out an activity in a legal entity distinct from the Head of company. It has the legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.).

These two modes of exercise each have their own specific rules:

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- (including micro-entrepreneur)

The creation of an entity (EI) involves few formalities (no drafting of statutes, no constitution of share capital and partner, etc.) and allows to launch its activity quickly. The assets of the individual entrepreneur (IC), including the micro-entrepreneur, are automatically separated into professional and personal assets.

FYI  

For more information, please refer to the fact sheet on the separation of professional and personal assets.

Tax and social system of the classical

The individual entrepreneur is subject to income tax (IR), in the category corresponding to his activity (BIC: titleContent, NCB: titleContent , BA: titleContent..).

However, it is possible to opt for the actual tax regime or even for thebusiness tax (IS).

The individual entrepreneur is covered by the Social Security scheme for self-employed persons. He has the status of a self-employed person (TNS). It does not pay social contributions during at least 90 days which follow the start of its activity.

Our sheet on the social protection for traders and craftsmen details the contributions due and the arrangements for reporting and payment.

Simplified micro-company regime

The scheme of micro-entrepreneur is a very simplified social and tax system. It is applicable when the turnover HT: titleContent does not exceed certain thresholds: for example €188,700 in the case of an activity of selling goods, or €77,700 for the provision of services

The simplified scheme applies automatically for the year of establishment (N) and the following year (N+1) provided that these thresholds are met.

Furthermore, the micro-company is subjected to the exemption from VAT : i.e. the entrepreneur does not declare VAT on the services or sales he makes and cannot deduct it either.

As regards the taxation of income, micro-company is imposed on theIR: titleContent, in the category corresponding to its activity: micro BIC: titleContent, microphone NCB: titleContent , microphone BA: titleContent..). The tax due is calculated taking into account a flat-rate abatement turnover for professional expenses which varies according to the activity carried out (for an activity of selling goods: the allowance corresponds for example to 71% turnover).

For more details on tax allowances, you can consult the sheet on the micro-entrepreneur tax system.

Finally, the entrepreneur pays social security contributions only if he generates turnover.

FYI  

Our sheet on the- (EI) specifies all operating rules.

Business

The business is a legal entity that has a legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, company name, registered office, etc.). It can sign a commercial lease, hire employees and has a separate estate from that of its partners. It is represented by an officer (a manager or a president) who carries out the activity.

The interest of create a business is to limit the liability of the professional and his associates to the contributions made when the business was set up. It thus makes it possible to protect the personal heritage of each individual.

The trader may engage in a commercial and/or craft activity alone (creating a EURL or a SASU) or byassociating with other persons (LLC, SAS, SAetc.). The creation of a business requires the completion of various formalities such as the drafting of statutes, the deposit of a share capital which can be costly. In addition, the business must comply with various accounting obligations (keeping and filing of annual accounts, convening of shareholders at general meetings (AGMs), holding AGMs for any amendment to the statutes of the business, etc.).

Tax system

The profits made by the business are in principle subject tobusiness tax (IS). For certain types of businesses, partners can opt for income tax (IR). In this case, the benefits are reported as BIC: titleContent in the income tax return.

Social protection

The social protection of the business manager varies according to the type of business chosen. The manager of a EURL or a SARL (if he is a majority) is considered a self-employed person and must contribute to the Urssaf on income from self-employment or on a minimum annual basis.

The manager of a SAS, SASU, SARL (minority or egalitarian) is considered as a salaried assimilated worker. It is part of the general social security system. He enjoys a social protection very close to that of an employee. If he does not pay himself wages, he does not have to pay social security contributions.

To make the right choice, it is therefore essential to take into account many factors:

  • Exercise of the activity alone or with several partners (in business )
  • Tax regime for the taxation of profits
  • Social protection scheme according to the envisaged legal form.

To help you choose the legal form that best suits your situation, Urssaf offers the following simulator:

Finding the right legal status (form) and comparing the cost of social contributions

Declare activity

Legal existence of the company and identification numbers

The trader must register the company.

This procedure must be carried out online on the website of the companies' Formalities Office:

Window of company formalities

The trader must apply for registration within one month of the declared start date of the activity and no later than 15 days after the start date of the activity. The effect of this formality is to give the company legal status.

This declaration makes it possible to inform all the organizations concerned by the launch of the activity (INSEE, social organizations, Urssaf, public finance center…).

As soon as the application for registration is accepted, INSEE allocates:

  • A number Siren : it is a unique identification number of the 9-digit company 
  • A number Siret : it's thegeographical identifier of each institution from the company, it is therefore possible to have several. This number consists of the Siren and a NIC (Internal Ranking Number).

When registering the company, INSEE also assigns the professional its code EPA: titleContent.

Domiciliation of the company

During the registration procedure on the website of the company formalities desk, the company's address must be provided.

It generally corresponds to the premises (shop, workshop, etc.) in which the activity is carried out.

When the activity is only itinerant, the trader may choose to domiciliate his activity at his personal address or through a domiciliation business.

For more information, please refer to our page Domiciliate your {dot over (including the micro-company)}, or Domiciliate your business.

Please note

In case of itinerant activity, you must ask for a tradesman or street trader card from the CCI: titleContent or CMA: titleContent the location of the activity.

Declaration of the prospective spouse working in the company

When the spouse (married, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or common-law partner) of the head of company professional activity regular in the company, a sworn certificate must be provided, specifying its status. It is possible to opt for one of the following statutes: collaborating spouse, salaried spouse, associate spouse.

The choice of a status makes it possible to guarantee rights to the spouse, in particular rights to retirement.

When registering the company, the Head of company declares the status chosen by the spouse on the website of the company formalities desk by providing the following document:

Certificate on the honor of the spouse (married, past or common-law) of a merchant, craftsman or liberal company manager (choice of status)

For more information on the status of the spouse, please refer to the fact sheet on the spouse of the head of company.

FYI  

If no status has been declared, the spouse is considered to have opted for the status of salaried spouse.

Submit a declaration of non-conviction

When registering his activity on the companies Formalities Window, the trader must provide a declaration on honor of non-conviction.

By this declaration, he attests that he has not been the subject of any criminal, civil or administrative sanction prohibiting him from setting up and managing a company.

One template declaration of non-conviction and parentage is available:

Declaration of non-conviction and filiation for registration in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) and the National Register of companies (RNE)

Contributions called by theUrssaf: titleContent depend on the structure of the business and the legal status of the manager.

To know all the rules concerning the social system of the manager, it is possible to consult the sheet relating to the Social protection of the business manager.

The trader who carries out his activity in his own name ({circumflex over (X)}) or as majority manager of a business (such as a EURL or a SARL), is affiliated to the Social security for self-employed persons (SSI), the compulsory scheme for self-employed persons.

The professional must pay social contributions to the Urssaf from the beginning of his activity.

However, in practice, no contributions or social contributions are required during the first 90 days which follow the launch of its activity.

Since the income is not yet known at the start of the activity, the contributions are first calculated on a flat-rate basis for the first 2 years (at the same rates as those applicable during the course of business). They are then adjusted and regularized according to the actual revenues of the fiscal year.

Contributions must be paid online in one of the following ways:

  • Either every month : payment is made on the 5th or 20th of each month, by direct debit.
  • Either every quarter : payment is made by direct debit, telepayment or credit card on 5 February, 5 May, 5 August and 5 November.

When he carries out his activity within the framework of a business and holds management functions that give him the status of employee assimilated (president or paid CEO of SAS for example), the professional reports to the general social security system.

His social security contributions are identical to those of an executive employee, and he enjoys equivalent social protection, with the exception of unemployment insurance (optional unemployment insurance is however possible).

Fire, safety and accessibility

When the hairdresser opens a salon, he has the obligation to respect the obligations concerning establishments receiving the public (ERP).

These include:

  • Fire Safety : it provides for the installation of alarm and warning devices, a surveillance service and emergency means.
  • Security Registry : this register may be in paper or dematerialized form. The purpose of the report is to draw up a list of the personnel responsible for the fire department and the date of the alteration and conversion work.
  • Accessibility of premises for persons with disabilities : the space must facilitate accessibility for wheelchairs by inserting exterior walkways, doors in the exterior direction, sanitary facilities open to the public, parking of vehicles.

For more information, it is possible to consult our file on establishments open to the public.

Non-compulsory professional insurance

The hairdresser can subscribe to a professional property and casualty insurance which protects its business and equipment in the event of fire, water damage, theft, etc.

Occupational property and casualty insurance may include a guarantee of legal protection and an “Operating loss” guarantee to compensate for the loss of the company's turnover. It may also include “professional liability” insurance (RCP).

The hairdresser is not obliged to take out a professional liability insurance (RCP).

However, it is possible to take this insurance to protect yourself in case of material or bodily damage caused to customers, suppliers or third party during the exercise of its activity.

In the event that the hairdresser hires a employee, it is also responsible for any damage it may cause.

Taking out CPR insurance helps protect the hairdresser and his employees against the risk of damage caused. These include, for example:

  • Bodily injury : a customer is injured when sliding on the floor of the living room because of a spilled product, a chemical burn, a scissor or razor cut, a significant allergy due to one or more products, etc.
  • Property damage : damage caused to a customer's property, indelibly stained clothing as part of a coloring, etc.

The insurance covers damages related to the activity, including those of its employees.

The display of prices in a hair salon is mandatory.

3 types of displays shall be settled:

  • A display must be visible atinterior from the living room to the cash register
  • Another display must be settled in the display case and visible from theexterior
  • A service map must be available for guests to consult inside at any time.

They must be arranged at view height of a medium-sized person.

At least 10 rates must be indicated in a non-mixed lounge, and 20 rates (10 for men's benefits and 10 for women's benefits) in a mixed living room.

Prices are indicated including VAT (all taxes included, including VAT which is 20%).

In a package, from 2 services, the detail the various benefits must be mentioned.

Example: cut + shampoo = xx € Including tax.

Please note

In most casesHowever, the obligation to display prices in hairdressers is sufficient for customers to be informed of the price of services. If the hairdresser respects the price information requirements then the systematic delivery of a quotation before the performance of a service is not required.

The professional must give the client a note for any service of an amount greater than €25, or at the customer's request. The amount is communicated all taxes included (TTC).

This note shall be drawn up in 2 copies, the original being delivered to the customer.

Please note

We're talking about invoice when it is a transaction between professionals (purchase of equipment for example). The term ‘ note ” is reserved for commercial transactions between a professional and one particular. Invoices between professionals must be kept for 10 years.

The note shall include the mentions following:

  • Exact date and time of appointment
  • Identity of the trader:
    • If the company is an individual contractor: name and surname of the individual contractor followed by the name ‘Individual contractor’ or ‘EI’
    • If the company is a business: name of the business and name and first name of the professional providing the service
  • Siren Number
  • Address of the company or registered office
  • Mention of the legal form (EI, EURL, SARL, SA, SNC, SAS, etc.) and the amount of share capital
  • Customer name and address
  • Detailed breakdown of each service (for example: shampoo, cut, coloring, straightening)
  • Total amount to be paid including VAT (with VAT rate of 20%)
  • Payment method used
  • Signature of the professional and the client.

Notes should be kept for 2 years.

FYI  

The rates of services must be displayed visibly in the living room. The rates of 10 benefits minimum must be indicated on this poster.

For more details on billing, you can visit our following page: All about billing

The hairdresser who plays music in his living room must make a declaration to the Sacem: titleContent and pay one annual fee.

Sacem: applications for authorization to broadcast music

Please note

To conclude a contract with the Sacem is not an obligation if the hairdresser restricts his choice to so-called music  free of rights, i.e. music whose authors or composers have died for more than 70 years. In addition, several companies offer paid catalogs of music excluding collective management of copyright (outside Sacem).

The trader shall in all cases remain liable for the fees due to the Spré: titleContent . These rights pay performers and producers of recorded music. La Spré mandated Sacem to collect its rights. The professional must therefore always make a prior declaration to the Sacem.

For more details on the distribution of music in a public place, it is possible to consult our following page: Streaming music in a store (Sacem).

The hairstyle is a job at risk for health in the medium and long term.

The main risks are:

  • Always stand upright or in sometimes uncomfortable sitting positions
  • Stomping
  • Repeat the same gestures many times a day
  • Walking on slippery floors
  • Use chemicals (dyes, shampoos, permanent wax liquids, lacquers, sprays, etc.).

If it hires employees, the hairdresser must also guarantee their safety.

It must implement the following actions:

  • Organize occupational risk prevention, information and training activities
  • Assess the risks in the company and develop the Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUERP)
  • Provide them with suitable equipment (water distributor, compliant equipment)
  • Establish a secure work organization.

Health Insurance lists the health problems associated with these risks and provides advice on how to prevent them.

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