Ohio salon inspections
Ohio salon inspection checklist
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board inspects Ohio salons against the state's sanitation rules. A new salon is not inspected before it opens, so it has to meet these rules from its first day. Below are the 20 rules an inspector checks, from the state's own rules and inspection pages, each beside the rule's own words. Tick them off as you get ready, filter by the services you offer, and print the list.
- Inspected by
- Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
- Before opening
- Not inspected first
- Rules on this list
- 20
- Official form
- None found
- Foot spa log
- Not stated
- MMA nail liquid
- Not stated
Read from the official sources on October 19, 2026.The full rules Ohio salon license
How it works
How Ohio inspects salons
Inspections are done by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. A new salon is not inspected before it opens; inspections come once it is licensed, so be ready from your first day.
Salons, barber shops, schools, and tanning facilities must be inspected at least once every two years.
“Salons, barber shops, schools, and tanning facilities shall be inspected at least once every two years.”
We found no inspection form published by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, so this checklist is built from the state's rules themselves.
The checklist
What Ohio inspectors check
Every rule below is from the state's own rules, beside its own words. An inspector can check anything in the rules, so read them in full once before you open.
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Ohio salon inspection checklist
salonai.studio/salon-inspection-checklist/ohio
Licenses on display
The first thing an inspector looks for: the salon's license and every working license, current and where clients can see them.
1.Display your barber shop license and a copy of the board's infection control standards.Barbering
Other required postings
Some states also want their rules, a consumer notice or the last inspection report on the wall.
2.Post the board's notice with a toll-free number and online process for reporting violations in a common area for all customers.
3.Post the board-approved notice that explains how customers can get a copy of your inspection reports, in a spot customers can easily see.
4.Have a sign in English stating your business name as submitted on your board application.
The disinfectant
What the disinfectant must be, how it is mixed and how often it is changed.
5.Prepare disinfectant fresh at least daily, and prepare it more than once a day if the solution becomes diluted or soiled.
6.Keep non-porous implements and surfaces in contact with disinfectant for the manufacturer's contact time, or for at least ten minutes if using bleach.
Cleaning tools between clients
How combs, shears, nippers and other reusable tools are cleaned and disinfected after each client.
7.Clean used non-porous tools, including synthetic-bristle brushes, with soapy water, then completely immerse them in disinfectant before using them on the next client.
8.Clean and disinfect service stations and chairs at least once daily.
Storing clean and used tools
Clean tools kept covered and apart from used ones, so nothing dirty touches the next client.
9.Store used or unclean equipment and implements separate from clean items.
10.Store unused porous items and clean, disinfected implements in a closed, dustproof cabinet, drawer or container.
Single-use items
What must be thrown away after one client because it cannot be disinfected.
11.Throw away porous implements, including brushes with natural bristles, after each use.
12.When a client removes shoes and socks, provide single-use disposable socks or sandals unless the client chooses to bring and wear their own.
Towels, capes and linens
Clean towels stored closed, used ones in a covered container until laundered.
13.Launder cloth towels, robes and similar items in a washing machine with laundry detergent, used as the manufacturer directs.
14.Provide a hamper or receptacle for all soiled towels and linens.
Water, sinks and restroom
Hot and cold running water, sinks and a restroom with a place to wash hands.
15.Provide potable running hot and cold water and proper drainage.
Pedicure equipment
How foot spas and pedicure basins are cleaned after each client and at the end of the day, and the log some states require.
16.Clean and disinfect pedicure units and removable parts, such as filters and screens, after each use.Pedicures
Banned products and tools
Products, tools and practices the state's rules forbid outright.
17.Use styptics to stop bleeding only in liquid or powder form, applied with a single-use disposable item.
The premises
Floors, walls, light, air, waste bins and keeping living space and food out of the work area.
18.Use totally nonabsorbent floor covering that extends at least three feet from the center of any styling or shampoo chair or pedicure unit.
19.Keep the salon clean, sanitary and properly ventilated.
First aid and safety
A first aid kit, what to do after a cut or blood exposure, and other safety rules.
20.Clean blood and body fluid spills as soon as possible and disinfect them with an appropriate disinfectant.
Questions
Ohio salon inspections, answered
What do salon inspectors check in Ohio?
Is a new salon inspected before it opens in Ohio?
How are salons inspected in Ohio?
Does Ohio have an official salon inspection checklist?
Plan the rest
Get the rest of the salon ready
- Every step to opening a salon, as a checklist for your state
- The salon license, fees and who must be licensed
- Which services and products the state taxes, and the sales tax permit
- What it costs to open a salon, line by line
- A client intake and consultation form
- A cancellation and no-show policy
Salon inspection checklists for other states
Ready when you are
Pass the inspection, then fill the chairs
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