Opening a Nail Salon in Japan — Beauty Act and Fire Service Act in One Checklist

The most common source of confusion when opening a nail salon in Japan is whether the Beauty Act applies. As of 2025, nail services (gel, acrylic) do not require a cosmetologist license — but your premises setup may still require health authority notification. (Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Beauty Act; prefectural health centers)

1. Does the Beauty Act Apply?

• Nail-only services (gel, acrylic, polish): no cosmetologist license required (2025)
• Eyebrow shaping / eyelash extensions: varies by prefecture — check locally
• Any hair services (coloring, cutting): cosmetologist license + beauty salon registration mandatory
• Facial beauty (顔面の美容): covered by the Beauty Act — must confirm with prefecture

2. Fire Service Act — Acetone Handling

• Acetone is a Class 4 Hazardous Material (Fire Service Act Article 10)
• Designated quantity for acetone: 400 L
• Small salons typically hold well below this — general handling notification applies
• Storage: cool area away from flames and direct sunlight, in a closed cabinet
• Fire extinguisher: dry powder or CO2 recommended (acetone fire response)

3. Ventilation — Floor Plan Requirements

• Local exhaust above each nail table: table-integrated fan or overhead hood
• Ventilation rate: ≥ room volume (m³) × 10 air changes/hour
• Balanced supply + exhaust in enclosed rooms to prevent negative pressure
• Show duct routing on floor plan for fire department pre-consultation