Beauty business ideas you can start in Canada

74 ideas

These 74 beauty business ideas suit people who enjoy hands-on client work, have a steady eye for detail and want to build a loyal local following. Some, like a mobile waxing service or a home facial studio, keep costs low and let you start small.

Swipe through these ideas →

1k to 5k 5k to 20k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises

Beauty therapist using a laser device on a client's leg in a treatment room.

Laser hair removal from a rented treatment room

Offer laser hair removal from a room rented in an existing salon, spa or clinic, with lower fixed costs.

C$15k-60k
Part-time
Own premises

Your own laser hair removal studio

Open a small studio of your own with one or two treatment rooms and build a client base on packages.

C$25k-80k
Full-time
Own premises

An artist applying intricate henna designs to a client's hand.

Mobile mehndi artist for weddings and events

Apply henna designs for brides, guests and party groups at homes, venues and celebrations.

C$150-1k
Side hustle
Out and about

Home henna studio by appointment

Welcome clients to a set-up corner at home for henna designs before festivals, weddings and special days.

C$100-600
Side hustle
From home

Henna booth at festivals and markets

Run a henna stall at fairs, cultural festivals and markets, offering quick designs to passing crowds.

C$300-1.5k
Side hustle
Out and about

Technician applying cosmetic tattoo to a client's eyebrow in a clinic.

Permanent make-up artist in a rented suite

Offer cosmetic tattooing such as brows and lips from a rented room or suite, keeping startup costs low.

C$4k-15k
Side hustle
Own premises

Your own permanent make-up studio

Run a branded cosmetic tattoo studio from your own leased unit, with room to add artists later.

C$12k-40k
Full-time
Own premises

A barber trimming a male customer's hair in a barber shop.

Barber on a rented chair

Rent a chair in an established shop and build your own client book without opening a full shop.

C$1k-4k
Part-time
Own premises

Your own neighbourhood barber shop

Lease a small storefront, fit out two or three chairs and build a loyal local clientele.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

Mobile barber who comes to you

Travel to homes, offices and care homes with a portable kit and cut hair where clients are.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
Out and about

Stylist cutting and colouring a client's hair in a bright salon.

Rent a chair or suite as an independent stylist

Rent a chair or private suite in a shared salon and run your own client book.

C$2k-8k
Part-time
Own premises

Own small hair salon

Lease a small unit, fit it out and run your own salon with a few stylists.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

A make-up artist applying foundation to a model's face before a photoshoot.

Mobile bridal and event make-up artist

Travel to homes, hotels and venues to do make-up for brides, wedding parties and special events.

C$800-4k
Side hustle
Out and about

Freelance make-up artist for shoots and screen

Book day rates with photographers, brands and production crews for editorial, commercial and screen work.

C$1.5k-6k
Side hustle
Out and about

Home studio make-up artist

See clients in a dedicated corner of your home for special-occasion make-up, trials and lessons.

C$600-3k
Side hustle
From home

Beauty therapist shaping a client's eyebrows with thread in a salon.

Eyebrow threading and shaping studio

Rent a small suite or chair and offer threading, waxing and tinting to walk-in and booked clients.

C$3k-12k
Part-time
Own premises

Home-based brow shaping and tinting

Offer by-appointment brow threading and tinting from a clean, dedicated room at home.

C$800-3.5k
Side hustle
From home

Technician applying individual eyelash extensions to a client's lashes.

Home-based lash extension studio

Apply lash extensions and lifts by appointment from a dedicated room at home.

C$1.5k-4.5k
Side hustle
From home

Lash salon in a rented suite or studio

Run a lash studio from a rented salon suite or small unit, with room to add lash artists.

C$5k-25k
Full-time
Own premises

Therapist massaging a client's feet in a calm treatment room.

Foot massage studio

Open a small, relaxing studio where walk-in and booked clients pay for foot and lower-leg massage.

C$12k-45k
Full-time
Own premises

Mobile foot massage service

Bring foot massage to homes, offices, seniors' residences and events with a portable chair and kit.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Out and about

Therapist giving an aromatherapy massage with essential oil bottles nearby.

Home aromatherapy treatment room

Set up a calm treatment room at home and offer aromatherapy sessions by appointment.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
From home

A client receiving a non-surgical facial treatment in a bright clinic room.

Skin treatment room in a shared studio

Rent a treatment room and offer facials, peels and skin treatments, with medical oversight for anything beyond the surface.

C$5k-25k
Part-time
Own premises

A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.

Mobile spray tan service

Bring professional spray tans to clients' homes, wedding mornings and group parties.

C$800-4k
Side hustle
Out and about

About these ideas

Others, such as a lash salon in a rented suite or your own small beauty salon, need more space and a bigger upfront outlay. Before choosing, think about your training and certification, whether you want to travel to clients or host them, and how many regular customers you need to cover costs. Check the rules in your province and municipality, as licensing, insurance and home-business requirements can differ.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a licence or qualification to start a beauty business in Canada?

It depends on the service and your province. Hair, esthetics, nails and body treatments are often regulated differently, so check provincial requirements, any training hours expected, and whether your local municipality asks for a business licence.

Can I run a beauty business from home in Canada?

Often possible, but check first. Look at local zoning and home-business bylaws, your lease or condo rules, and your home insurance. Also consider hygiene standards, client parking and whether a dedicated treatment space is needed.

Is it better to go mobile or rent a studio space?

Mobile services usually cost less to start but add travel time and equipment to carry. A rented room or suite offers a consistent setting and bookings. Compare rent, insurance, travel costs and how many clients you realistically expect.