If you own or operate an esthetician business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for an esthetician is 812191, classified under Facial and Non-Medical Diet and Weight Reducing Services in the Other Services sector. However, the right code for your business depends on whether you operate a dedicated skin care studio or offer services inside a full-service hair salon. This page covers the relevant codes so you can identify the one that fits.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 812191 |
| Industry Title | Facial and Non-Medical Diet and Weight Reducing Services |
| Sector | 81 (Other Services except Public Administration) |
| Industry Group | 8121 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition |
What Does NAICS Code 812191 Cover?
According to the official NAICS data, code 812191 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing facial services, non-medical diet and weight reducing services, or a combination of both.
In simple terms, this code applies to any business whose main activity is improving or maintaining a client’s physical appearance through skin care treatments that do not require a medical license. This includes:
- Esthetician studios providing facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion
- Permanent makeup salons (eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner)
- Non-medical weight reduction centers (diet and weight control programs)
- Day spas offering skin care treatments as a primary service
The important word here is non-medical. This code covers cosmetic services applied directly to a person’s skin for beauty and wellness, not medical dermatology.
Does My Esthetician Business Qualify for Code 812191?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 812191 if:
- You operate a standalone esthetician studio or skin care clinic
- Your main source of revenue comes from facials, skin treatments, or non-medical weight loss programs
- You provide permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing services
- Your studio operates as a dedicated personal care business without cutting hair
Your business may not qualify if:
- You operate a full-service beauty salon where hair care generates the most revenue, which falls under 812112 (Beauty Salons) instead
- You are a licensed medical professional (like a dermatologist) providing medical-grade treatments, which falls under healthcare codes instead
- You only offer body piercing or tattooing without dedicated skin care services, which falls under 812199 (Other Personal Care Services)
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 812191 will be required:
- SBA Loan Applications. The Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code on all loan applications. Lenders use it to assess your industry risk profile and determine eligibility for specific programs.
- Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new business entity or apply for a local health or salon license.
- Federal Contracting via SAM.gov. If your skin care studio provides services to government facilities or contractors, you must register on SAM.gov using your NAICS code.
- Business Insurance. Insurance providers use your NAICS code to classify your business type and calculate professional liability and general liability premium rates. Esthetician studios carry specific risks regarding skin reactions and chemical applications.
- Tax Filings and Compliance. Federal and state tax agencies use NAICS codes to categorize businesses for statistical reporting and compliance monitoring purposes.
- Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
812191 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 812191 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) |
| Subsector | 812 | Personal and Laundry Services |
| Industry Group | 8121 | Personal Care Services |
| NAICS Industry | 81219 | Other Personal Care Services |
| National Industry | 812191 | Facial and Non-Medical Diet and Weight Reducing Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NAICS code 812191 cover waxing and hair removal?
Yes. If you perform waxing, sugaring, or threading as part of your esthetician services in a skin care studio, it falls under 812191. However, if your business only performs electrolysis or laser hair removal, it may fall under a different personal care or healthcare code depending on your state’s medical regulations.
What if I rent a booth inside a hair salon?
If you are an independent contractor renting a booth and only providing esthetician services (like facials or brow lamination), you should still use 812191 for your own business taxes and registration. The salon itself might use the hair salon code, but your independent business is classified by what you specifically do.
Are medical-grade chemical peels still classified under 812191?
It depends on your professional license. If you are a licensed esthetician performing peels legally allowed under your state’s cosmetology board, you use 812191. If you are a medical professional (like a nurse or doctor) performing medical dermatology treatments, your business falls under Healthcare (Sector 62).
Also Read:
- NAICS Code for Fulfillment Services
- NAICS Code for Progressive Insurance
- NAICS Code for Landscaping
- NAICS Code for Manufacturing
- NAICS Code for Wholesale Distributors
- NAICS Code for Welding
- NAICS Code for Wealth Management
- NAICS Code for Warehousing
- NAICS Code for Training
- NAICS Code for Towing Company