opening hair salon business plan

How to Open a Salon in 2023 (Checklist & PDF)

Are you planning on opening a salon?

That’s awesome!

What will it be? A hair salon, nail salon, barbershop, or maybe a full-service beauty salon or spa?

I’m so happy that you landed on this article.

This is going to be an important read for you.

If you’re looking for a checklist on how to start a salon business, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Despite the inflation in 2023, the salon industry is on a rise.  People are spending more and more on beauty and it’s never been a better time to start a salon than now.

But let’s talk straight here.

Many salon businesses still fail.

And the main reason salon startups fail is not because of lack of money or poor services.

It’s because of poor planning.

This is why this article is so important to you.

In fact, this is why TheSalonBusiness.com, and all the resource I publish here, even exists.

Today, you’ll get a complete “opening a salon checklist” with all requirements for opening a salon.

If you’re on a tight budget, I’ll even show you how to open a salon with no money.

It’s quite a long article. But probably the best investment of time you can make today.

Pin it to your Pinterest board or bookmark the page so that you can come back to it later.

Are you ready to realize your dream?

Let’s go through how to start a salon business.

↓ Pin it for Later ↓

Hear how My Erlandsson Started her Salon Business and Opened her Two Hair Salons

We’ll soon dive into the opening a salon checklist, but if you want to hear the full story of what the experience of going through this is like, watch the video below where I’m interviewing My about how she went from idea to building two thriving hair salons.

How to Open a Salon?

There are 29 actions I strongly recommend you take when opening a hair or beauty salon. Below table is an opening a salon checklist you can follow to ensure you cover all you need to get done. I will go into each one in detail in this article.

These actions are relevant independently on if you’re planning to start a hair salon, nail salon, barbershop, tanning salon, beauty salon or spa.

Before we dive into each item on the opening a salon checklist, I just wanted to tackle the question I often get: How much does it cost to open a salon and can I open a salon with no money? 

Get Your Mind Ready to Start a Salon Business

You’re embarking on an exciting journey.

But it will not always be fun and easy. Opening a salon comes with responsibility and hard work. And it will be challenging at times. 

This is why the first part of the opening a salon checklist is focused on what you can do to prepare yourself. 

1. Build Your Salon Business Knowledge & Experience

Maybe you’re currently employed in a salon. Or you’re still in school.

Independently on where you are, your focus needs to be on learning the art of running a salon business now.

Obsess about learning.

The more you learn, the more you earn, when it comes to running your own business.

Getting a Cosmetology or Beautician’s degree is just the start. In fact, most schools don’t cover the business side of things as well as they should. That’s in fact why I created this blog in the first place. 

And the beauty is that there’s so many places where you can learn today. Just the fact that you’re reading this post right now tells me that I don’t really need to convince you about that 🙂

You’ll need a mix of both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

Gain Practical Salon Business Experience

Getting some practical experience before you start your own salon can save you a lot of expensive mistakes later.

So if you’re not working in a salon already, get a part time job after school (or wherever you spend your days). Get out there. Listen to what people ask for. Get a feel for how the salon business works.

You can learn tons from just being in a salon and looking at what’s happening in the salon. And now that you know you’ll be starting a salon yourself, you’ll observe the world through a difference lens and see things other people not planning to start a salon will see.

Learn the World of Business

There’s blogs, YouTube, podcasts etc. you can subscribe to for free. Well, I don’t really need to tell you that since you’re reading this now :).

I publish a ton of free blog posts, videos, and courses to support you.

Here’s a few resources I recommend you start with:

• Download my PDF guide to building a thriving salon business
• Sign-up for any upcoming live trainings
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel

That’s probably enough for you to start with 🙂

2. Get a Salon Mentor

You’re not the first one to start a salon.

Many people have gone through the same journey. So why not learn from them?

A mentor is someone you can meet on a regular basis to discuss the challenges and ideas for your new business. Someone who have the experience to guide you and give you perspective on what you’re going through.

I would never have been where I am today without my mentors and I strongly recommend that you look in your network if you know someone with the right experience that you can reach out to.  

3. Articulate a Vision for Your Beauty Business 

You cannot build a house without having first a clear vision and drawing of what that house should look like.

I’m sure you’ll agree with me that if you start building a house without a vision and plan, you’ll end up with a strange and random structure that probably never will be finished.

The same goes for your salon business.

All things are created twice; First mentally; then physically. The key to creativity is to begin with the end in mind, with a vision and a blue print of the desired result. Stephen R. Covey

You need to have a clear and vivid picture of what your salon will look like to be able to get at least close to it. Try to really envision what it will be like when you’ve opened the doors of your new salon. 

What type of clients will you meet in your salon?

What will the salon interior look like?

Will you have staff working for you? If so, what will they be like?

You don’t need to get rational here. Don’t start writing bullet point lists of everything you’ll have. Instead, picture yourself visually in your salon. Try to feel now what feeling you’ll have when you’re there. 

This might sound fluffy but it is proven that having a clear and vivid picture of what your future looks like significantly increases your chances that this is how your salon will end up.

4. Decide the Type of Beauty Business to Start

I’m sure you already have an idea about if you want to start a hair salon, nail salon, barbershop, beauty salon, spa or something else.

But there’s many different types of salons you can start. 

Salon Business Types

These are some of the common types of salon models that you should consider when starting your salon business and there’s also variations to each model that you’ll discover.

Try to get clear on which model that resonates best with your budget, risk acceptance, and desire for freedom.  

5. Define who your Ideal Salon Client Is

Starting your own salon business means you’re the boss – right?

Well, yes and no..

In fact, it’s more as if you just got a new boss..

You might know her, she’s called your client 🙂

So who do you want as your boss?

Your salon exists to serve your clients. If you serve your clients well, you’ll also be rewarded. But all people do not want the same thing. Some have limited budget, some value going to a know salon name, some want a pampering experience, and some have limited time and want a fast service.

This is why it’s important to, already now, decide on who your ideal client is. This way you can design everything about your new salon in a way that speaks to her. 

Because you cannot be attractive to everyone.

When you speak to everyone, you speak to no one Meredith Hill

Get as clear as you possibly can about who your ideal salon client is. Picture her in front of you.

I want you to see her.

She can be a person you already know or a fictive character that you just make up. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have a vivid picture of who she, what she likes, and what problems she has. The persona is someone you should have in your head as you make the thousands of big and small decicions about your business over the coming months and year. 

There’s a few questions you can ask yourself as you define who your ideal salon client is.

Who do you want in your Salon?

Maybe the most important one. You’re going to spend a lot of time with your client, so it better be someone who you actually want in your salon or it will be difficult to serve her well in the long run.

How Big is the Market?

It’s good to get detailed in the definition of your ideal client. The more specific you are, the more she will feel like your salon is exactly for her. But, at the same time, you need to make sure there’s actually a sufficient amount of people in the area that fit with the description of your ideal salon client or you may be niching down your salon too much.

You’ll learn more about how to define your salon’s target market as you create your salon business plan .

How Profitable can you Make the Target Salon Client?

You can make most salon clients profitable. However, your choice of salon client will influence your salon’s business model . For example, you can go after the cost-conscious client with low prices and make that profitable. However, your operations will need to follow. Meaning, shorter appointments, basic services, and less attractive salon location potentially. This is why you need to have the overall salon vision in mind when choosing the client to go after.

Does she have a Problem you can Solve?

Finally, you should think about how you deliver value to the target client. And you do that by solving her problems. 

Understand what her problem is and how you can solve it. Your solution will often be part of the salon services you offer but it can also be how you offer them. For example via attractive prices, a rich experience, or convenience.

6. Study Your Competition

Competition is a good thing.

You shouldn’t be scared just because you see other beauty salons in the area.

The opposite actually.

I would get more suspicious if there weren’t any other salons in the area as this may be a signal that there’s no need for one. 

The fact that there’s competition proves there’s a market.

But you should stay close to the competition, understand what they are doing, and what’s working and not working for them. This way you can avoid making expensive mistakes yourself. In fact, coming in later to a market gives you an advantage. You have fresh eyes while they are, in many cases, locked into how to do things which makes it more difficult for them to be innovative and come with new thinking. This is what you will do and that will give you an edge over them.

But how should you study your competition? 

Do a Google Search

One of the most common ways that people will find your salon is via search. Having your salon showing up at the top of the search result page will be crucial for your success. So you should check out who’s currently owning that space in your area and study that salon.

Have a Coffee Outside the Salon Near You

Just spending a few hours looking at what their clientele looks like, how they meet their clients, and what they offer them can give you a lot of insight into the positioning of their salon and what clients they serve.

Follow them on Social Media

Like with search, social media is an important marketing channel for salons . You want to see how they use it and if they have an engaged following. Following them will also give you more insight into what they are doing in the salon and any salon promotions they are currently running.

Browse Other Salon’s Websites

You must go over the websites of all salons in your area. Here you can make note of salon services offered and their pricing . Note all this information down in a spreadsheet or document as you’ll need it when you’re designing your salon offer . 

But you shouldn’t only look at salons in your area. In the end, you want to be different from them. Spend some time also going over other salons’ websites and make notes about their salon branding, marketing, price list, and offer. To help you with this, I’ve pulled together a long list of nail salon websites, hair salon websites, and beauty salon websites here . 

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Mario Puzo

Create your Blue Ocean

The competing salons in your area will influence how big share of the market you can get. This is something we’ll go into in more depth as we start writing your salon business plan .

However, the size of the market is not definite. You can make the market bigger. When you know what competition is up to, you can focus on how you can be different to them. And how you can add additional revenue streams to your salon that they don’t have. 

You can create a Blue Ocean to compete in.

The concept of Blue Ocean Strategy was coined by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne in their book with the same name . In the book, they make the distinction between a red ocean and a blue ocean where the red ocean is where traditional business compete for market shares. While businesses with a blue ocean strategy go and increase the size of the market by being different from the other.

I’d recommend you to look at competition with that lens.Think about how you can make the market bigger vs. just eating share from your competitors. 

Plan and Setup Your Salon Business

It’s time to build the platform you’ll launch your salon business on. In the coming steps, you’ll be creating your business plan and complete all the requirements when opening a salon.

7. Start Drafting Your Salon Business Plan

Opening a salon is a big project.

And the journey to getting there can seem overwhelming in the beginning. Where do I start and what do I do next?

You need a plan.

And I suggest you start drafting one already now. It doesn’t need to be perfect from start. But it will help you ask the right questions when you move forward with your salon business setup.

Let’s cover an overview of the key components of your business plan.

What is a Salon Business Plan?

A salon business plan is a summary of how your salon business will function and clarifies why it will be successful. It provides a roadmap with goals and milestones to lead your salon to success.

Why do You Need a Salon Business Plan?

The primary reason you need a salon business plan is for you to get in control of your beauty business and to enable the right decisions up front.

A well laid out plan gives you a clear path to follow as you set out while it also helps spot weaknesses in your salon business early. You also need a salon business plan to communicate with others.

If you need to raise money, the bank or investor will want to see your salon business plan before issuing any funds.

Tracking your Progress

Any plan you build is useless unless you’re able to measure and track how you’re living up to the plan. To enable this, you need to get a salon software with strong reporting capabilities that allow you to understand the numbers.

The tool I use and recommend is Mangomint . Not only because of all the powerful reporting features (as shown in the video below), but because it’s simply a pleasure for you, your team, and your clients to use.

What Should a Salon Business Plan Include?

To learn more about all the parts you need when creating your salon business plan, I’ve put together a step-by-step salon business plan guide here .

8. Define Your Salon Start-up Budget

One of the biggest worries for new salon owners is money.

You likely have bills to pay mouths to feed. And it’s hard to predict exactly how much your salon business will generate when.

But you can mitigate this stress through proper budget planning. 

How to Create a Salon Budget

The easiest way to plan out your salon expenses is to create an expense forecast in Live Plan. This allows you to automate the whole process.

If you’re good in Microsoft Excel, you can use that as well of course. 

What’s most important is that you get a realistic budget in place that you can update and maintain as you move forward and learn about what the actual costs are.

But what you you include in your salon expense list? Let’s go over what the common costs are. 

Salon Start-up Costs List

Common  costs when starting a salon  are:

• Rent deposit
• Buying out previous salon owner
• Leasehold improvements
• Salon equipment
• Initial supplies and inventory
• Certifications and licenses 
• Salon insurance
• Salon launch marketing

Your expense forecast should also include the going costs your salon will have. 

Monthly Salon Expenses List

The biggest monthly expenses a salon have are:

• Rent and utility bills
• Product purchases
• Education 

I’ve also put together a salon cost guide that I recommend you go through which covers the topic in more depth. This guide will help you identify the costs you need to include as well as give you some assumptions that you can work with. 

Access the article here: How much does it cost to start a salon?

9. Find a way to Finance your Salon

If you’ve completed the previous step, you should now have an idea of much money you’ll need to start your salon business.

Hopefully you have some money saved for you new venture. But chances are you’ll need more money than that to set your salon venture off to a successful start.

There are of course ways you can get additional funding for your salon start-up. I have summarized the options you have here. Needless to say, you need to use caution and conservative business assumptions when you’re raising capital from other sources than your own. This comes with additional risk which you need to be conscious about.

1. Get an Overview of the Money You Already Have

The best is if you can fund part of your salon using money you already have. Consider what you have on your savings account, if your have any stocks you can sell, if you own a property you can draw credit from, or if you have things you can sell like jewellery or cars.

2. Let Family and Friends Invest in Your Salon

You may have people around you who believe in your venture and are ready to support you. The benefit of this is of course that it eliminates credit approvals and bank fees. However, you want to make sure that you’re not putting your relationships at risk. Thus, I would really only consider accepting friends and family support if you are confident you can return the payment.

3. Use Credit Cards for Short Term Financial Help

Credit cards are commonly used when starting up a business to get short term funds for investments. This can be a great help for your cash flow but you of course need to be certain that you’re able to pay back after the short payment period.

Interest rates for credit cards after the payment period can be high so if you’re not using it safely you can end up in a bad place that you want to avoid.

4. Get a Bank Business Loans for your Salon

There are providers that specialize in small business loans. A popular place to turn for loans is Fundera. They compare different loan providers for you so that you can find the best solution for you.

It can be difficult to get a regular loan from providers if you’re just starting out and don’t have and proven business performance to show. This is where SBA financing comes in.

5. SBA Financing for Salons

If you’re not able to get a regular bank loan you may still be able to get an SBA secured loan. What this means is that the U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees the loan for you. This reduces the risk for the lender and in turn the cost of the Loan.

To find out who offers SBA secured loan, you can compare SBA loan options at Fundera. You should be prepared for that the application process for these loans to be long even if the cost of the loans are typically lower than traditional bank loans. 

So you should apply for your SBA loan as soon as you know you need one.

Financing Summary

It’s not as easy to get good financing when you’re starting a new salon business as when you have a well-established salon and just need additional funds to grow.

You can always check what loans you can get at Fundera. They also have a proven track record of being able to find solutions to new business where the traditional banks have said no.

Even if you can get a loan, you still want to make sure you do not take too high risk yourself. You want to be confident in your ability to pay it back. What will help you get that confidence is a good salon business plan . This is also something that bank will want to see to give you a loan.

10. Decide on your Salon’s Legal Business Structure

You’re making good progress!

You’re starting to get a log of the foundations in place to launch your new salon business. So it’s soon time to officialize your new business!

But before you do, you need to decide what legal structure your business should be.

What Legal Business Structure Should a Beauty Salon Be?

Salon owners can choose from five possible legal structures when starting a salon business: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corporation, or C Corporation but an LLC is probably your best option. 

The choice of business structure affects how much taxes you’ll pay, your liability, how much administrative work you need to do as well as your ability to get loans and raise money.  

An LLC business setup protects you from personal liability. It’s only the money that you put into your business that you have at risk. This is the main reason you should consider an LLC vs. a Sole Proprietorship. 

LLCs are also flexible. They don’t require shareholder meetings, a board of director and other formalities that a corporation does.  On top, there’s also more flexibility when it comes to taxation. 

However, the right legal structure could be different for you. There are services like Zen Business that can help you here.

11. Come up with a Good Salon Name

You have reach the exciting (or daunting in some cases) part of your opening a salon checklist.

It’s time to come up with a name for your salon.

There are four questions I recommend you as yourself as you start brainstorming on good salon names for your business.  

A) Does the Salon Name Reflect You and Your Salon?

Your salon’s name should be unique and distinct to you. In order to land on the right name, take 2 minutes to think about how you’d like your salon to be perceived (e.g. classy, creative, or cool) as well as what it is that makes your salon unique. This can be the specific services you offer or the story about why your hair salon exists in the first place.

B) Does the Name Make it Intuitive that it is e.g. a Hair Salon?

You will be using your salon’s name in all your future  salon marketing activities . And in many cases, you only have a split second to communicate who you are.

This is why it’s vital that people immediately understand what type of business you run or you’ll lose their attention. So if you’re using a more cryptic but cool name, you might want to add “Salon”, “Hair”, or “Nails” to the name so that people understand what you’re about.

C) Can you Find an Available Website Domain Name?

Soon after you’ve locked on your salon name, you’ll need to  create your salon website  and business email addresses. To do that, you need a domain name (e.g. examplesalon.com).

As all businesses are increasingly moving online and the cost of a domain name is low, the number of available domain names are becoming fewer. This is why it’s good to do a check already now to see if the name you want is available or you might want to adapt your name.

The easiest way of doing this is by using Namecheap. They allow you to search for names and generate more ideas. If it’s busy, you can try with appending your “hair”, “salon”, or your city to the name. When you find something good, you can grab it at a low price with Namecheap to ensure no one else takes it.

D) What will the Name Look Like as a Hair Salon Logo?

Your hair salon name not only needs to sound good. It needs to look good.

You don’t necessarily need to finalize your logo at this stage but it’s a good idea to at least test what it could look like when you turn it into a logo. As you do this exercise you might realize that certain letters would be better than others which could influence your final hair salon name.

It’s really easy to do this test with Canva. Canva is a free design tool that most entrepreneurs use to design things for their businesses. They also offer a free 30 day trial of their paid plan which gives you access to great logo assets. Thus, I’d suggest you get on the free trial to generate your logo ideas (which you can complete in less than the trial period).

E) Brain Storm Name Ideas

As I get a lot of questions about name ideas, I’ve put together this enormous salon naming guide. It’s a PDF that contains thousands of name ideas while walking you through a process to help ensure you decide on the right name for your business.

Download the salon naming guide PDF here .

12. Register your Salon Business

It’s time to get your business registered with the state.

How you should register your business is determined by the business structure and location. But you’ll likely need to get a tax ID first as well as required licenses and permits for your salon .

This is not difficult but to make life easy for you, you can use a service like Zen Business to set up the business for you.

You just need to select the desired business structure and fill out a simple questionnaire.

This will save you time that you instead can invest into getting your new salon up and running. 

13. Obtain Required Salon Licences and Permits

There’s a few licenses and permits you’ll need when you open a salon. 

We should be thankful that this is the case as it ensure professional knowledge and service quality which protects salon clients. It also keeps unserious players away from our industry. 

Let’s go over what the common ones are.

What Licenses do I Need to Open a Salon? 

The licenses and permits you need to open a salon are:

• State Cosmetology or Beautician’s License
• Salon Retail Seller Permit
• Salon Business Operation License
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Certificate of Occupancy

On top of the above, you’re (in most states) also required to have a salon insurance . I’ll cover what salon insurance you need later on in this guide.  

To learn more about the licenses you’ll need when opening a salon as well as how much you should expect your salon licenses to cost, you can read my complete guide on licences for beauty salons here . 

Build out your Salon Location

Your physical Salon is at the heart of your business. In the coming step, we’ll go through how you find and set up your salon facility.

14. Find a Good Salon Location

Location, location, location.

These are the three most important things for a salon or spa business.

But is the salon location as important as it used to be?

If your salon has a strong presence on social media , you’ll not be as dependent on street traffic as in the past.

Your salon gets visibility and attract clients online instead. This is why I thought the quote from Jeff Bezos was fitting here.

The three most important things in retail are location, location, location. The three most important things for our consumer business are technology, technology, technology. Jeff Bezos

But even if you build a strong online presence, the location of your salon remain important. 

Where you’re located says a lot about you.

And it needs to be convenient for your target client to get to you.

Salon’s based in an area with a high amount of people walking or driving by also need to invest less in marketing their salon . They get that for free thanks to the location. 

But picking the right salon location comes down to much more than street traffic and the convenience for clients to get there.

In fact, in my guide to choosing a salon location , I include a checklist with 21 things that you must consider before signing your lease agreement.

15. Protect Yourself, Your Employees and Your Salon with the Right Salon Insurance

Running a salon comes with risk.

Things will go wrong.

A client could slip and break an ankle. You could accidentally give the wrong advice to a client that causes them injury. One of your staff could get injured. Or you could spill out chemicals during a mobile salon home visit.

These are just some examples of things you’re liable for as a salon owner. And just some reasons why you need to ensure you have the right insurance policies in place for your salon.

It’s natural to look for savings opportunities when starting a salon, but don’t let your insurance be one of them. This could cost you a lot down the line. Some insurances are also required in most states.

Below are common insurances you’ll need even if it can differ depending on the salon type.

You can combine some policies to help you save money. I explain more about that in my guide to salon insurance that you can read here . 

16. Design Your Salon Layout

First impression.

This is the most important thing when people walk into your salon. The experience people have when they arrive is what will set the standard of what type of salon you are and if your salon is right for them.

Your salon is also the workplace for you and your staff. And it’s not laid out in a way that is practical, you’ll soon go crazy.

So when you create your salon layout, you need to balance the appearance with the practicality.

How exactly to layout your salon will, of course, differ depending on your salon dimensions. You can learn more about the recommended common salon room dimensions in my other article .

I have put together a list of salon decor and design ideas that you can check out for inspiration. For more salon design and decor ideas, I think Pinterest is the best platform for free inspiration. I try to pin nice ideas that I come across on my Pinterest board here .

Your salon lighting also plays a massive role in your salon’s appearance. Check out my article about salon lighting design to learn about lighting fixtures and options for salons.

Below are some specific salon design ideas to have in mind as you layout your salon.

Small Salon Design Ideas

It’s natural that your first salon will be smaller which means optimizing the space will be crucial to you. Here’s some small salon design ideas: 

• Make the most of salon daylight. A brighter salon feels more spacious.
• Use a mirrored wall as this creates a perception of larger space.
• Consider to island styling stations vs. against the wall to create more space

Read my article on small salon design ideas for more inspiration here.

Salon Reception Area Design & Layout

The salon reception and retail area should be the first thing clients see as they walk into the salon. 

You want to keep your reception tidy and clean. This is a working space for making bookings, answering phone, and in many case other administrative tasks. But you need to be careful that it doesn’t end up looking messy with paper a stationary lying around.

Don’t hide your retail behind the reception desk. Your client need to be able to pick up products during check out without the receptionist having to give it to them. You can also make room for promotional display and impulse purchase products at the check out. 

The reception waiting area is a good place to promote your services and products. Make sure your retail is visible from the waiting area and have your salon service menu available to people as they wait.

As a rule of thumb, the amount of chairs you need in your waiting area is about half of the number of styling stations you have. Let’s say you have eight styling stations, in that case it should be sufficient with four chairs.

Get more inspiration for salon reception designs here .

Styling Station Area Layout

This is where your clients will spend the most time. Privacy is important here. Your clients need to feel comfortable. It can be tempting to add in more styling stations to grow revenue but you need to consider the space for your clients and also staff working around the chair.

Allow at least 40 inches between salon chairs to avoid that clients sit on each other. And ensure there’s sufficient working space around stations and behind the chair.

Make sure you have good styling station lighting so that your staff can work effectively and the result on the client looks as good as possible.

Get more ideas for styling station designs here .  

Salon Backwash Area Design

The backwash area is not just a place to wash hair. It’s a place where you provide a client experience. It’s also one of your best opportunities to upsell your client on care treatments and talk about the products you’re using to increase sales of retail.

Try to separate out backwash area from the busy salon space. This should be a calm and relaxing area. Allow for 32 inches left to right for each shampoo station and 36 inches behind the station for the stylist.

As a rule of thumb, you need a shampoo station for every three styling stations. That is, if you’re a large salon with 15 styling stations, you should be ok with 3 shampoo stations.

17. Order the Salon Equipment and Tools you Need

Salon equipment is a big expense when you’re just starting a new salon. So you want to get this right. The best place to find salon equipment, at good price, is on the web. 

Most salon equipment manufacturers are now present on Amazon. And this is also where I’ve found the best prices for salon equipment and accessories. 

Equipment Needed for Hair Salons

Some of the large equipment you need as you start out your salon are:

• Salon chairs
• Styling station
• Back wash unit

These will be your bigger expense items. But on top, there’s a number of other things you’ll need like cutting shears, combs & brushes, styling tools, carts, and service accessories. 

To help you build a check list of the things you’ll need, I’ve put together a complete list of recommended hair salon equipment here .  

This list includes cost estimates for each items to help you build a budget. I’ve also included recommendations for the best equipment as well as low cost alternatives if you’re just starting out.

Check out my recommended equipment for hair salons

Create Your Salon Brand and Offer

You should now have your salon location and all the requirements to open a salon in place. Awesome!

But what should you offer in the salon? What’s your salon’s value proposition?

This is what we’ll work on next.

18. Create a Salon Logo

Your logo is a core asset of your brand.

You’ll use it everywhere: social media, website, business cards, and more.. 

So you want to get it right. 

There’s two ways that you can go about creating your logo. Either you hire a salon marketing agency to do it for you or you do it yourself.

Using a salon marketing agency will cost you a bit more but ensures you get a perfect result. However, you don’t actually need to be a Photoshop guru today to create a professional logo. 

You can use Canva to generate a logo for you in just a few minutes using their online service.

For logo inspiration you can check out my list of salon logo design ideas . In the video below, I’m also walking you through some good principles to consider when designing your logo.

19. Design the Visual Identity of your Salon

Your salon brand is much more than just your logo.

Several visual components make up the look and feel of your brand.

• The colors you use
• The look and feel of images
• The font(s) you use
• The way you write and talk

How you put this together is crucial for your brand. You need to do it in a way that resonates with the target client. If you know your target salon client is old men, you probably would not use bright pink colors and pop music in your salon. You’d probably go for a more traditional, dark color, approach. 

Your salon software should allow you to customize the booking experience and client interactions to fit your brand colors.

Below is an example using Mangomint for online booking where you can see how big the difference is when you customize the booking experience to your brand.

You need to be consistent here.

The colors you choose should be reflected in your salon decor, your social media , and your website .

People should feel that they are in contact with your salon even if they don’t see your name and logo. The visual identity should be enough.

This is how you build a strong connection with your client. 

This is how you build a brand.

Let me tell you more in the video below.

20. Create a Strategic Salon Service Menu

Your service menu is at the core of any salon business.

In fact, what you list on your menu and how you use it can make a massive difference to your business.

An issue I see all too often is that salon owners irrationally discount their services. It’s as if they “want to be nice” to their clients and don’t think they can charge full price.

This is one of the biggest issues in our industry.

It comes with several negative consequences. It’s the start of a negative spiral where salon owners aren’t able to pay competitive wages, which in turn leads to high staff turnover, which in the end can lead to burnout of the salon owner.

This needs to end.

And a simple way to deal with it is by being disciplined with your service menu.

Take the time you need to build your menu and set your prices.

If profitability is important to you (which I hope it is), you will price your services differently depending on who delivers the service. You may even offer different prices depending on if the service is booked at peak hours or not.

To be able to support a more sophisticated price list like this, you’ll need intelligent salon software. Below is what it looks like when I’m setting up service in Mangomint .

This platform allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to pricing and managing your services.

Let’s go through some more principles when building a strategic price list.

Designed with your Target Salon Client in Mind

All your services are there to serve your target client. If you’re not sure what she wants, ask her. She might not know what it is that she wants but as you get to know her better you’ll spot ideas that you can add to further strengthen your offer. 

The Role of Core Services

You’ll have two types of services on your menu. Your core services and your add-on service. 

The core services are your bread and butter. This is the haircut, basic color services or the standard pedicure or manicure. These are the services people would call and book even if they had not seen your menu. 

There’s a natural demand for these services and it’s typically what a first-time client would come in for.

You should avoid discounting these services unless for a special, tactical promotion. But it’s risky. Instead, you should benchmark prices for these services closely with competition in the area. I’m not saying you should have the same price. But if you go higher, you should have a reason why. And the same if you go lower. These are the prices that your client is most aware of when comparing you to other salons. 

For more examples of hair salon core services, check out my separate article with a list of salon services to consider for your hair salon menu .

The Role of Add-on Services

Add-on services are different. As the name suggests, these are additions or upgrades to a client’s visit. It could be a premium version of your core service. Like a balayage color instead of a regular color service. It can also be a care treatment that you add to the appointment.

These are powerful tools to increase the client spend per visit. Some of them will have to be pre-booked, but others can be added on during the visit.

For ideas on add-on hair salon services, check out my salon price list guide here . 

Promoting your Services

There are many ways you can run promotions on your services.

And service promotions can be a very effective tool to drive and grow your business. But you don’t want to do it in a way that undermines your prices. And there’s strategies to enable this. 

To learn more about how you can create salon promotions without undermining your pricing, you can read my salon promotions guide here . 

Keeping your Salon Menu Up-to-Date

Maintaining an up-to-date service menu should be part of your service strategy.

This is how you keep clients for long. You’re their go-to-person for beauty trends and they expect you to bring what’s new to them. By continuously updating your menu you’ll explore new ways of growing your business – you remove what doesn’t work and build on what’s working. 

21. Decide on Your Salon Retail Assortment

Retail sales is a powerful profit driver in your salon revenue model . 

Income from retail is typically split 50/50 between you and the brand where you part adds directly to your profit as the costs associated with retail sales is low. It doesn’t take up extra time from you to sell a product with the service and you only need a small area at your reception with some shelving solution do so. 

But what retail products should you offer?

Let’s go through a few principles to have in mind when designing your salon retail assortment.  

Figure out what your Client Wants

Like with many things in this opening a salon checklist, designing your retail offer start with understanding your target client.

What type of brands is she looking for? What products complement the service offering you’ve designed for her?

By talking to her you’ll get insight into what she’s looking for. Listen and test things out to see what works. 

Don’t Offer Products that Compete

There’s little point having many similar products from different brands. Unless you have a very large retail area and your strategy is to be a one-stop-shop for all retail, it should focus on fewer brands that complement each other.

For example, let’s say you’re a hairdresser, then you could have one good base styling brand, one good base care brand, and one electrical styling brand. On top of that, you’d have specialized brands. For example, a haircare brand for hair loss, or a vegan brand if that’s a feature desired by your client.

Research shows that too many options lead to people not making any choice instead ( Psychology Today ). Your sales of one brand will just cannibalize on the other similar brand so you don’t necessarily make more sales but just need a larger retail area and more brands to be trained with your staff.  

Start with a small core brand offering and then expand. Having fewer brands looks more professional and it’s also easier to upsell a client to a product within the same brand than to recommend products from two different brands.

Working with one product supplier also means you’ll purchase more from them compared to if you were shopping from multiple suppliers. This typically enables you to get more favorable terms with them.

Get the Support Needed to Get your Salon Started

Your new salon is starting to take shape. But you’ll soon realize that you cannot do everything yourself. You’ll need good support systems and partnerships to effectively run your salon business.

In the following section, I’ll cover some of the foundational things you’ll need to get your salon setup.

22. Get a Good Salon Software

The right salon software can be your best friend when starting and running a salon business.

It can drive your business forward through built-in salon marketing features. It gets you in control of your business through the right reporting. It takes care of the mundane tasks you shouldn’t really be wasting your time on – like appointment and inventory management. 

Before you open the doors to your new salon, you need to have a good solution in place. 

Some of the things a Salon Software will help you with are:

• Online Booking
• Client Management
• Automated Text and E-mail Messages
• Inventory Management
• Payroll Management
• Point of Sale Checkout
• Credit Card Payment

I’ve mentioned Mangomint a few times already in this guide. This is the most sophisticated and well designed platform available today.

This thing is beautiful, super intuitive to use for you, your staff, and your clients. It also leverages smart automations that allow you to run your business with much less friction compared to other platforms.

Below is what the Mangomint calendar looks like.

I strongly recommend you give this a try. In fact, it’s free to create an account which you can play around with for 30 days before you need to decide.

Try Mangomint for free here .

If you want to learn how Mangomint compares to other options available, I recommend you go through my list of the best salon software in 2023 .

23. Get a Domain Name and E-Mail Address for your Salon

Few things look as unprofessional as businesses with a Hotmail or Gmail address. Wouldn’t you agree?

When you start your salon you want to make sure you also register a domain name that reflects your business. A domain name is your address on the internet e.g. “yoursalonname.com/.ca/.co.uk”. Registering a domain like that allows you to have it pointing to your website using “www.yoursalonname.com” as well as for your e-mail “ [email protected] ”.

The cost of a domain name is very low. This is why all businesses have them. It also means it can be difficult to find one that is available for your salon. Especially if you want a .com address.

However, given your salon is most likely a local business that only exists in your country, you should register a domain for your specific country. For example, if your salon is based in the UK, you should register a “.co.uk” domain.

Even then it can be difficult to find a name that fits your salon. So you’ll probably need to try a few variations. Let’s say you’re starting a nail salon with the name “Infinity” and you’re based in London UK. You’ll need to try some variations of “Infinity.co.uk”. For example “Inifinitynails.co.uk”, “Inifinitylondon.co.uk”, or “Inifinitynailslondon.co.uk” etc. until you find something that works for you. 

Check what domain names are available using the search bar below.

24. Setup your Salon Website

All salons need a website today.

There’s no getting around that. 

This is the hub of everything you do. This is where all your salon marketing activities points to and this is where clients get to know you before they book their first appointment. 

Your website is often the first impression people have with you.

So you want it to be a good one. 

And it’s critical that the salon software you choose to go with allow you to integrate online booking on your website. Not all salon sofware does this but forces you to link out to a separate website that they control for clients to book.

Not great for the client experience.

Below is how Mangomint solves this. Independently on how you website is designed, the booking widget fades in on top of your website so that people can book, purchase gift cards etc. without leaving your website.

You have a two options when it comes to creating your salon’s website:

You can hire a salon marketing agency to create the website for you or you can do it yourself using a salon website builder .

It’s not difficult to create website today. You don’t need to know any coding to do so. So if you’re on a small budget, this is certainly an option today.

Independently on how you decide to go about this, I recommend you go through one of the lists below to capture some ideas and inspiration for your website.

• Top salon website examples in 2023
• Best barbershop website examples in 2023
• Best spa website examples in 2023

25. Setup your Salon’s Social Media

I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise to you that social media is important when you’re opening a new salon.

This is where your clients are and this is how you get your new salon visible in front of them. So you need to start setting up your new salons presence on social media immediately. 

But where should you start? 

I understand this can feel overwhelming at first. And you need to be smart about how you use social media for your salon.

It’s very easy to spend a lot of time posting and interacting with others on social media without it really leading to new clients for you. 

This is why I’ve put together a complete guide to social media for salons here .

This is a good place for you to start when your building out your salon’s social media strategy and setting up your account.

26. Order Salon Business Cards and Branded Material

Now that you’re starting to approach your salon opening, it’s time to order some branded material to use when promoting your salon.

Branded material includes Business cards, salon menu, promotional signs, clothing, etc. All the help bring to life a consistent picture of your new salon brand.

I have compiled a list of salon business card ideas that I recommend you go through for more inspiration.

Scale Your Salon Business

Awesome! Your salon business is setup.

It’s now time to move from being a new salon into a profitable and growing salon business. The final part of this open a salon checklist is focused on accelerating your salon business growth.

27. Build a Salon Marketing Plan to Accelerate Your Business

Now that you have your salon setup, your focus should shift to growing it.

You’ll need more clients through the doors and you need each client to spend more with you.

In fact, the reason I write on this blog is to help salon owners start and grow their business. So you’ve certainly landed in the right place. If you haven’t done so already, I suggest you sign up for one of my free courses that’ll give you more ideas on how you can grow your salon business.

But let’s already now build a plan for how you can grow your salon business.  

How do you Grow a Salon Business?

There are 7 ways you can grow a salon business:

• Grow your salon clientele
• Get your existing clients to visit your salon more frequently
• Sell more services/products per salon visit
• Sell more expensive services/ products during each salon visit
• Reduce your salon operation cost
• Add additional, non-traditional, income streams to your salon business
• Scale up your salon business

You can read my article on how to grow your salon business here . In this article, I break down each driver of salon growth which will help you define how you should measure and track your business to ensure you focus on the right things. 

What Activities can you do to Grow your Salon Business?

Now that you know what you need to focus on an measure to grow your business, what activities should you fill your plan with that will get you there?

Only you can decide what activity is right for you. It all depends on the specific challenges your salon business has. 

To get your started, I’ve curated a list for you with the most effective salon marketing ideas here . I recommend you go over the list and pick a few that you’ll focus on over the coming months.  

28. Hire Salon Staff and Motivate Your Team

You’ll not be able to make your salon successful without a strong team to support you. 

And to scale your business you’ll need to shift your focus to hiring talented staff to grow the business together with you. 

But you cannot only focus on hiring new salon staff. 

You also need to make sure that the team you have in place enjoy their work and perform their best.

Salon staff turnover is a big concern for many salon owners. The cost of hiring and re-training staff is high. 

There’s several strategies you can implement to keep your salon staff motivated .  

In fact, I’ve put together a complete guide for you with 13 ways to motivate salon staff that I strongly recommend you read as you start to grow your team of salon employees. Check out my article  “13 Highly Effective Ways to Motivate Salon Staff”.

29. Review and Adapt your Salon Business Plan

If you’ve followed the opening a salon checklist outlined in this article, you should have a salon business plan in place now. 

But your salon business plan is not a document you create ones and never touch again. 

The opposite.

It’s a living document that you should revise regularly to set new goals for your business and incorporate all the learnings that you’re making on the way.

Because you’ll learn a lot as you open your salon. 

But it’s easy to lose the big picture when you’re busy dealing with the next issue ahead. You need to make sure you find to work on your business and not only in the business.

Take a step back regularly to look at what is working and not. Double down on what’s working and drop the things that didn’t go as expected.

This is an ongoing process.

And this is the art of running a successful salon business. 

Congratulations! 

You made it to the end of this article. Well done!

I told you at the start that reading this through would be the best investment of time you can make today. I hope I delivered on that. If I did, I would be very grateful if you wanted to share this with friends using the social buttons on this page. 

We’ve covered the list of 29 steps to open a salon. 

It was a long list. But starting a salon business is also a long journey.

You’ve taken an important first step on the journey today. But there’s more to come. Let’s stay connect on the way. This website is packed with resources to help you along the way.

I’m really excited for you now. 

All the best on this new and beautiful adventure!

Common Questions & Answers

How to open a salon with no money.

To open a salon with no money you need to create a detailed salon business plan  in which you minimize up front salon equipment investments, are highly prudent about all salon operation costs, and enable smart loans and investments into your business. Below are specific tactics you can implement to enable a salon start without money.

• Build a one year “salon bootstrap plan”: Start with a low cost salon business model  (booth rental, home salon, or mobile salon) that carries minimal cost but allow you to build up capital and experience to open your ideal salon.
• Borrow salon equipment:  Build a plan for what equipment you need to buy when and borrow tools in the beginning until you’ve built some capital. 
• Get a full view on how much you can self-fund:  Identify any savings accounts, real estate, pension accounts, 401k, that you can use as security for a loan. Also turn to friends and family for capitial support. Self funding gives you full control of your business but you also carry all risk so you need to be careful and seek personal financial advice first.
• Get venture capital from investors: Give a share in your salon business to an investor in return for up front capital.
• Apply for an SBA backed loan:  When banks thinks your business is too risky to lend money, the U.S. Small Business Administration you can agree to guarantee your loan. You can compare SBA loans at Lendio. 

I’ll go into more detail on salon financing options in the finance your salon section of this article but these are some of the common ways to get support if you want to start a salon with no money.

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Beauty Salon?

The cost of opening a beauty salon is around $62’000 for a good but basic setup in your own physical location. Nail salon start up cost is typically lower than for hair salons or barber shops. Cost can be significantly higher ($500’000+) but there are also ways you can start your salon business on a much smaller budget ($2’000).

Common salon startup costs are:

• Buy out of current salon
• Leasehold improvement
• Salon marketing
• Legal and consulting fees

For a full break down on salon startup costs , you can read my article here

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John Hallberg

Beauty marketing expert and content creator at The Salon Business and Mangomint

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How To Write the Perfect Salon Business Plan for Your Salon in Just 7 Simple Steps

The US salon industry includes more than 80,000 establishments with a combined annual revenue of about $532 billion. So opening a salon, and owning a salon business is a pretty safe bet; it’s steady and profitable . But lack of proper planning makes it difficult to juggle all the aspects of your business, starting from marketing and sales, to accounting, and whatnot. 

Here’s a quick tip! Searched all over the internet for concrete information on how to open your own salon? Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out this blog on opening your own salon business that gives you a comprehensive 10 step guide to help you get started now.

Writing a properly structured salon business plan is crucial to guarantee your salon’s success in this highly competitive market. Whether you’re wanting to secure a business loan for your salon or trying to expand or reinvent your salon business, a business plan for your salon will help you get there.

So how exactly would a business plan help you?

• A business plan will help you to figure out what you want your salon to offer, where you aim to take your salon’s growth, what kind of people you want to cater to, and who you’re competing against . 
• If you are looking for investment from private investors, banks, or any other lending institutions or public grants, structuring a business plan is crucial. 
• A business plan will help boost your salon business’s productivity through improved oversight and direction, and help you make informed decisions.
• As your salon business starts to grow and gain clientele, a well-developed business plan can help you acquire the capital needed to expand to new locations.

How to make the perfect business plan for your salon business?

Whipping up a perfect business plan can be pretty daunting because it needs to be immaculate. No worries! Here we’ve broken down the entire process into 7 easy-to-follow , foolproof steps, along with their templates, to help you create a successful salon business plan. 

• Write a mission and vision statement
• Create an executive summary
• Analyze and identify your target market
• Perform a competitor analysis
• Write your salon’s business description
• Make strategies for advertising and outreach marketing
• Figure out your financial plan

Whether it’s a hairdressing salon business plan, a general beauty salon business plan, or even a  small salon business plan for opening a salon on your own from scratch, we’ve got you covered. This is a complete, comprehensive guide to help you in the process of making a business plan for a salon. It’ll give you a basic understanding of how to write a salon business plan in the easiest possible way. 

1. Write a mission and vision statement

I) mission statement .

It articulates the immediate purpose of your salon business. Under this, you can state all the short-term goals that you plan on achieving with your salon within 6 months , stretching up to a year.

Here’s how you can nail a perfect mission statement

• Value – What is the value of your salon in the market? How can it help your clients? 
• Inspiration – Why should people want to come to your salon?
• Remember to make your mission statement sound plausible and reasonable . Also, make it specific and concise – clarify all your short-term goals and the timeframe within which you’re planning on achieving them. 

ii) Vision statement

 Now, where do you aim to take the salon’s growth in the next 5 years ? Well, if you’re dreaming, dream big! And you can be as ambitious as you want, the sky’s the limit. 

Setting strategies for a longer-term makes sure that you don’t stumble on the road to success. It makes the overall structure of your business stronger. It prepares you for anything that the fickle market demands from you and throws at you.

Here’s how you can write a perfect vision statement :

• Review your long-term goals in a way that you can analyze how achieving your long-term goals could impact your business and the salon industry in general.
• Derive how your clients could benefit from the visions that you would be implementing.
• Your business’ end goals can drive your vision statement, For instance, if you’re planning to branch out to different locations after, say, 5 years, you can frame your vision statement in a way that states to make your salon a household name, popular in the neighboring areas and so on. 

2. Create an executive summary

After you write the mission and vision statements, you can summarize everything that you’re aiming to achieve with your salon under an Executive Summary. Whether you’re writing a business plan for a hair salon or a business plan for a beauty salon, you should be properly aware of what your intentions are with the salon. This section is the most important part of your business plan as it dictates the tone of your salon, and makes an impression. 

Remember to keep this section very brief and concise to give an overview, as you’ll be elaborating on these points in the later sections of your business plan. 

If you’re having trouble writing your salon’s executive summary, you can always write it after you’re done with all the other sections in the business plan . This will give you a better understanding of your salon business and help you succinctly put your points together to describe it. 

What can you do to write the most fitting executive summary for your salon?

• Start by stating all the short-term goals that you plan on achieving within, say, 6 months or a year.  Remember to keep your goals realistic and feasible. 
• Summarize your approach towards your business, to give an overview of how you will run things in your business.
• Clearly and briefly express the value proposition of your salon, and how it would potentially position your business in your target market.

How to write your salon’s executive summary: A simple template

Divide your business summary into sections of opportunities and expectations, and put brief points in those subsections in the most convincing way. The following template can help you with this :

• How are you trying to achieve recognition in your target market?
• What is your salon’s tagline/motto?
• What is your salon’s growth plan for the first 6 months after its launch?
• Which demographic is your salon meant for?
• How are your services aligned with your target market?
• How many salons are there in the area of establishment of your salon?
• What products and services do they offer?
• What is the range of variation of their clientele?
• What products and services is your salon offering?
• What is the unique selling point of your business? For eg: If your salon is the only one in the area that offers holistic services with spiritual healing, then put it down as your differentiating point.
• How are you different from your competitors? For eg: Is it the lower cost of services of your salon, or the vast range of services that make your salon stand out? 

Make sure you catch the eye of potential investors in the above section. Don’t forget to state how you can attract potential customers. 

• What is the salon costing you? List down the projected expenses and costs that come from daily operations, rent, staff hiring, cosmetics, appliance expenditures, etc. for the first 6 months. 
• What is the cash flow and how much profits are you bringing in for the initial 6 months? This is completely variable and the reaction of your target market to your salon decides this. So aligning your services with them is of utmost importance. 
• Why does your salon need financing? For eg: you can convey that you’re trying to meet the anticipated growth of your salon in the market.

3. Analyze and identify your target market

Analyzing and defining a target market for your salon is very important as it goes hand in hand with your salon’s growth and outreach . 

A beauty salon can service all genders and age groups. Your target audience can include working professionals, college students and teenagers, homemakers, to-be-Brides, and even children. And each group will require different types of services.  So make sure you list down each individual section of your target market and what services they would require. 

Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re going the right way about it. 

Steps to analyze and identify your target market 

• Find out what kind of people you think would resonate with your salon’s services the most. For example, if your salon offers low commitment (temporary) coloring services, you can get a lot of customer traffic from the millennials. 
• As an extension to that, find out if your services are more inclined to serve a particular demographic better, or if you’re good with people of every demographic.
• Keep up with the trends in the salon industry to know what’s hot and what’s passé.
• Peek inside the brains of your target clients to know exactly what they want or like and tune your salon accordingly.

An easy-to-follow template to proceed with your target market analysis

• Segregate the people in the market pool into different categories.

Do not forget these bases:

• Personal income/occupation
• List out the services that your salon would offer that would fit one or more of the stated categories above. 

For eg: If your salon offers Diamond Facial at $200.00, then you can list this service out as follows :

• Use social media to get an understanding of the trends in the market at present. Join salon and beauty communities on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, and follow beauty bloggers on Youtube and Instagram. 
• Look up the people who subscribe to or follow these beauty pages and beauty bloggers to identify which trends appeal to a certain demographic. You can tell a lot about your target market’s behavior from the posts they like and the thoughts they share in the comment section of these posts and videos.

4. Perform a competitor analysis 

With a great market demand, several strong competitors emerge. And we don’t want your salon to get lost in the sea of other salons now, do we? As it goes, keep your clients close but your competitors closer.

Figuring your competitors out gives you a necessary nudge in the right direction to take your business plan forward. It gives you an idea of what the other salons are practicing with their clients, and what gaps they’re leaving that you can fill up as you step into the salon business yourself. 

How do you analyze your competition?

• Find out what the other salons in the area are doing successfully or poorly.
• Get a rough idea of the cost of services that the competitor salons are offering. This helps you price the services for your salon.
• Identify how many salons provide services that focus on a specific niche and do not serve a wide group of customers.
• Find out the industry-specific challenges they are facing that you may also face while running your own salon.
• Analyze what they can do differently to improve their situation, and implement it in your business mission plan to avoid facing such challenges yourself. 
• Have your salon address these deficiencies in the market.

Follow these easy steps to perform your salon’s competitor analysis 

• Visit your competitor salons’ websites.
• Follow them on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) to get an idea of how much influence and reach they have. Check out who follows their social media page to get an idea of the target market as well.  
• Sign up for any interactive sessions that these salons might conduct and check how other people respond to these sessions, to understand their grip and dominance on the market.  
• Visit the other salons in the market as customers, to get an idea of their quality of services.

5. Write your salon’s business description

So now that you have your market and your competitors figured out, it’s time to work on your salon business . A beauty salon or a hair salon is fine, but what kind of salon do you want yours to be like? Setting a proper description for your business gives your salon a custom style and personality. 

Your business description should include an overview of the products and services that your salon would offer, and how your salon would stand out in the market. Setting a trademark vibe to your salon also helps with its brand image. 

To get started, you can answer the following questions :

• Would you specialize in any particular service like nail art or bridal makeup? 
• Would you want your services segmented for various types of clients?
• What services would you want to offer in packages? 
• Would you serve complimentary refreshments to the clients?
• What theme are you going for with respect to interiors and ambiance (Japanese zen, tropical beach day, etc, etc)?
• What would be your salon’s “it” factor that distinguishes it from the other salons in the area? 

Once you’re done with the salon’s description and personality, set a brand logo and a tagline to go with it. To get a professionally designed custom logo, you can always reach out to freelancers or companies that can do it for you, like 99designs . 

You can also use an online designing software like Canva to design your salon’s logo on your own. 

And that should complete the branding. 

Creating a business brand will prepare you to answer someone asking you “Why should I come to your Salon?” 

Remember to make your salon stand out, noticeable, and interesting.

6. Make strategies for advertising and outreach marketing 

Now you have to position your salon in the market in a way that makes people take an avid interest in “the new salon”. Your target audience will guide you towards the perfect approach to spread the word around about your salon. 

A simple guide to writing the marketing plan for your salon business :

• Your salon should be Google-able. To show up in digital searches, make sure your business is listed in online directories.
• Create a website or a mobile application for a better customer experience. 
• It’s always better to spread out to all social media platforms to promote your business so that your customers (and other potential clients) can get to know you on a more personal level. Connect with your business community by following other small businesses in the area. Actively engage with your target market and share behind-the-scenes content (like before and after photos of clients’ haircuts) to build your credibility and cultivate brand awareness.
• Partner up with other businesses that may share the same clientele as a salon would (like spa retreats) to offer coupons and vouchers, for outreach marketing.
• Offer “first-service” discounts to your customers.
• Keep service rates lower than the other salons in the area to attract clients. 
• Once the rapport is established, and your clients trust you with the service quality, you can cut out the discounts. It is also very important that you optimize the discounts in a way that you don’t run into a complete loss, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
• It is crucial to maintain the service quality to the highest degree after you start getting clients. Remember that your clients wear the marketing after they come out of your salon. This will definitely help you secure referrals from existing clients.

Marketing Tip! Want to pull off a great marketing campaign for your salon business but don’t know where to start? Do you feel like the marketing section in your business plan is incomplete? For more detailed marketing ideas for your salon, check out our blog on 7 hand-picked salon marketing ideas to boost your business .

7. Figure out your financial plan 

It’s time to play the number game. This is probably the trickiest part of writing a salon business plan because you have to be extremely careful while juggling your revenue and expenditure budget optimally. 

You don’t want to scare or throw off your customers by charging exorbitant prices for the services, but at the same time, you don’t want to crash and drown in debt yourself. Not to forget, cutting costs on cosmetics may affect the service quality. Cut hair, not costs!

Ergo, you need to have a proper financial plan for your salon. 

Writing a detailed financial plan will help you get a rough idea of how your salon would be progressing on a monthly/ yearly basis. Moreover, if you’re applying for a loan, your financial plan will determine your eligibility .

What can you do to create a solid financial plan for your salon?

• It helps to bifurcate all the expenses into Fixed costs, and Variable costs. Then you can analyze your fixed costs and variable costs to set an optimal budget.

Fixed Costs: This section includes all the costs associated with your salon business that must be paid regardless of the customer traffic in your salon.

• Rent or mortgage for the salon space.
• Payroll for the employees you hire.
• Equipment maintenance costs for hair spa and other services that are heavily equipment dependent.

Variable Costs : This section includes all the costs in your salon business that are directly associated with the customer traffic in your salon. 

• Expenses of purchasing cosmetics and other salon supplies.
• Electricity consumption by salon equipment. For eg: If you’re writing a hair salon business plan, make sure you include the electricity consumption by blow dryers, hair straighteners. 
• Have a clear idea of how much discount you plan on putting on your services during the first few months of opening your salon, and for what duration you will be offering these discounts. Note that during the first few months of opening your salon, your sales are likely to be lower than your projections, and that’s completely okay.
• Make a list of pros and cons for renting out space for your salon versus buying a place.
• If you’re renting and wish to own the salon space, spot out a tentative date of when you’ll become capable of buying the place.
• Figure out how many people you are going to hire in your staff, and how much salary you would be able to offer them. Note that you’ll have to improvise this according to how the customers respond to your salon.
• Reach out to your local chamber of commerce to get more insights on funding and loans.
• Tentatively figure out the time it will take you to break even, and start earning chunky profits.

Here’s an easy-to-follow template to proceed with your ‘financial plan’ section 

The following simple template can help you make the financial plan for your salon: 

i) Sales and revenue projections for the first five years :

Figure out how much you’ll charge for your services, and estimate how many services you may perform in a week. A periodic analysis of this over the next five years will give you the necessary projections. Put the details down in a spreadsheet to keep it organized. It also helps to collate all this information and analyze using bar graphs.

ii) Expenses’ budget :

Break down the expenditure of your salon for a given term, by referring to the “fixed and variable costs” list that you made. You can pick the term to be a month, a quarter, or a year long .

It’s a safer practice to stick to a month-long or a quarter-long term. You don’t want the budget analysis task to loom over you and become a burden. Not to forget, it keeps you in touch with the financial status of your salon business. 

iii) Estimated profit margins:

Accumulate the sales projections and budget report analysis to find out the profit for that term. Display the margins in pie charts or bar graphs for easy comprehension. 

iv) Liabilities:

Note all the losses that your salon business can possibly incur in the time period that you have defined as a term. For example, your blow dryers may stop functioning and need to be replaced.

Also include the factors that may stunt your business from growing. For example, you may be short on staff, or your nail salon is lacking an appointment scheduling and business management tool.

v) Cash flow statement:

Make a projected plan of cash flow-in and flow-out for your defined term, where you include cash flow from sources that are not directly related to your salon services or your salon business-related expenses. 

Include the cash flow from loans, loan payments, taxes, and personal funds that you used for your salon.

vi) Break-even analysis:

Predict the break-even point for the first five years of your business. Break-even is achieved when your salon business has covered all the expenses, and your sales surpass the expenditure costs. From that point on, your salon will start earning profits.

Other ways to create your financial plan :

Dealing with numbers can be tedious and scary, especially when you already have a lot of other things on your mind as a salon business owner. Moreover, documenting the financial projections yourself can be a pretty daunting task, especially because there’s no room for mistakes. 

Instead of making the document yourself, you can choose to consult professionals to help you write the perfect financial plan for your salon. 

• Hire freelancers : You can collaborate with business plan consultants to make your financial plan. All you need to do is give them your salon’s budgetary estimates and inputs. 
• Use Financial planning tools :  It asks you to enter all your financial information. They use built-in formulas to give you the most accurate financial statements that include all the charts and projections that an investor would expect to see in a business plan. 

Some important things to keep in mind :

• Keep reviewing the target market, competitor analysis, and marketing and advertising strategies once every while, however frequently necessary.
• Set realistic long-term goals that would be in sync with your current business performance. For example, you can think about branching out to two different locations after a few years. This will allow you to expand your local salon to an enterprise salon.

Go ahead with the pretty business plan 

Executing a well-structured salon business should reap good-looking numbers. And the first step towards that is making a killer business plan for your salon.

It gives you the courage to place your faith in your business, and we don’t want you to doubt something you’re passionate about. Remember that you can convince the people in the market about all the great things your salon has to offer, only when you truly believe it yourself. 

So go on ahead, start creating your salon business plan today, and give your dreams a much-needed flight. Good luck :))

About Appointy We at Appointy, help business owners grow and run their businesses with our online scheduling software. This blog was a part of our ‘Manage your Business’ category, where we provide expert tips, and resources, or simply talk about the challenges that small and medium businesses face every day.  If you have any thoughts on this blog or would like to chat about your business struggles and achievements, let us know in the comments below.  We love a good talk!

25 comments

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This blog was so helpful.. I really appreciate they way it was broken down and easy to understand.

Thanks Brittany 🙂

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Thanks! Please subscribe to https://blog.appointy.com/ for more such information.

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The perfect salon business plan requires defining your vision, researching the market, outlining services and pricing, addressing operations and finances, and emphasizing exceptional customer service

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Hair Salon

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If you’re interested in starting a new business, specifically opening a salon, you’re in good company: The beauty industry is worth over $56 billion annually, and hair care is the largest segment with 86,000 locations nationwide. Luckily, there's rarely a shortage of people looking to change or upgrade their hair — even in economic recessions — and there's often a waiting market for anyone interested in opening a salon.

Although salon life might seem glamorous to clients, a salon is like any other small business. It takes long hours, hard work, savvy, research and sometimes even luck. The best way to reduce the variables that can lead to failure is to better understand the economics of opening a salon, from the startup costs to the standards for pricing.

The most common starting point is to have experience as a hairdresser or to otherwise work in the salon industry, which often goes hand-in-hand with a passion for the business. Both Shana Dyer, who co-owns Harlow Salon in Nashville, Tennessee, and Tiffanie Barackman, who owns Aria Salon in Canton, Michigan, worked in the industry for years before striking out on their own. They share their insights below.

A 6-step guide to opening a salon

Some of the steps to opening a salon are similar to those you'd take when starting any small business, but there are some salon-specific steps you'll have to take as well.

1. Write a business plan

Most good small-business owners start by writing a business plan , and the beauty business is no exception. In fact, Dyer cites this as the most important piece of advice she gives to new business owners.

“You want to have a business plan and a budget,” Dyer says. “If you don’t know what that is, you don’t need to own a business. Take a class. Hire a financial planner. Definitely hire an attorney.”

A well-rounded business plan includes your customer segments, acquisition channels (such as social media), supplier plan, necessary business relationships, revenue streams, cost structure and key resources.

In other words, it involves a lot more than simply designing your salon and getting people in the chair. You'll also want to make sure you do plenty of market research to make sure there's actually a need for another salon in your area and that you'll be able to drum up enough business to sustain it.

Though the business model canvas has been popularized for lean startups in the tech space, it can be applied to opening a variety of business structures, including opening a hair salon.

Opening a Hair Salon Checklist

In your business plan, make sure you include a checklist that you can refer to as you go through the other steps of opening a salon. You want to include the little — and big — things that you might forget while working to open the salon.

You can start off the checklist with something you've already done, writing a business plan:

Write a business plan.

Choose your legal structure.

Register the business and name.

Choose a location.

Get a license to operate.

Get insurance.

Choose suppliers.

Purchase all of the equipment you need.

Purchase the salon furniture; remember you'll need sinks and chairs.

Purchase supplies.

Hire your stylists.

Train your new hires.

Start booking and marketing.

2. Determine the costs

A cornerstone of your business plan is figuring out how much money you need to run your business — keeping in mind that between the upfront costs and the operating costs, it might be at least a few months, sometimes more than a year, before you turn a profit.

This could involve visiting a loan officer at a local bank or credit union for a small-business loan, as well as meeting with a business accountant who can help you plan for and file taxes related to your new endeavor.

The major tenets of opening a salon will be operating costs, including rent, training, insurance, inventory and what you’ll charge for your services — which you’ll balance against one another in order to turn a profit. The operating costs are mostly up to you and will depend on the size and scope of your vision, but how you price your products and services is, to some extent, predetermined.

“Product pricing is universal — it's a 50% markup of the wholesale price,” says Dyer. “You can come into my salon or the salon down the street and the same bottle of shampoo will be the same price. That's just standard in the industry of cosmetology.

“Pricing for services is also fairly universal,” she adds. “It depends on the part of town you are in, your city in general, and the surrounding salons that are about the same level as yours. There’s a salon a couple of miles from us that is about the size of ours and they offer similar services, so we pretty much base our prices off of what they and the surrounding salons charge.

"About every six months, we call around to the different businesses and ask for their basic prices. We also make sure and raise our prices about once a year. Usually, about 5% seems to cover all of the inflation that we suffer as a business.”

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

3. Insure your salon

Insurance is legally required for most businesses — though you’ll often be glad to have it anyway. Dyer cited business insurance as one of the unexpected costs of starting up, if only because of the myriad forms it takes — your employees, your clients, your space, yourself and so on. Dyer and her partner ended up treasuring her insurance plan when she found out her accountant was embezzling funds from the salon.

“We thought we were going to lose our business,” she says. “Luckily, we had a portion of our insurance that was called 'dishonorable employee insurance' and it covered things like theft from your employees. I had no idea we had it but I was so thankful we did.”

There are other bureaucratic hoops to jump through, including:

Getting a business license.

Securing licenses for all personal appearance workers (though exact regulations vary by state; check with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing).

Planning for a health and fire marshal inspection.

Paying Common Area Maintenance, or CAM, charges, which is an additional rent paid by tenants to commercial property landlords on top of the base rent.

New business owners should ask fellow business owners or members of their local government in their city or county what’s expected when starting a new business when opening a salon.

4. Choose a location and hire staff

Many salons start as offshoots of other salons, as former employees move on to their own endeavors and take their clients with them, if they can. A major part of choosing the salon location is to make sure it’s centrally located, where lots of foot traffic will pass by or where there’s sufficient parking. Another aspect is remaining close to where old customers will want to get their hair cut or colored.

“A large portion of salon owners are hairdressers, and when they go out on their own they want to maintain all of their clients,” says Barackman, who worked in the salon business for over 20 years before moving on to renting her own suite and then opening her own salon.

Dyer agrees: “We made sure that, once we decided Music Row was going to be our 'spot,' any time we upgraded or moved into larger business locations we stayed within one mile of where we were. One mile seems to be the standard for how far people will follow you if you are near your old location.”

Just as it’s important to hold out for the right space, hiring the right staff can make or break your business — so don’t make a rash decision about who to hire just to fill seats.

“The people you bring on are going to set the tone for what the salon’s reputation will be,” says Barackman. “I put ads on Craigslist and LinkedIn, but you rely a lot on word-of-mouth and friends of friends because hairdressers all know each other — so I wasn’t afraid to tap into that network to find people who fit my vision.

“When I first opened, I worried that I wouldn’t find people to fit my six stations, and now I’m thinking, ‘How am I going to add two more stations?’ because I’ve got more people who want to come. So you have to operate in that gap a little bit between getting people to see your vision and knowing they might not get it until they come aboard — so don’t panic and know that, long term, you have to make the right choices,” she says.

5. Market your salon

Once you have your business plan taken care of, your salon insured and your location set, it's time to get some customers. Start by tapping your old clients to let them know that you've started your own salon, and having your hairdressers do the same. For any clients that choose to move with you, give them extra appreciation and encourage them to refer their friends.

In addition to bringing old clients over, it’s important to find ways to bring in new customers and retain them. In this era, that means creating a website and communicating through social media for marketing.

“Social media is huge — we’ve done a lot with Facebook, a lot with Instagram, a lot with Twitter,” says Barackman. “That’s where people go now. We’re absolutely pulling in new business from Facebook alone, overwhelmingly so. People I know loved seeing the process of what I was doing — I posted photos of building the business online — and they shared that with their friends.”

Local advertising is another cost, but one Barackman considers well spent.

“I have the business in a brochure for an upcoming baseball tournament. I’ve put out advertisements in the months leading up to high school prom that we have specials,” says Barackman. “I’m no marketing genius, and if I had the money I’d hire a marketing specialist, but I’m tapping into things like that.”

6. Scale carefully

If you're opening a salon, you probably have a grand vision for how it will look, operate and feel to customers. Chances are, though, that your vision will have a big price tag — one that you won’t necessarily be able to afford in your first days.

There are some major startup costs to estimate, which namely include rent and equipment.

“Equipment is super expensive,” says Dyer. “You don’t have to have the best of everything when you first start. We bought our equipment off of Craigslist from other salons that were closing and got it for over half price. We upgraded as we needed to, but in the beginning, it's not worth it to spend $10,000 on equipment when you really need to put a sign on the outside of your building.”

That process — start small, become big — works for salon space and products as well.

“We went from a 400-square-foot salon to a 5,000-square-foot space in a repurposed church with 10 employees in a decade. We used to have one or two of each color in stock and order when necessary; now we have 10 of each color we use because we’re busy and need all of those colors rotating in and out,” says Dyer.

There are ways to make your salon inviting and homey without breaking the bank. Try keeping the place tidy, offering hand and scalp massages and playing music throughout the space — most streaming services have low-cost options that will keep your place humming ad-free. A complimentary glass of wine or a cup of coffee might not cost you much, but it can make a big difference to the customer.

Even if you find yourself coming in under budget and are tempted to spend on high-end equipment, don’t forget about some of the hidden costs of a salon.

“A lot of little things that you don’t think about add up,” says Barackman “You have to have service menus printed up because people want to know how much your services cost. And then you have business cards — and when you hire new people, you need to buy them business cards.

"And then there’s upping your inventory for when new clients come in — although one thing I’ve noticed is that since I’ve opened a salon, distributors have made an effort to help get me products or equipment at low cost, or at no cost, now that I place big orders. So once you’re in, you’re in.”

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

Anyone who's become a return customer at a salon can likely attest to appreciating the sense of community that the salon cultivates, as well as the quality of the haircut they receive.

In order to ensure that both of these important aspects of the business are kept up, be sure to create and follow your business plan, make sure you’re properly licensed and insured, well outfitted and located (without overspending your budget) and marketing yourself to the fullest. The rest — mainly, the quality salon services — is up to you.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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How to Write the Perfect Salon Business Plan in 6 Steps

Discover how to craft a winning salon business plan in just six steps! Boost your salon's success with expert tips, market analysis, and strategy insights.

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As a salon owner, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential to the success of your business. A salon business plan outlines your business goals, market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and other key details, serving as a roadmap that guides you through the process of starting, running, and growing your salon. In this article, we’ll go over the key elements of a salon business plan and provide tips on how to write the best business plan for salons in 2023.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Salon? 

Before you start writing a salon business plan, it’s important to get an idea of the startup and ongoing costs. As we discuss in this article , the costs of starting a salon range from $62,000 for an existing salon to $90,000 for a new operation. With some of the expenses, you’ll incur one-time costs – other expenses will be ongoing such as supplies and inventory. Here are some of the typical costs associated with starting a salon: 

Existing Salon 

When you buy an existing salon, be it a hair salon or nail salon, you save on the costs of buildout, salon equipment , and salon marketing, assuming the salon already has some of these elements in place. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the following:

• Rent deposit: $4,500
• Buyout of current salon: $10,500
• Leasehold improvements: $15,000
• Equipment: $10,000
• Initial supplies: $8,000
• Initial inventory: $4,000
• Certifications and licenses: $4,000
• Marketing: $5,000
• Legal or consulting fees: $1,000

Grand total: $62,000

The upfront costs of building out a brand-new salon, marketing it to local clients, and getting the business up and running will likely exceed those of buying an existing salon. Here are the typical expenses you can expect to incur for a new salon:

• Buyout of current salon: $0
• Leasehold improvements: $35,000
• Equipment: $25,000
• Marketing: $8,000

Grand total: $89,500

You may also want to budget for the following:

• If you need a loan or financing to cover startup costs, expect to pay interest rates of 1.25% to 10%.
• Salon insurance ranges from $50 to $1,000 per month.
• Salon booking software and a point of sale (POS) system range from free to $500 per month. GlossGenius starts at an industry-low $24 per month with low payment processing fees and includes a website, a branded card reader, and other extras.
• A salon website can cost you thousands, but with GlossGenius, it’s included free! Beautiful and customizable, your website is packed with scheduling features and is easy to navigate, helping to increase bookings and future appointments.

How Profitable Is Owning a Salon?

If you owned a salon during the pandemic, no doubt you experienced your fair share of struggles between lockdowns, closures, and reduced business hours. According to Statista , the U.S. market size of beauty salons dropped from $69 billion in 2019 to $42.3 billion in 2020. Fortunately, things are beginning to look up for hair, skin, nail, and other types of salons, with the market valued at $53.6 billion as of 2022.

You can take advantage of the comeback by approaching your salon startup with a solid plan in place, a realistic budget, and a marketing strategy. A beauty salon business plan can help you identify any questions , opportunities, and potential roadblocks so you can have the best chances of getting funding, earning a return on your investment and achieving profitability. The more you control your expenses and market your business successfully, the more profitable you will be – so be sure to take your time creating a salon business plan for your needs.

6 Steps to Writing a Salon Business Plan

The business plan is the most important document for any salon owner. It’s a formal, written plan that describes the future of your business and how you intend to achieve it. A good business plan will help you stay on track, get funding if you need it, and avoid costly mistakes as you navigate through choppy waters in this industry. 

We know what you’re thinking – that a business plan is a monster of a document that will take a ton of time to create. But, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you can pare it down to one page and still have an effective, clear document that outlines everything you (and any other interested parties) need to know about your new salon. Below are six steps to writing a salon business plan that will ensure your success.

Here are six steps to creating your salon business plan:

• Create an Executive Summary
• Map Out Your Branding Vision
• Research Your Industry
• Create a Client Acquisition Strategy
• Management and Operations
• Financial Planning

Let's dive deeper into each one.

1. Create an Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first section of your business and management plan and provides a brief overview of your salon business. This section should include your mission statement , business objectives, target market, products and beauty services, and financial projections. It should be concise, engaging, and compelling to grab the attention of potential investors, lenders, or partners. It also serves to clarify your goals so you can come back to them anytime you need a refresher or wish to update this information.

Your executive summary is just that: a summary. This means you do not have to get into every detail in this section; you’ll provide a more complete analysis in the individual sections of your business plan. Here are some key elements to include in the executive summary:

• An opening “hook.” The first sentence or two of your executive summary needs to draw in the reader; otherwise, your business plan might not get the attention it deserves. Grab your audience’s attention by sharing a compelling fact about your company, a memorable story related to your industry, or some other well-crafted description of your business that will make your business plan stand out.
• Summary of your business. Describe what your company does, what services and products you will offer, who will run the company, and other high-level details.
• Market analysis. Briefly describe the market landscape for your own salon to show there is a proven need for your services. Be sure to address who your competitors are, any advantages you have compared with others, and any research you’ve conducted to demonstrate there is a demand for your services in the area. 
• Products and services. Highlight the specific services your salon will offer, any products you will sell, and any other information showing that your salon will fill the need you’ve described in your market analysis summary – and how you’ll do it better than the competition.
• Financial information and projections. Give your reader an overview of your business financials, including any current sales and profits, the funding amount you’re looking to acquire or any funding you already have, and your projections for growth.
• Future plans. Tell your reader exactly how you plan to use any funds you acquire and how their investment could pay off. Imagine where you want your business to be in a year, five years, and so on. Make it clear how funding will help you get there.

2. Map Out Your Branding Vision

Branding isn’t just about creating a unique identity for your business; it’s also about helping people connect with that identity and remember your name anytime they need your services. Branding helps both current clients and new customers recognize who you are and why they would want to seek out your salon. In your business plan, be sure to map out your branding vision by including:

• A description of your salon business. Describe who you are and what you do.
• Your mission and vision statement. Briefly summarize why your salon should exist, its primary objective, and how you plan to achieve your goals.
• An overview of your products and services, your pricing strategy, and any unique features or benefits that differentiate your salon from others in the market. Discuss the specific services you will offer and their price points, plus any product lines you will carry, such as hair care products, makeup, or skincare.
• A description of the target audience and customer demographics. Include relevant research on your market and the people who will buy what you’re offering.

3. Research Your Industry

This section should include a market analysis that provides an in-depth look at the salon industry, including trends, customer demographics, competition, and opportunities. It should also identify your target market and describe how you plan to reach them. This section should demonstrate your knowledge of the market and your ability to capitalize on it, with details on:

• The industry and trends. Provide an overview of the salon industry with relevant statistics, especially those that pertain to your area of expertise and geographic location.
• Your competition. Conduct a competitive analysis to gain insights into your competition, their marketing strategies, and the services and products they offer. The goal is to show how you will capture market share using stronger business strategies that set you apart from your competitors.
• Market segmentation. With market segmentation , you break down a larger target market into a smaller group of customers you plan to serve. Demographics such as age and income, geographic location, lifestyles or psychographics, and behavioral factors like price sensitivity or product loyalty are just a few approaches to market segmentation that you can consider for your business plan.
• SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis is a way to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It's an effective method for identifying your business strengths and weaknesses as well as external factors that may affect the success of your salon business.

4. Create a Client Acquisition Strategy

The client acquisition section of your salon business plan should describe how you plan to attract and retain customers as a hairstylist . It should outline your advertising and promotional strategies, such as social media marketing , SMS marketing , email marketing, and referral programs. This section should also discuss your sales strategy, including how you plan to increase sales and generate revenue.

• Description of marketing channels and tactics . Outline the different channels you will use to generate leads, such as social media, blog articles, emails, and text messages. 
• Sales forecasting and projections. Discuss how you will convert leads into clients, nurture them through the pipeline, and retain a loyal clientele. Include a realistic estimate of the quantity of goods and services you can sell within the forecast period (for example, monthly, quarterly, and annually). For a salon business, it’s helpful to determine the customer lifetime value of your typical client as well as the customer acquisition cost. You can then break down this number for the forecast period to determine the costs and sales projections.
• Customer acquisition and retention strategies. Include which strategies you will use and the associated costs, such as pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), and paid ads on social media. Describe how you will retain customers – for example, through loyalty programs and responses to feedback and reviews on social media and Google. ‍
• Pricing strategy. It’s critical that you price your services and products competitively to drive revenue and profits. Detail the pricing strategy you plan to implement based on your buyer persona and competitive analysis. The strategy could be based on a variety of factors, but geographic location and local competition will likely be the biggest factors dictating your salon pricing strategy.

5. Management and Operations

The management and staffing section of your salon business plan should describe the organizational structure of your salon, including the roles and responsibilities of each staff member. It should also discuss your hiring and training practices, employee benefits , and compensation plans. This section should demonstrate your ability to attract and retain a skilled and motivated team, with information on your:

• Organizational structure. Spell out who runs the show and who reports to whom.
• Management team and staff. If you plan to hire a manager , look for someone who has experience in the industry and understands what it takes to run a salon. This person should also have good people skills and be able to work well with others.
• Business operations and processes. Consider which other support personnel you will need, such as an accountant and a dedicated marketing specialist. Don’t be a hero; you can’t do it all alone. ‍
• Legal and regulatory requirements. Include information on any legal advice you will employ to stay compliant with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Note that with GlossGenius, you can manage your team and collaborate with them to make your operations run more smoothly. Our software helps you delegate, mentor, and partner with others based on customizable permissions that let you grant as much or as little access as you wish. Easily manage your scheduling, booking, commissions, and reporting from one intuitive dashboard.

6. Financial Planning

Financial planning is a crucial section to include in any salon business plan. A cash flow forecast shows the anticipated amount of money coming into the business, as well as what you will spend on expenses. It also projects growth over time, which allows you to make predictions about future revenue and expenses so that you can better plan for them in advance.

The best way to get started with your financial projections is by creating an income statement (also called a profit and loss statement), which breaks down all income sources by category (e.g., retail sales and commissions), along with their associated costs (e.g., salaries). This will help provide insight into where your profits are coming from as well as areas where they could improve. Here are some key areas to cover in your salon business and marketing plan:

• Revenue and expense projections. Your revenue projections should consider the number of clients you expect to serve, as well as the average price per service. Your expense projections should reflect all costs associated with running your salon, such as utilities, rent, and supplies.
• Capital requirements and funding sources. Detail how much money you need to start and run your small business, including all costs associated with opening the salon. Describe the funding sources that you intend to use for starting your salon business, whether from personal funds, salon loans , or investors.
• Break-even analysis and profitability projections. A break-even analysis is a financial tool that shows how much revenue you need in order to cover your fixed costs (rent, utilities, etc.) and variable costs (such as salons supplies and staff wages). Profitability projections show how much profit you expect from your salon business for each year of operation. This is based on your estimates of revenue and expenses. You can use this information when seeking funding from investors or lenders.
• Financial ratios and metrics. A financial ratio is a measurement of the relationship between two numbers, usually expressed as a percentage or a fraction. For example, the working capital ratio compares your current assets to liabilities; this metric allows you to measure liquidity. Include the appropriate ratios and metrics in your business to demonstrate your company’s financial health.

A well-written salon business plan is essential for the success of your business. It provides a roadmap for achieving your business goals, attracting investors, and securing funding. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write the best business plan for your salon and ensure your salon’s success!

As you’re creating your salon business plan, remember to start your free trial with GlossGenius and give yourself the best chances for success. From salon management to payment processing, we’ve got your new salon covered – making it easier to get up and running sooner rather than later.

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Salons For Sale

Opening a salon: a comprehensive guide to a successful hair salon business.

Opening a salon is an exciting venture, offering a chance to provide great work opportunities to salon professionals while providing a valuable service to your community. But where do you start? From creating a hair salon business plan to hosting a grand opening, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to launch your salon successfully.

Hi there and welcome to the ultimate salon owner’s platform, Salonspa Connection ! My name is Susan Wo s, I work with salon owners across the world with recruitment and selling salon businesses . I put together this guide to help you understand how to navigate how to open a salon!

Key Takeaways

Create a comprehensive salon business plan and define your niche to stand out.

Conduct market research, set financial goals & obtain licenses/permits before opening.

Design an inviting atmosphere with essential equipment & hire the right salon staff for success!

Table of Contents

Creating Your Salon Business Plan

The initial step to open a salon involves writing a business plan . The beauty industry includes hair salons, nail salons, barber shops and spas is worth around $532 billion a year. To succeed in this competitive market, you need a well thought out plan. Think through your business model, do market research, and get your head around financial goals.

Connecting with fellow business owners in the hair salon industry provides valuable insights and advice, especially when starting your own salon as a new business. There are ton of great Facebook groups chock full of owners, ready to give advice.

We also recommend booking a free call with a salon coach who aligns with your values and goals as a salon owner.

Defining Your Niche- Starting a Salon with Specifics in Mind

When planning the kind of salon you want to open and the culture you want to create, it’s important to consider your target beauty salon clientele. Tailor your products and services to suit the specific needs of your target customers, and be open to adjusting your offerings should things change.

By defining unique or niche services you set your salon apart from other salons in the area. This will not only make your salon stand out but will also help streamline your marketing efforts. Targeting your ideal salon clients, (and employees), is key to exponential growth!

Conducting Market Research When Opening a Salon

Doing market research helps to identify potential opportunities, such as buying an established salon , reduces business risk. Outpacing the competition will be one of your top concerns for not only salon clients but for employees as well.

You can conduct market research by joining salon owner and manager groups on social media, attending trade shows, and keeping an eye on industry trends.

Assessing the results of your market research will help you spot patterns, assess the competitive salon landscape, and uncover hidden growth opportunities.

Setting Financial Goals Before You Open a Hair Salon

Setting realistic financial goals is vital for your salon’s future. This includes projecting revenue, calculating startup costs, and determining your break-even point.

You should also consider leasing or purchasing salon equipment. Styling chairs and stations can be purchased at wholesale prices or through equipment financing to save on start up expenses. By working with an advisor or utilizing financial tools, you can ensure the long-term financial health of your salon.

Legal and Licensing Requirements

Before opening your salon, you must navigate legal and licensing requirements, such as registering your business and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. Ensuring you meet these requirements will help protect your salon’s success and avoid potential legal issues down the road.

Registering Your Business

To register your business, you’ll need to officially set up your salon with the state regulatory board and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This unique, nine-digit number will be used for tax purposes and is an essential step in legitimizing your salon.

Obtaining Licenses and Permits

Licenses and permits, including a business license, are official documents issued by government authorities that grant permission for your salon to operate. Depending on your location and the type of salon, you may need cosmetology licenses, health and safety permits.

To meet the necessary requirements you will need to pass cosmetology inspections to maintain a compliant and successful salon.

Choosing the Perfect Location

The perfect location for your salon space greatly influences visibility. Getting access to clients and giving the competition a run for their money is an essential factor to consider. Jo Hopper, a salon owner with 15 years of experience, recommends finding a great spot with ample parking to make it easy and enticing for clients to visit your salon.

Evaluating Potential Locations

When considering locations for your salon, think about factors such as foot traffic, nearby businesses, and growth potential. Assign numerical values to these factors and make an informed decision on the best location for your salon.

Lease Negotiation and Property Acquisition

Once you’ve chosen the perfect location, it’s time to negotiate lease terms or purchase the property. This process may involve working with real estate agents, salon brokers or attorneys to ensure a smooth transaction.

Make sure to keep future growth in mind when negotiating your lease or purchase agreement, so your salon has the flexibility to expand as needed.

Designing and Equipping Your Salon

With your location secured, it’s time to design and equip your salon with an inviting atmosphere and essential equipment. This includes creating a comfortable and welcoming environment that reflects your salon’s brand, culture and aesthetic.

You will likely need to purchase necessary equipment like styling chairs and stations. Hiring a designer or space planner can help you achieve the perfect layout and design for your salon.

If you are opening a salon suite, utilize this checklist to ensure you have everything you need. Read more about the salon software technology needed to run an efficient salon and get the right insurance to protect yourself against the unforeseen.

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere Salon Owners Would Envy

A salon with an enticing atmosphere plays a huge role in attracting and retaining both clients and potential employees. Consider the colors, design elements, furniture, and decor that best capture your salon’s brand and aesthetic.

Additionally, think about the music, scents and the overall “feel” of the salon. Create a pleasant atmosphere in line with your salon’s identity- the kind of salon you would want to spend time in.

Purchasing Essential Equipment

When purchasing equipment to provide top-notch hair services, such as styling chairs and salon stations, consider buying at wholesale prices or exploring leasing options to save on initial expenses.

To make sure your salon operates efficiently and effectively, ensure you have all the tools and supplies needed. Hair dryers, shears and other personal items tend to come with the hair stylists that will be working for you.

In a booth rental salon business model, you will supply much less tools and equipment. An employee based salon, spa or barbershop will require you to supply most everything for employees.

Assembling Your Salon Dream Team

Engaging the appropriate team of stylists and support staff is imperative for the success of your salon. Focus on aligning your team with your salon’s culture and values, and invest time in the hiring and training process to ensure your team provides the best service possible.

Hiring Stylists for New Salon Owners

When hiring stylists, look for individuals with the right personality, skill level, and compatibility with your salon’s culture and values. Vet salon pros carefully to ensure they have the necessary qualifications to provide quality service to your clients.

Get familiar with salon recruiting resources , networking events, classes, and trade shows that can help you connect with talented stylists.

Traditional Marketing Tactics When You Open a Hair Salon

Don’t underestimate the power of traditional marketing tactics to build your salon business. Marketing efforts such as local advertising, partnerships with local businesses, and referral programs. These methods can help you build relationships within your community and draw in more customers.

Combine traditional and digital marketing efforts to create a well-rounded marketing plan that effectively reaches your target audience.

Launching Your Salon

As you prepare to create a business plan for your salon’s launch, ensure all aspects of your business are ready, from staff training to inventory management.

A successful launch includes a memorable grand opening event that generates buzz and attracts new clients, ultimately contributing to your salon’s success.

Preparing for Opening Day

Prior to opening day, ensure your staff is well-equipped with necessary training and your inventory is well-organized. This includes training in customer service, product knowledge, and safety protocols.

Proper organization and preparation will help ensure a smooth and successful launch, setting the stage for your salon’s future success.

Grand Opening Event Get in Front of Business News Daily

A grand opening event is an excellent opportunity to showcase your salon and generate excitement among potential clients. Contact the news or local media channels for coverage to get in front of a ton of new people. Here are some tips to plan a memorable event:

Offer refreshments, discounts and giveaways to guests.

Organize activities that highlight your salon’s unique offerings.

Promote your grand opening event through social media, email campaigns, and word of mouth.

Opening a salon is an exciting and rewarding journey. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful salon that reflects your unique vision and serves your community with exceptional service. Remember, preparation is key, so invest time in planning, training, and marketing to ensure your salon’s long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is owning a salon profitable.

It appears that owning a salon can be profitable, but may not be the most lucrative business. How much you can make depends on the salon business model you choose.

The average salon profit is 8.2%, but it can range from 2-17%. Success in a salon requires a combination of effective hairstylist recruitment and business management.

How much money should you have to start a hair salon?

Starting a hair salon typically requires an investment of at least $40,000 for taking over an existing salon or up to $500,000 to build one from the ground up.

What are some essential steps to take before opening a salon?

Before opening a salon, it is essential to create a business plan , obtain necessary licenses and permits, select the perfect location, design and equip the salon, assemble your team, and market the business.

How can I effectively market my salon?

Tap into both online and offline marketing channels. Social media, local ads, collaborations with other businesses nearby, and referral programs, help to effectively market your salon.

What should I consider when choosing a location for my salon?

When deciding on a location for your salon, think about the foot traffic, surrounding businesses, and potential for growth in the area. Make sure to research thoroughly to find the best spot for your business.

Best of luck to you in new salon ownership!

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a hair salon business plan

• Nirit Braun
• Sep 12, 2023

When setting up your own hair salon, one of the most important initial steps is crafting a well-thought-out and detailed business plan. Consider it your styling guide for success in the hair and beauty industry. This document isn't just about the right cut and color it's your roadmap to achieving your salon's objectives, whether you specialize in trendy haircuts, stunning makeovers or relaxing spa treatments.

Your hair salon business plan will help you navigate the ever-evolving world of starting a beauty business , helping you start a business with confidence.

Ready to kick things off? Begin making a website with Wix .

Benefits of a hair salon business plan

A well-structured business plan is vital for a number of reasons. Below is a breakdown of the top benefits for you to bear in mind.

Getting investors interested: Your well-thought-out business plan isn't just for show; it's what can help you woo investors and raise money for your business . It shows them you've got a plan, clear goals and a vision for profitability. In other words, it makes them more likely to open their wallets and invest in your salon dream.

Figuring out what you need: Writing a business plan forces you to think about everything you'll need to run your salon smoothly—from supplies and equipment to staff. By the end, you'll have a good handle on your startup and operating costs. Don't forget to factor into this the cost of opening a business, starting an LLC for example.

Drawing up your game plan : Think of your business plan as your playbook for success. It lays out the steps to make your salon thrive, helps you set achievable goals and gives you a roadmap for reaching them. Plus, it's got your back when it comes to handling challenges, with strategies to tackle whatever comes your way.

Outshining the competition : While creating your plan, you'll dive deep into your salon's market and competitors. That research helps you understand your customers, spot industry trends and figure out how to stand out from the competition.

Running a smooth ship : Your business plan isn't just about the big picture—it's also about the nitty-gritty details. It helps you plan things like where your salon should be located, how it should look, what equipment to get and how to manage your staff effectively.

Playing it safe: In the financial part of your plan, you'll lay out your salon's expected income, expenses, and profits. This not only helps you see if your business will make money but also prepares you to make smart financial decisions. Plus, it's your insurance against unexpected bumps in the road.

Read more about how to start a service business .

6 steps to creating a hair salon business plan

Let's dissect the key components of a hair salon business plan:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire hair salon business plan. It provides a snapshot of your business concept, strategies, financial projections and objectives. While it appears at the beginning of the plan, it's often written after the rest of the plan is complete to ensure all crucial details are included.

To write a clear executive summary for a hair salon business be sure to introduce your hair salon, detailing the services you offer and the unique value proposition that sets you apart in the industry. Then clearly state your short-term and long-term business goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).

Remember to highlight what differentiates your hair salon from competitors, whether it's your exceptional stylists, innovative services or a specific niche you cater to. Als, provide a brief overview of the target market you're aiming to serve and the market demand for your services.

Offer a glimpse of your projected financials, including expected revenue, expenses and profitability within a specified timeframe. Additionally, include how much investment you're seeking or have secured to launch and grow your hair salon business.

Example of an executive summary for a hair salon business

"EleganceTresses Salon is poised to transform the hair care experience in the city. With a mission to blend style and artistry, we offer a range of premium hairstyling and beauty services that cater to a diverse clientele. Our SMART objectives include becoming the go-to destination for modern hair transformations, increasing customer retention by 20% in the first year and expanding our salon footprint to two additional locations within three years. What sets us apart is our team of master stylists, led by industry veterans with over 15 years of combined experience. We're seeking an initial investment of $250,000 to support salon setup, staff training and marketing initiatives. Our projected revenue of $500,000 in the first year, coupled with strategic partnerships, positions EleganceTresses Salon for rapid growth and profitability."

02. Business and domain names

Naming your business is crucial, as it will become an integral part of your brand identity. A memorable and relevant name enhances brand recognition and establishes trust with your customers. A business name generator can provide inspiration for a beauty business name that resonates with your salon's concept and values.

For more inspiration:

Nail business names

Beauty business name ideas

Selecting and registering a suitable domain name is equally important. Ensure your domain name aligns with your salon's name or services as this consistency makes it easier for customers to find you online.

Opt for a domain name that is simple to spell and remember and avoid using complex words or excessive characters. As part of this, if feasible, incorporate relevant keywords in your domain name to improve search engine visibility. Finally, check domain registration platforms to confirm your chosen domain name's availability.

Learn more about registering your business , which you’ll want to do once you’ve landed on a business name and a legal structure.

03. Market analysis and research

The market analysis and research section of a business plan is essential for understanding the competitive landscape and consumer preferences in the hair salon industry. This information forms the foundation of your business strategy.

Define your target audience based on demographics, lifestyles and hair care preferences.

Evaluate competing salons' offerings, pricing, location and customer reviews to identify gaps and opportunities.

Research industry trends, emerging styles and customer demands to align your beauty business ideas and services with current market expectations.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan details the practical aspects of running your hair salon. It covers location selection, salon design, equipment procurement and staffing.

Location: Describe how you'll choose a high-traffic, accessible location that caters to your target audience.

Interior design: Highlight your salon's ambiance, decor and layout to create a welcoming and appealing environment.

Equipment: Specify the types of equipment and products you'll use to provide top-notch services.

Staffing: Detail your staffing needs, including hairstylists, receptionists and other support roles and outline their qualifications.

Operation plans example:

"Our salon will be strategically situated in a bustling shopping district, attracting both locals and tourists. The interior design will exude contemporary elegance, featuring comfortable seating, modern decor and ample natural light. We'll invest in premium hairstyling equipment and a range of high-quality products to ensure exceptional services. Our staff will consist of experienced stylists specializing in diverse hair types and styles."

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan outlines how you'll promote your hair salon, attract customers and build brand recognition. This can include marketing campaigns tailored to different customer segments, such as bridal packages, seasonal promotions or loyalty programs. Be sure to highlight how you'll utilize social media, a business website and online advertising to engage with customers and showcase your services.

Example of a marketing plan

"Our marketing strategy entails a mix of social media engagement and influencer partnerships. We'll leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase before-and-after transformations, share hairstyling tips and engage with our audience. Collaborating with local boutiques for joint promotions will enhance our visibility while offering special packages for bridal parties will establish us as a bridal hair expert."

Need some help building up your brand? Get inspiration from these beauty logo ideas and use Wix’s free logo maker to create your own.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan section of your business plan provides insights into the financial aspects of your hair salon business. It will need to include a rundown of your initial expenses such as salon setup, equipment purchase, interior decor and initial marketing efforts.

After this, you'll need to estimate projected revenue based on services offered, pricing and anticipated customer volume. At the same time, document ongoing costs, including rent, utilities, staffing salaries, product replenishment and marketing expenditures.

Then lay out the initial investment you'll need and potential sources of funding, such as personal savings, loans or investors.

It’s also important to project when your hair salon is expected to become profitable based on revenue growth and expense management.

Example of a financial plan

"Startup costs are estimated at $120,000, covering salon setup, equipment and marketing campaigns. We project an annual revenue of $300,000 within the first year, with a steady increase of 15% in subsequent years. Operating expenses, including rent, staff salaries and product inventory, are projected at $180,000 annually. We anticipate becoming profitable by the end of Year 2."

Got another business idea in mind?

Still trying to decide on the best type of business to pursue? Check out the guides below and read about more service business ideas .

How to start a nail business

How to start an online business

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How to start a fitness business

How to start a fitness clothing line

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How to start an online boutique

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How to start a trucking business

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How to write a business plan for your hair salon.

Starting a hair salon is a great way to be your own boss and make a living doing something you love.

It also offers potential for growth and diversification, allowing you to add additional services or products to your business.

But, before launching anything, make sure you have a business plan in place.

A business plan is an essential tool for any new project, and a hair salon is no exception. Writing a business plan will help to ensure that the project is well-thought-out and has a clear roadmap for success.

In short, a thorough business plan will help make sure your hair salon is profitable .

What should you consider when writing a business plan for a hair salon? What should be the main focus areas? What are the important financial ratios to consider? How can I speed up the process of developing an efficient business plan?

Please, find comprehensive answers to all these questions below.

Additionally, it's worth noting that you have the option to avoid starting your business plan from scratch.

Instead, you can download our business plan for a hair salon and adapt it to your project.

Creating a business plan for a hair salon

Will a business plan be beneficial for your hair salon.

Yes, you should create a business plan to ensure the success of your hair salon.

Developing a robust business plan will enable you to:

• learn about the hair salon market
• be aware of new consumertrends and apply them to your project
• identify factors for viability in a hair salon
• understand the latest hair trends, styling preferences, and customer expectations in salon services
• find a great unique value proposition for your hairstyling salon
• investigate competitor customer retention strategies
• find competitive advantages for your hair salon
• find a business model that delivers consistent positive financial outcomes
• establish and execute a solid and strategic action plan for long-term success
• evaluate potential risks specific to a hair salon, including customer satisfaction, employee training, and product safety

Our team has drafted a business plan for a hair salon that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to outline a business plan for a hair salon?

Your business plan will include a wide range of numbers and valuable information. It must be presented in a structured format, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built our business plan for a hair salon , we took care to arrange it appropriately.

There are 5 parts within the business plan.

1. Market Opportunity

The introductory section has been named "Market Opportunity".

Our team has gathered essential information and metrics about the hair salon, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs in this industry.

The data here is always kept current; we update it biannually.

2. Project Presentation

The "Project" section provides an opportunity to describe your hair salon, specifying the range of hair services you offer (cut, color, styling), specialized treatments, talented stylists, haircare products, salon ambiance, and the unique value proposition that guarantees exceptional hairstyling and customer satisfaction.

Remember to introduce yourself at the end of this section.

Discuss your passion for hairstyling, your expertise in hair trends and techniques, and how you plan to create a personalized and transformative hair salon experience for clients. Highlight your range of services, your skilled stylists, and your dedication to providing individualized consultations and exceptional customer service that leaves clients feeling confident, stylish, and satisfied at your hair salon.

We prepared text in our business plan. Customize it to suit your idea.

3. Market Research

Moving on, there's the "Market Research" section.

In this section, you will find a market segmentation analysis for your hair salon.

It includes a study of other hair salons in the area that will be competing with you. Your salon's unique hair services and competitive advantages are also highlighted. A customized SWOT analysis is included.

4. Strategy

The "Strategy" section outlines a comprehensive 3-year action plan, detailing the initiatives and steps needed to transform your hair salon into a highly profitable endeavor.

Furthermore, this section encompasses a comprehensive marketing plan, a strategy to mitigate risks, and a completed Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

In the end, the section titled "Finances" is where you can present the financial plan and breakdown for your project.

How to write the Executive Summary for a hair salon?

The Executive Summary gives a summarized glimpse into the business plan of your hair salon.

Keep it brief, not going over 2 pages. Highlight the essential points.

When you share your business plan with an investor, this is the part they will read at the beginning. It should grab their interest and make them want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your hair salon, address the following queries: what services does your hair salon offer? who is your target audience? are there other hair salons in the area? what makes your salon unique? what funding do you need?

How to do the market analysis for a hair salon?

Analyzing the market for your hair salon allows you to gain insights into factors such as customer preferences for hairstyling and haircare services, competition from other salons, and emerging trends in hair fashion.

By conducting a comprehensive market study, a hair salon can identify customer preferences, offer a range of hair services, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal customer base, increased appointments, and a prominent position in the local hair care industry.

Here's what we've incorporated into the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a hair salon :

• fresh and updated data and statistics about the hair salon industry, including popular hairstyles, hair care trends, and customer preferences
• a list of potential market segments for a hair salon
• the competitor analysis
• the competitive advantages to target for a hair salon

The key points of the business plan for a hair salon

What's the business model of a hair salon, business model of a hair salon.

A hair salon's model revolves around providing various hair care services, including haircuts, styling, coloring, or treatments. Revenue is generated through service fees, potentially offering retail hair products or additional beauty services.

The business model focuses on employing skilled hair stylists, providing personalized consultations, using quality hair products, creating a welcoming and trendy salon environment, and building strong client relationships through exceptional service and hairstyling expertise.

Success depends on stylists' talent and creativity, effective marketing to target individuals seeking hair services, maintaining industry trends and techniques, fostering positive client reviews and referrals, and providing a satisfying and rejuvenating salon experience.

Business model ≠ Business plan

Be clear on the distinction between "business plan" and "business model."

A business model is a blueprint for how a company operates and makes money.

In a business plan, you use the Business Model Canvas as a visual aid to explain the inner workings of your business.

Rest assured, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a hair salon .

How do you identify the market segments of a hair salon?

Market segmentation for your hair salon involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their haircare needs, preferences, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as haircuts and styling, coloring and highlights, extensions, or customers seeking specific hair treatments (e.g., keratin treatments, scalp treatments).

By segmenting your market, you can offer a range of hair services and solutions that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide a variety of haircut and styling options for customers seeking trendy or classic looks, offer professional hair coloring and highlighting services for customers looking to enhance their hair color, specialize in hair extensions and volumizing treatments, or provide specialized treatments for customers with specific hair concerns such as damaged hair, dry scalp, or frizz control.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, showcase your hairstyling expertise, and deliver personalized and satisfying hair services that meet the unique needs and preferences of each customer segment.

In the business plan for a hair salon , you will get a detailed market segmentation, helping you understand your target audiences and their needs.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a hair salon?

Without surprise, you won't be the only hair salon in your city. There will be other establishments offering hair styling, cutting, and coloring services to customers.

Your business plan must incorporate a thorough examination of your competitors, including their characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

Pay attention to their weaknesses (such as inexperienced stylists, lack of trending hairstyles, or poor customer satisfaction).

Why is it crucial to notice these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact the client experience at hair salons. By addressing these elements, you can provide a wide range of hair services and treatments, offer skilled and creative stylists, and create a welcoming and stylish salon environment, establishing your hair salon as a preferred choice for hair care and styling needs.

It's what we call competitive advantages—work on developing them for a distinct business identity.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a beauty salon: skilled and experienced stylists, wide range of beauty services, relaxing and luxurious ambiance.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a beauty salon?

A SWOT analysis can help identify potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that may affect the success of a hair salon.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a hair salon

The strengths for a hair salon

The letter "S" in SWOT signifies Strengths, highlighting the project's internal advantages or positive features.

For a hair salon, potential strengths include excellent customer service, a wide range of services, experienced staff, and attractive pricing.

The weaknesses for a hair salon

The "W" stands for Weaknesses, referring to the areas or aspects of the project that need to be addressed.

For a hair salon, potential weaknesses could include lack of repeat customers, limited marketing budget, lack of online presence, and lack of staff training.

The opportunities for a hair salon

O represents Opportunities in SWOT, referring to the external factors or conditions that can create opportunities for the project's advancement.

In the case of a hair salon, potential opportunities may include offering online booking services, expanding into new markets, providing additional services such as cosmetics and nail care, and advertising on social media.

The threats for a hair salon

The "T" in SWOT stands for Threats, which are external factors that may pose risks or challenges to the project's success.

How to outline a marketing strategy for a beauty salon?

A marketing strategy is a vital element of a business plan as it details how a business will attract customers and generate business.

A hair salon can attract clients in need of professional and trendy hairstyling services by implementing a targeted marketing plan that highlights the salon's skilled stylists and personalized approach.

Clients won't choose your beauty salon without effective marketing; showcasing your range of services, talented stylists, and relaxing atmosphere is crucial.

Are you implementing effective marketing strategies for your hair salon? Consider offering first-time client discounts or referral programs, showcasing trendy hairstyles or transformations on social media, and partnering with local fashion influencers for endorsements.

Don't fret if you lack ideas for your project's marketing strategy.

How to build a solid financial plan for a beauty salon?

A successful business plan must include detailed financial information, such as income and expense projections, cash flow statements, and a break-even analysis.

As you outline your business plan, you should include revenue projections for your hair salon.

The inclusion of a relevant and credible revenue forecast in your business plan adds credibility and enhances appeal to banks or investors.

Our financial plan for a hair salon is straightforward and equipped with automated checks, enabling you to validate and adjust your assumptions easily. This way, we make sure you're building solid financial projections.

Without a doubt, you'll need to come up with a basic budget for starting your hair salon. Make certain to include all expenses without exception - you can find them all listed in our financial plan!

The break-even analysis is a crucial tool in your financial plan, providing insight into whether your hair salon will become a profitable company or not.

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Salon Business Plan Template & Guide

• Written by Dave Lavinsky

Table of Contents

Salon business plan.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their salons. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a salon business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Our salon business plan template works for all types of salons, including:

• Hair or Beauty Salons: which most commonly include hair-cutting, coloring and styling hair and other beauty services
• Nail Salons: which typically include nail treatments, manicures and pedicures
• Hair Removal Salons: commonly include waxing and other forms of hair removal
• Skin Care Salons: commonly include facials and other skin care services
• Tanning Salons: include tanning services
• Day Spa Salons: often include massages, aromatherapy and other services
• Combination Salons: include services from more than one of the above salon types

This being said, we also do have specific pages for information on our hair salon business plan ,  nail salon business plan , and beauty salon business plan .

Download our Ultimate Salon Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Salon Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your salon as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business’ goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Salon Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a salon or grow your existing salon you need a business plan. A salon business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your salon in order to improve your chances of achieving success. Your salon business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Salons

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a salon are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a salon business.

The second most common form of funding for a salon is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a salon. They might consider funding a chain of salons, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Salon business plan template.

Your salon business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of salon you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a beauty salon with existing customers and revenues  that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of salons.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the salon industry. Discuss the type of salon you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your salon’s marketing plan. Identify your management team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of salon you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Beauty Salon
• Hair Removal Salon
• Skin Care Salon
• Tanning Salon
• Combination of the above types

In addition to explaining the type of salon you operate, the Company Analysis section of your salon business plan needs to provide background on your business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start your salon business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the salon business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the salon industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards new hair services, nail services, spa services or beauty services, it would be helpful to ensure your plan included offering such services.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the salon industry research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your salon business plan:

• How big is the beauty salon market and/or hair salon industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your salon. You can extrapolate such as figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your salon plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: college students, sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, techies, teens, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of salon you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most salons primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Salon Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify your indirect and direct competitors and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other salons.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes products they can purchase from supermarkets and other retailers both offline and online. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone in your target market frequents a salon on a regular basis or at all.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other salons with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be salons located close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What services do they offer?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior salon services?
• Will you provide superior salon products?
• Will you provide salon services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a salon business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of salon that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific services you will be offering.

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your salon. Document your location and mention how the location will impact whether you achieve success. For example, is your beauty salon located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Choosing a location for your salon is an extremely important decision. With the right location, the salon will at least launch on the right foot. With the wrong location, customers may never arrive in the first place. Consider the following two factors with regards to your location:

1. Proximity to Customer Base

To decide on a good location from a customer perspective, you must first know who your target customers are (stay-at-home moms, working women, teens, families) as discussed above. Once you’re clear on this, you can begin scouting locations. Being close to your customer base could mean being close to their homes, but could also mean being near their workplaces or en route between the two. Being close in distance is important, but being accessible (e.g., adequate parking) is even more important.

2. Landlord

Hopefully you’ll be in your location for many years. That means that you will be forming a long-term relationship, even a partnership, with your landlord. The landlord should be invested in the success of your business and understand that what is good for your salon is also good for them. During initial discussions with landlords, look out if you sense that they are focused solely on rules, restrictions and regulations, rather on what you want to do. If the landlord seems intent on starting an antagonistic relationship, think twice before signing the lease. When you choose your location, you are choosing a landlord so make sure you’ll be able to get along with them and have the leeway you need to run a successful salon.

Promotions : the final part of your salon marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your salon’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Developing and marketing your website
• Social media marketing (advertising and organic posts)
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations
• Local radio advertising
• Develop marketing materials

Also think about your salon’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP), which should answer why customers should choose you over other salons. Make sure your USP is reflected in your marketing.

Here are some additional marketing tips if you are launching a new salon:

Promote the Opening of Your Salon

To be sure of a well-attended launch event, start promoting early, with attractive signage outside your salon. This should be geared towards your target demographic – women for most salons. Setting up an employee on the street outside or nearby to hand out flyers in the days leading up to and during the opening event can increase visibility, especially if this is an uncommon occurrence in your neighborhood. The point is to stand out and to reach a large portion of your intended customer market with the message that your opening event will be something they don’t want to miss.

Plan a Great Spa or Salon Deal to Increase Profits

When opening, develop a clear deal or incentive for customers to attend and to try your services during the opening day, week, or month. Rather than offering discounts on different products, freebies, two-for-ones and other offers, try to find one nice offer and promote it heavily so that it is memorable both to those who hear about it beforehand and to those who take advantage of it. For example, a free pedicure with purchase of a manicure if you are a nail salon. The offer does not have to break the bank – it could be a small free gift with any service of $50 or more.

Plan for Smooth Salon Operations

To show off your salon at its best, having a pristine and spotless store is a minimal requirement. The operations have to be smooth as clockwork on opening day, especially if appointments and walk-ins make it a very busy first day or week. Customers who use your services during this time can become ambassadors to your customer target group for you, speaking of how wonderful the experience was, or they can spread the word about how they waited forever without hearing what was happening, how salon staff were sloppy or rude, and how they would never return. You need the early adopters on your side, so make sure the human, computer, and mechanical systems are all ready to work perfectly from day one and that you have contingency plans for unforeseen problems.

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your salon business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your salon such as serving customers, procuring supplies, salon equipment, keeping the salon clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your salon’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the salon business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in salons and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements. This section of plan should also include startup costs and whether or not you are seeking funding.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 20 customers per day or 50? Will your average price point be $50 or $100? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your salon, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a massive $100,000 salon contract to provide salon services to their employees. Let’s assume the contract would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for supplies, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a salon:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like chairs, washing equipment, etc.
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Licenses and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your salon’s design blueprint or location lease.

Summary & Keys to Salon Success

Putting together a business plan for your salon is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the salon business plan template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the salon business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful beauty salon or hair salon.

Finally, in addition to completing your salon business plan template, be sure to pay special attention to the following factors that often define success for salon businesses:

• Make sure all of your clients are thrilled with your services
• Keep your salon clean at all times
• Provide excellent communications with current and prospective clients
• Embrace new technology, particularly social media to engage your clients and get them to return to your salon
• Focus on growing revenues, but also on profits, by keeping a close eye on costs
• Hire the right team, train them well and treat them well so their performance is strong and they are loyal to your business

Download Our Salon Business Plan PDF

You can download our salon business plan PDF here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Salon Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my salon business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Salon Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Salon Business Plan.

Where Can I Download a Free Salon Business Plan PDF?

You can download our beauty salon business plan sample pdf here. Our salon business plan PDF template is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Beauty Salon Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Beauty Salon Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your beauty salon business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their beauty salons.

Below is a salon business plan example to help you create your own beauty salon business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is a newly established hair and beauty bar located in Glendale, Arizona that is founded by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician that has worked in the industry for over 15 years. Jenna’s knowledge in hair, nail, and facial trends have made her a popular stylist in the community. As her client list continues to grow, Jenna realizes that it’s time for her to open up her own salon.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be located in Glendale’s upscale district in a 5,000 square foot retail space. The area is highly trafficked with middle to high income residents who spend on luxury items such as cars, clothes, jewelry.

The beauty salon will offer haircuts and treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Major Lengths will also carry a large selection of hair and beauty products that will be available for purchase. Jenna will have a loyalty program where the top clients will receive discounts on their service as a thank you for remaining loyal and referring other potential clients to the salon.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Major Lengths Beauty Salon will provide:

• Color Treatment
• Healthy Hair Treatment
• Nail Services

Customer Focus

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will target the male and female adult population of Glendale, although the majority of clientele will be women. They will be middle to high income and working in a variety of industries, such as medical, legal, business, education, or other white collar professions. The salon will target stay at home mothers as well who enjoy a day of pampering.

Management Team

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local Arizona hair stylist and aesthetician. Her years of experience and in the industry have allowed her to meet the following talented individuals.

Jenna has recruited a talented nail technician and aesthetician from her previous salon to join her at Major Lengths. Jenna regards them as the best in the industry and knows that their quality of work is up to her high standards. They also have a loyal and large list of clients that will likely follow them to the new salon.

While the three of them will be in charge of their respective department, Jenna will be the head manager to oversee the entire operation of the beauty salon.

Success Factors

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Latest hair and nail trends
• Modern and comfortable environment
• More selection of each service offered than any other salon in town
• Major Lengths Beauty Salon offers the best pricing in town

Financial Highlights

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is seeking $100,000 in debt financing to open the beauty salon. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the retail space and purchasing the salon furniture, equipment, decorations, opening inventory, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Beauty salon build-out: $30,000
• Opening inventory, furniture, equipment, decorations:  $40,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities):  $15,000
• Marketing costs: $5,000
• Working capital:  $10,000

  The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Major Lengths Beauty Salon.

Company Overview

Who is major lengths beauty salon.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is a newly established hair and beauty bar located in Glendale, Arizona. The company is founded by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician that has dedicated her career to making women look and feel their best. Throughout her years in the beauty industry, Jenna gained extensive knowledge in hair, nail, and facial trends as well as how to give exceptional customer service to all of her clients. Jenna realizes that men and women invest a lot of time and money into their appearance and she takes extra care to ensure her clients not only feel special, but walk away with their desired result.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be located in Glendale’s upscale district in a 5,000 square foot retail space. The area is highly trafficked with middle to high income residents who spend on luxury items such as cars, clothes, jewelry. Some of Arizona’s most expensive homes are within a 15-mile radius from the location. The salon will be decorated with a contemporary style, have modern furnishings, and include a welcoming waiting and reception area, large hair styling room, and separate areas for facials and nail services.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon History

Major Lengths is owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local hair stylist and aesthetician who has made her career working in the beauty industry for the past 15 years in Glendale. She has gained extensive knowledge through her continuing education and industry seminars. Jenna has a long list of loyal clientele who will follow her to her new salon. Aside from her beauty salon knowledge and expertise, Jenna has taken local business courses to learn salon management and leading a small team of stylists, manicurists, and aestheticians.

Since incorporation, Major Lengths Beauty Salon has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Major Lengths Beauty Salon, LLC to transact business in the state of Arizona.
• Has obtained the necessary salon permits and licenses for the state of California.
• Has a lease contract in place for the 5,000 square foot beauty salon.
• Has developed the complete list of salon services and products.
• Has developed the beauty salon’s logo and branding image.
• Began recruiting a team of stylists, manicurists, and nail technicians.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon Products

The following will be the services Major Lengths Beauty Salon will provide:

Industry Analysis

The Beauty Salon industry is expected to increase in size by 2.5% over the next five years. Demand for industry services mirrors broader economic performance, as economic growth boosts consumer spending on personal care products and services. Specifically, new products and services have favorably contributed to industry revenue growth over the majority of the past five years.

Online platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have provided a convenient and low-cost marketing strategy for many stylists and technicians to garner new clientele. Higher service prices and increased consumer spending on high-margin merchandise and services have also fueled revenue growth, as operators capitalize on rising per capita disposable income. Continued growth in household income over the outlook period is expected to drive consumer spending and boost demand for premium personal care services. Moreover, equipped with larger budgets, consumers will likely continue to favor professional salon products and services, such as hair coloring services, over less expensive alternatives sold at drugstores and supermarkets. Environmental sustainability concerns are expected to become more prevalent over the next five years, leading salons to offer a wider array of eco-friendly products that appeal to trending consumer preferences. Specifically, nontoxic products will likely benefit industry revenue, staff and patrons. This growing niche will likely drive hair salon revenue over the coming years.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Glendale, Arizona are:

Customer Segmentation

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Stay at home mothers and fathers
• Working professionals
• College students
• Retired females
• Mothers with adult or teenage daughters

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Hair Xtreme

Hair Xtreme is located on the west side of Glendale and is owned by a local hair stylist with over 30 years of experience. Hair Xtreme specializes in haircuts and hair coloring services as well as hair color correction. The owner is also certified in Balayage highlighting by the prestigious L’oreal SOHO Academy. Hair Xtreme Beauty Salon was established to create a higher level of service in the Glendale community and has amassed a large clientele. The salon is regarded as the go-to salon for anyone looking for extreme color or haircut transformation. The pricing of services are on the higher end of the spectrum and caters to the community in the middle to higher income range.

Hair Xtreme Beauty Salon’s full list of services include haircuts, balayage, ombre, highlights, color retouch, hair treatments, and special occasion styles. The salon is open Tuesday through Saturday and is by appointment only.

The Complete Package

The Complete Package is not only a hair and nail salon in Glendale, but also provides massage treatment, eyelash extensions, and body treatments. The salon is moderately priced and leans to be more affordable to target the population who doesn’t spend lavishly on beauty services, but also occasionally like to get pampered. Owned and operated by a mother and daughter team of hair stylists, The Complete Package is located in a small retail shopping center in the middle of the city. The salon has been in operation for over 20 years and was founded by Kate Beneducci. She was able to bring The Complete Package into operation due to her experience and background in cosmetics, marketing, and management. Every single stylist is a certified cosmetologist and are all required to attend a mandatory training every year to learn the latest techniques.

The Complete Package’s full list of salon services include hair, makeup, eyelash extensions, and nails. The full list of spa services include waxing, facials, microdermabrasion, massage, and body treatments. The salon regularly posts promotions to increase customer loyalty. The Complete Package is open daily by appointment and is able to take walk-ins Friday through Sunday.

Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa

Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa is located on the west side of Glendale, Arizona and was established in 2013 as a premier beauty salon. Fringe caters to the higher income clientele and their pricing is the most expensive in town. The owner relocated to Glendale to start her own beauty salon after working in the beauty industry in New York and Los Angeles for many years. She did hair and salon services for many celebrities and has been known to be the stylist for awards shows such as the Emmys and Oscars.

As a Glendale native, she relocated to her hometown to provide a higher quality of salon services to the community. The full list of services for Fringe Beauty Salon include haircuts, hair treatments, hair color, balayage, ombre, special occasion, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, eyelash extensions, waxing, and makeup.

With a luxury atmosphere and relaxing spa environment, Fringe Beauty Salon and Spa is frequently booked for those wanting a full day of pampering.

Competitive Advantage

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly and knowledgeable staff who are all trained and experienced in the latest hair and beauty trends.
• Complete list of beauty salon services intended to provide a full day of pampering and relaxation.
• Casual and comfortable environment with a luxurious feel.
• Major Lengths Beauty Salon offers the best pricing in town for the high quality of services provided. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Complete list of beauty salon services all provided by trained and knowledgeable hair stylists, manicurists, and aestheticians.
• Pricing is affordable and moderate so customers perceive value when visiting the beauty salon.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Major Lengths Beauty Salon is as follows:

Website/SEO Marketing

Major Lengths Beauty Salon has hired an advertising firm to develop their branding image and logo. They will also develop the hair salon’s website. The website will include a full list of services, pricing, and pictures. The advertising company will also manage the company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Glendale beauty salon” or “beauty salon near me”, Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be listed at the top of the search results.

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Jenna Diaz has a long list of loyal clients that have been with her for decades. They will follow her to the new salon and will receive additional clients from their referrals.

Social Media

Once the branding and logo is finalized, Jenna will use social media to her advantage and create social media business pages on all of the popular social media platforms. She will commit to posting daily to increase the list of followers and use it to regularly engage with customers.

Print Advertising

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in local magazines and hand out flyers to local businesses.

The pricing of Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their salon services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Major Lengths Beauty Salon.

Operation Functions:

• Jenna Diaz will be the Owner and Manager of the beauty salon. She will order salon inventory and products, oversee staff, payroll, and manage customer service.
• Melanie Brooks – Head nail technician that will oversee the nail department.
• Fiona Adams – Head aesthetician that will oversee the facial and massage departments.
• Jenna has hired third party companies to manage the bookkeeping, accounting, tax payments, insurance, and legal requirements.

Milestones:

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

8/1/202X – Finalize retail space for beauty salon

8/15/202X – Begin build-out of beauty salon to include stylist stations, facial and massage rooms, and nail service area

9/1/202X – Order opening inventory

9/15/202X – Begin marketing campaign

9/22/202X – Hire staff of hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, and aestheticians

10/1/202X – Major Lengths Beauty Salon Grand Opening Event

Major Lengths Beauty Salon will be owned and operated by Jenna Diaz, a local Arizona hair stylist and aesthetician. Jenna has made an impressive career helping women achieve their desired look and feel. As an Arizona native, Jenna has attended the local beauty college and attends industry trade shows and training seminars annually. She has amassed a large and loyal clientele and has even done hair treatments, cuts, and facials for local celebrities and sports personalities. Jenna is committed to establishing a beauty salon in her hometown of Glendale and making it a place where the women and men flock to when they want the latest hairstyle, manicure, or facial.

While the three of them will be in charge of their respective department, Jenna will be the head manager to oversee the entire operation of the beauty salon. She will also outsource a third party insurance company, CPA, and attorney to take care of her insurance, legal obligations, and tax filings. Jenna will also employ a part time bookkeeper to handle her day to day accounting and payroll of staff.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Major Lengths Beauty Salon are the sales from hair services, nail services, massages and facials.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required to staff the beauty salon. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, salon inventory, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Major Lengths Beauty Salon is seeking $100,000 in debt financing to open the beauty salon. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the retail space and purchasing the salon furniture, equipment, decorations, opening inventory, and working capital. Jenna will need to allocate funds for the first three months of payroll and operating expenses as well as spend approximately on branding and marketing. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Beauty Salon Services Sold Per Month: 300
• Average Revenue per Month: $20,000
• Beauty Salon Lease per Year: $110,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, beauty salon business plan template faqs, what is a beauty salon business plan.

A beauty salon business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your beauty salon. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your beauty salon business plan using our Beauty Salon Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Beauty Salons?

There are a number of different kinds of beauty salons, some examples include: Beauty salon focusing strictly on hair styling, beauty salon offering hair removal services, skin care services, nail services, tanning services, or massage services, and beauty salon offering products.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Beauty Salon Business Plan?

Beauty salons are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a business plan for a beauty salon or a hair salon business plan.

Why do You Need a Business Plan Template?

If you’re looking to start a beauty salon business  or grow your existing salon business, you need a business plan. A hair salon business plan template will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your beauty salon in order to improve your chances of success. Your salon business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Where Can I Get a Beauty Salon Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free beauty salon business plan template PDF here . This is a sample beauty salon business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Creating a Successful Salon Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

• January 23, 2024
• For Salon Owners

If you plan to open a salon, besides setting the objectives, you’ll need to know how you’re going to achieve them. Or, in other words, you need a sound salon business plan.

Creating a salon business plan can help you identify specific goals and strategies, as well as provide guidance on how you can reach them and see your business thrive. Knowing how to craft your plan is vital, as it can easily make or break your salon business.

This article will walk you through how to create a salon business plan step-by-step.

Why is a Salon Business Plan so Important?

What is a salon business plan.

A salon business plan is a formal, written statement of the goals you want to set for your business. It explains why you want to set those goals and what your plan is for reaching them. A salon business plan might also include information about the individuals or teams working toward those goals with you.

A good salon business plan gives an overview of where your business is at now and explains where you want to be in the future. It also includes marketing information and research that impact your business plan in general. In fact, think of your salon business plan as a road map where you show where you are now and explain where you’re headed and what it will take to get there.

As you build your salon business plan, it’s important to include information about the process of opening your salon. This information is important because, right from the get-go, you lay the groundwork for success. This groundwork then helps you run and grow your salon business .

Why is a business plan essential for the success of your salon?

A salon business plan is an essential tool for the growth and success of any salon. It is important as it helps you to jot down your ideas and thoughts, arrange them in an organized manner, and develop an overall plan to implement them.

Writing a salon business plan also enables you to identify potential difficulties and challenges that may arise in the future. Once you’ve identified them, you can create a strategy to address them.

Having a business plan is just one of the essential steps to opening your very own salon – to see what other boxes need to be checked, download our Opening a Salon checklist PDF :

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If you have a salon that is already established and doing well, it might seem like a lot of work and trouble to sit down and make a business plan. But if you want your salon to keep thriving and growing, having clearly defined goals and plans is really important.

Benefits of having a sound salon business plan

A well-crafted salon business plan comes with many benefits:

• A Greater Success Rate : A good business plan allows you to mitigate risks, make better-informed decisions, and improve your chances of running a successful salon.
• Better Financial Management : A well-written salon business plan includes your budget, financial projections, and expense management. This helps you keep tabs on your salon’s financial health, which leads to financially sound decisions.
• Improved Marketing Strategies : A sound business plan requires you to conduct market research and develop marketing strategies. Then you can identify your target market, predict customer preferences, and adjust your marketing efforts to be more effective.
• Increased Operational Efficiency : A salon business plan ensures that you implement efficient operational processes. This allows your salon to keep running smoothly and leads to increased customer satisfaction.

How to Write a Salon Business Plan in Just 12 Steps

• Write an executive summary
• Create effective mission and vision statements
• Include a salon business description
• Analyze the market and identify your target audience
• Check what your competitors are up to
• Identify products and services you wish to offer
• Craft a sound financial plan
• Tackle management and organization
• Plan your everyday operations
• Think about your marketing strategy
• Think about sales
• Don’t forget to include risks

1. Write an Executive Summary

An executive summary explains what your salon is like and why it is successful. In most cases, a potential investor would go straight to this section to get an idea of what the business is like. If the executive summary isn’t interesting or compelling, they won’t read any further. That makes it an essential section and the first step when writing your salon business plan.

The executive summary should include information that is relevant to stockholders or investors. Include details about your target market, business objectives, and financial projections. Don’t forget to add information about your products and service menu, as well as your vision and mission. The main idea is to let the reader know what’s up, grab their attention, and make them want to keep reading.

Key components

An executive summary of every salon business plan should include the following information:

Business overview : Introduce the reader to your salon. Include information like the name and location, and a brief description of your core values, vision, and mission.

Market analysis : Provide a summary of your research on your target market. Include details about the target market’s trends and demographics. Then highlight gaps or opportunities in the market that you plan to capitalize on.

Your business objectives : Clearly identify your business goals and state what you want your salon to achieve. This might include details like expansion plans, revenue targets, or customer acquisition goals. In this section, you can include any goals that will affect your salon’s growth and success .

Products and Service menu : Give a brief overview of what your salon offers. Make sure your unique features and competitive advantages stand out. Explain what your salon is doing to meet the needs of the target market.

Marketing strategies : Explain your marketing strategy. This includes information about advertising, branding, social media, and so on. If you have any original ideas for how to make your salon stand out from the competition, make sure to highlight them.

Your financial projections : Provide a detailed financial plan overview. Include any information about profit targets, expenses budget, and revenue forecasts. Highlight any achievements or milestones you have reached that prove the financial viability of your salon.

Any funding requirements : Clearly explain the funding requirements for your salon. Explain how much funding you need, how you will use the funds and any other potential sources of funds you have.

2. Create Effective Mission and Vision Statements

Image by pch.vector on Freepik

A mission statement is a short explanation of why you created your salon, what your goal is, and how you want to achieve it. Your mission statement is an important part of your salon business plan, so it should be the first thing you see on the page. It’s a good idea to put it at the top of the page where you and others can see it and be reminded of your purpose.

The mission statement gives you the chance to express your purpose and intention. It not only explains why you started the salon, but it also explains what you have to offer. It shows what sets you apart from the competitor salons and captures the spirit with which you run your salon.

In just a few words, your mission statement can determine what drives your business.

Defining your purpose and aspirations

Part of the purpose of a mission statement is to define your purpose and what you offer. Your purpose is the reason you exist and what you have to offer potential customers. To get an idea of what your mission statement should include, ask yourself “Why does my salon exist?”

A vision statement serves a similar purpose. It explains where you want to take your business and what you hope to achieve. It defines your goals and the future impact you want to have. To identify the key points that will go into your vision statement, ask yourself “Where do I see my salon in the future?”

Putting your purpose and your long-term goals in writing plays an important role in having a successful business plan.

How to craft mission and vision statements

Here are a few examples of things you can consider when you are writing your mission statement and your vision statement. This will help you come up with ideas that reflect your identity and direction as a salon.

• Have a brainstorming session with your team. Ask them “What do you think makes this salon unique? What do you love about working here? What do you personally want to achieve?”
• Identify core values. What specific values do you want to uphold in everything you do? Some examples of core values are: creativity, integrity, excellence, diversity, and
• Put your mission statement in writing. Use your core values as a starting point. Then write a short, simple sentence that sums up your salon’s purpose and what you offer to clients.
• Write your vision statement. Write a short, inspiring sentence that describes your long-term goals for the salon and what you want to achieve.
• Review and refine. Once you have your mission and vision statements written down, take some time to review them. Make sure your statements are both clear and concise, as well as compelling.

In case you need a bit of help, take a look at some brilliant salon mission statement examples sure to inspire you.

Also, writing an effective slogan will only underline the message you wish to send, so make sure you have one ready.

3. Include a Salon Business Description

Company description.

A company description is a quick overview of your business that explains the core values of your company. This part of your salon business plan is all about giving a quick and simple rundown to the readers. It’s meant to give them a general idea of what your business is all about.

Outlining the details

Your salon business description provides all the basic details about your salon. You should include the name of your salon, the location, and your contact information. Also, include the details about the legal structure of your salon. This information is the foundation of the rest of your business description. Thus, it’s important that the information is accurate and up to date.

Company history and brand story

In this section, you should provide some information about the background and history of your salon. When was your business founded? What led to you starting your business? Whatever your story is, this section is your chance to tell it.

Describe what you offer and your USP

This section details what your clients can expect to find at your salon. You can use this section to provide details about new beauty products or services you are offering. If you are working on your own line of products, this is also a good place to mention it and provide an estimated timeline for when it will be available.

Your salon’s USP (unique selling proposition) is what makes your salon stand out from the rest of the market. It is very important to highlight your USP in your business description.

4. Analyze the Market and Identify Your Target Audience

The market analysis shows that you’ve put some serious thought into your target audience. You’ve also done some research to find out what the competitors are missing out on. What’s more, it shows that you really know your area and have made some changes to your approach to fit in.

When you identify and analyze your potential clients, you are better able to adjust your marketing strategy to catch their eye.

Conducting market research

Market research means collecting data about the needs, preferences, and behavior of potential clients. Then you analyze this data. Market research helps you identify who your target market is and what their expectations and needs are. Based on these findings, you can create a marketing strategy that is appealing to that audience in particular.

Conducting market research also helps you identify who your competition is. Knowing this helps you get a good idea of reasonable pricing and ideal locations. Factoring this information in helps you gain and retain clients.

Here are some ideas on how you can make the entire process more interactive and fun (both for you and the participants):

Salon pop-up surveys

Set up a pop-up booth or station near popular local spots and events. Engage with passersby, offering quick surveys with a fun incentive like discount coupons for your salon. This allows you to gather diverse opinions and attract potential customers .

Instagram polls and stories

Leverage the interactive features of social media. Use Instagram polls and stories to ask your followers about their favorite salon experiences, desired services, or beauty trends. Encourage them to share their thoughts and tag friends for a chance to win a free service.

Salon open house events

Host an open house event at your salon. Invite the local community to explore your space, meet your staff, and participate in live demonstrations or mini-makeovers. Use the opportunity to collect feedback and preferences directly from attendees.

Collaborative mood boards

Create collaborative mood boards or Pinterest boards where clients and potential clients can contribute their favorite hairstyles, colors, and beauty inspirations. This not only gathers valuable insights but also fosters a sense of community and involvement.

Beauty trend workshops

Organize workshops on the latest beauty trends. Invite participants to share their thoughts on emerging styles and treatments. This not only serves as a research platform but also positions your salon as a trendsetter in the community.

Community surveys with prizes

Distribute physical or digital surveys within the local community, emphasizing the importance of their opinions. Include a prize draw or a special discount for survey participants, encouraging more people to contribute.

Interactive social media challenges

Create engaging challenges on social media platforms, encouraging followers to share their favorite salon experiences or dream makeover ideas. Use a unique hashtag to track responses and offer prizes for the most creative entries.

Beauty polls and quizzes

Develop entertaining online polls or quizzes related to beauty and salon preferences. Share these on your website and social media to capture audience insights while providing a fun and interactive experience.

By infusing creativity and engagement into your market research efforts, you not only gather valuable information but also strengthen the connection between your salon and the community. The more interactive and enjoyable the process, the more likely you are to receive enthusiastic and authentic responses from your audience.

Identifying behaviors, demographics, and preferences

Once you have information on your target market you can use it to better understand them. Here are a few things to look at:

The behavior of your target market. This refers to the way clients make purchasing decisions, their brand loyalties, and other similar behaviors. In general, behaviors can include anything that affects a client’s decision-making process.

Demographics refer to the characteristics of your potential clients.

Geographic location, educational background, and income can all impact the way clients respond to your marketing strategy.

Even the age and gender of the people you want to draw in can affect which strategies you use. Understanding this will help you create a marketing plan that resonates with the clientele you want to attract.

Then you have to factor in the preferences of your target market. What do they like and dislike? What kinds of ambiance are they drawn to? Which salon services are most popular with this group? What are their thoughts on pricing? What do they look for in customer service? All these factors play their part in whether or not a potential customer chooses your salon.

Client analysis

This part of your salon business plan is all about who your potential clients are. Depending on where your salon is, you might get certain types of people coming in. Or, it might be a mix of different types. You need to include details about who your market is made up of and what they’re like.

Here are a few things involved in conducting a client analysis for your salon:

• Define the scope and the objective of the analysis. Include information about the services and products, the time frame, and the area your customers are coming from.
• Collect data from a variety of sources and analyze. You can use surveys, online reviews, industry reports, interviews, and social media, as well as other sources.
• Identify specific customer groups. This includes demographics, needs, and behaviors.
• Create a profile for each customer group. Include descriptions of preferences, characteristics, expectations, and motivations.
• Evaluate the salon’s current performance. How are you doing with customer retention, satisfaction, and loyalty? How much is your salon profiting?
• Identify specific areas where you can improve customer relationships.

5. Check What Your Competitors Are Up To

A competitive analysis explains your plan for your salon to dominate the market. It is important for your competitive analysis to give a brief explanation of the existing competitors. This can include direct competition, like another salon, or indirect competition. The indirect competition includes any other option for clients to receive the products or services you offer. In this section of your salon business plan, you can bring out the strengths and weaknesses of your competition and explain how your target market views them.

Knowing your competition will help you determine what your own advantages are. Then you can capitalize on those advantages to attract and keep more customers. Once you can pinpoint your unique strengths, you are better equipped to carve out your own place in the market. It will give you a starting point to work from to identify a new way to attract customers. It may also help you find something unique to offer that no one else in the area is offering.

Conducting a SWOT analysis

To be able to succeed and stand out from the competition, it is helpful to carry out a SWOT analysis . SWOT is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This analysis will help you diagnose the factors that play a role in the potential and performance of your competition.

What are the strengths of your competitors? Maybe a competing salon has a good reputation and a strong brand. Perhaps they offer a wide range of services or have a skillful team. They might have a good relationship with their suppliers, offer a clean and welcoming atmosphere, or have an optimal location.

What are their weaknesses? Perhaps they offer a limited number of services or have staff that lacks experience. They might be struggling with high overhead costs or have a difficult location. Or they may be on the losing end of high competition and/or struggle to maintain customer loyalty.

Opportunities for a salon include expansion opportunities or new services and products. Other opportunities include increased online presence, partnering opportunities, or new technology and trends.

What is a threat to a salon? Economic recessions, loss of customers to the competition, and negative reviews all threaten the success of a salon. Other threats include supply chain disruptions, legal problems, and environmental and health risks.

6. Identify Products and Services You Wish to Offer

This part of your salon business plan lays out all the different services that your salon will offer its customers. You can expect a wide range of services, from haircuts, styling, coloring, treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials, and many more. Each service is described in detail, including the techniques used, expected results, and pricing structure. We’ve also got a great selection of salon products that you can buy, like hair care items, skincare products, and beauty accessories.

By providing a comprehensive overview of the salon’s products and services, we’re showing that we’re committed to meeting all our customers’ needs and preferences. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and satisfied with their experience at our salon. This sets the stage for a successful and thriving salon business.

7. Craft a Sound Financial Plan

Image by vectorjuice on Freepik

Here is where you provide details about the financial history, budget, and projections for your salon. Any potential investors or lenders will be especially interested in this section of your salon business plan.

When writing this section, you should include your financial plan for your salon for the next 3-5 years, as well as your financial history going back 3-5 years. If the salon has income, include financial statements. You should also include potential funding sources and your plan for keeping your salon running.

A good budget is the foundation for any effective financial plan. A budget allows you to distribute resources like time and funds effectively. A good budget also allows you to make better decisions about saving and spending and set goals for your finances.

Start by identifying all the sources of income for your salon. This includes product sales, service fees, and so on. Then identify all the expenses your salon has, like rent, salaries, supplies, and other operational costs. You could make a category for expenses that are always the same, like rent, and another for expenses that vary from month to month, like supplies. This might help you to see patterns and identify areas where you could cut back on some costs.

Once you have identified all your income and expenses, then you can set goals. From time to time, check your progress against your budget to see how you are doing and if you can make any further adjustments.

Income streams

Adding income streams is a good way to increase revenue. The following are a few options you could explore:

• Subscriptions : Charge fees for a set period of time instead of per transaction.
• Advertising : Promote certain brands in-store and online.
• Freemium plans : Certain services are free and “premium” services cost extra.
• Third-party licensing : Give third parties the right to use or sell your patented products.
• Renting or Leasing : Rent out assets (for example, real estate or products) for a price.

As you create your financial projections, factor in the demand in the market and the volume of customers. You should also include your pricing strategy for the products and services you offer. It would be helpful to go back and review your sales history. Then you can isolate specific trends. This will help you make more sound financial decisions moving forward. It would also be helpful to you to do some research on the current market.

Alternative funding options

There are a variety of options when it comes to alternative funding sources for your salon. Each option has pros and cons. Some options include loans, grants, crowdfunding, or partnerships.

Loans may offer somewhat low interest rates. However, it’s important to find out what they require for collateral or how strict the repayment terms are.

Grants can offer funds that you don’t have to repay, but they might have strict eligibility requirements and limits on how you can use the funds.

Crowdfunding can get you funds from a pool of investors, but it might mean sharing control or ownership of your salon.

Partnerships can get you access to extra capital and more expertise. On the downside, partnerships can mean profit-sharing. You may also have to consult with your partners before you make decisions.

Expense management

If you want your salon business plan to have success, it is vital that you manage your expenses carefully. To maximize your earnings, you have to optimize your expenses and control the costs your salon faces. This is the only way to make sure that your salon remains financially stable.

Regularly review your expenses and identify ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Be on the lookout for chances to negotiate better deals on supplies and cut out unnecessary expenses. For example, could you choose equipment that is more energy efficient? Is there a way you could maximize the lifespan of the products you use and cut back on supply costs?

Hiring freelancers or contractors

Hiring a contractor or freelancer can have a lot of benefits. These independent professionals can provide you with the expertise you need to do a specific project or task. Some of the benefits they offer include:

• Saving on Costs: Hiring contractors and freelancers can save you money on payroll taxes, training, benefits, and more. You pay for the work they do and depending on your needs you can adjust your budget.
• Greater flexibility: You hire contractors and freelancers only as you need them and for as long as you need. You can adjust the scale of your team depending on the demand of the project and their availability.
• Expertise: Freelancers and contractors bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. Their knowledge of the industry is also an asset to your salon business. They can also carry out tasks that are beyond your skill set or that require special equipment and tools.

8. Tackle Management and Organization

The management and organization plan is the backbone of your salon business plan. It shows how your salon will operate and reach its goals. This section gives an in-depth look at the salon’s management team, including their qualifications, experience, and roles inside the salon. It also explains how the salon will be structured, how decisions will be made, and how different teams will work together.

By sharing a clear management and organization plan, your business plan shows that the salon has capable people and a well-structured system to make it in the competitive beauty industry.

9. Plan Your Everyday Operations

The salon’s operational plan outlines the day-to-day procedures and practices that drive the smooth functioning of the salon. It covers all the essential operational aspects, from staff scheduling and client management to inventory control and quality assurance.

The plan sets out who’s responsible for what, so everyone works together like a team to give customers the best service. It includes strategies for optimizing appointment bookings , managing walk-ins , and handling peak hours efficiently .

Moreover, the operational plan addresses health and safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for both clients and staff. By adhering to the operational plan, the salon can enhance productivity, elevate the overall customer experience, and create a thriving and well-organized salon environment.

Implementing booking software into your salon’s everyday operations

As a forward-thinking salon owner, integrating booking software into your daily operations isn’t just a tech-savvy move – it’s a strategic investment that brings a myriad of benefits to your business.

Booking software simplifies the appointment process, allowing clients to schedule services seamlessly. With real-time updates, your staff can manage and optimize appointments, reducing the risk of scheduling conficts and ensuring a smooth workflow.

Also, booking software enables you to create and manage staff schedules effortlessly. With automated notifications and reminders, your team stays informed, reducing scheduling conflicts and enhancing overall productivity.

Not to mention that clients appreciate the convenience of booking online, as it allows them to be in charge of everything – they can choose services, select preferred staff members, and book appointments at their convenience.

Revolutionize Your Salon Management with Trafft: A Solution Tailored for Salon Owners

As a salon owner, you’re no stranger to the challenges that come with managing a bustling beauty business.

Managing appointments, handling last-minute rescheduling, dealing with overbooking, creating and managing staff schedules, and struggling to be there for your clients in the middle of the night – these are just some of the common pain points you face as a salon owner.

Enter Trafft ! Tailored with your specific challenges in mind, Trafft is designed to transform your daily chaos into an efficient salon experience.

What do you get from Trafft?

• Say Goodbye to Daily Organizational Chaos : Bring order to the chaos with real-time updates and efficient scheduling. Trafft makes organizing your calendar, keeping track of appointments, and managing staff schedules a breeze.
• Minimize No-Shows : With Trafft’s automated reminders, you can reduce no-shows and make sure that each appointment slot is valuable. You’ll receive timely notifications via email or SMS which will help you cultivate a reliable and engaged customer base.
• Reschedule with Ease : When your clients choose a new time, Trafft will send notifications to both of you. Plus, it’ll confirm the booking and update all your calendars. No need to worry about canceling an appointment – Trafft will do it for you!
• Be Available 24/7: Allow clients to schedule appointments at their convenience. Transform your salon into a 24/7 beauty oasis, breaking free from traditional booking hour constraints.

So, are you ready for a salon management revolution? Embrace Trafft and start your transformation now!

10. Think about your marketing strategy

This is your game plan for your salon to bring in new clients and promote your services. A thorough marketing plan , with plenty of marketing ideas and marketing tools you plan to use, is essential. It allows you to stand out from the competition and reach your target market. It also allows you to create connections with your customers and achieve your marketing goals.

This is the most flexible section of your salon business plan . As your business grows and the market changes, your marketing plan will adapt to it.

Marketing strategies that attract and retain clients

It’s important for salon owners and managers to create strategies for advertising and marketing. This helps to attract new customers and retain existing clients , as well as improve the reputation and visibility of the salon. Here are a few strategies you might try:

• Create a salon website or social media account . There customers can get information about your prices, services, location, and hours. Websites and social media accounts are great ways to showcase your work or advertise special events and promotions.
• Try offering discounts, coupons, referrals, loyalty programs, or gift cards . This will encourage customers to visit the salon more frequently and make them more likely to spread the word to friends and family.
• Participate in local events . Are there any festivals, fairs, charity drives, or fashion shows coming up? These events are a great opportunity for the salon to showcase its skills and services. It also gives you the chance to network with potential customers and partners and generate publicity.
• Look for opportunities to partner with other local businesses like spas, hotels, gyms, or restaurants. You can cross-promote services and offer deals or packages to shared customers.
• Send emails or newsletters to customers about your latest news, tips, beauty trends, and offers.
• Ask for feedback from customers . Then use their responses to improve customer satisfaction and quality of service.

11. Think About Sales

In this section of your salon business plan, you should outline the strategies and tactics that will be employed to drive revenue and achieve your salon’s financial objectives.

This section delves into the target market and defines the salon’s unique selling proposition, emphasizing what sets it apart from competitors. It details the pricing strategy for various services and products, taking into consideration factors such as market demand, competition, and the perceived value of offerings.

The sales plan also identifies promotional activities and marketing campaigns that will be executed to attract new clients and retain existing ones. It includes a timeline for these initiatives, along with a budget allocation for marketing expenses. Furthermore, the section discusses techniques for upselling and cross-selling to maximize the average transaction value per customer.

By laying out a comprehensive sales plan, the business plan showcases the salon’s dedication to achieving financial success and growth through a well-structured and effective sales approach.

12. Don’t Forget to Include Risks

The risk management section of the salon business plan addresses the potential challenges and uncertainties that the salon may encounter during its operations.

This section identifies and assesses various risks, including financial, operational, legal, and industry-specific risks. It outlines the proactive measures that will be implemented to mitigate these risks and ensure business continuity.

Strategies such as obtaining insurance coverage, adhering to strict health and safety protocols, implementing sound financial practices, and conducting regular staff training are discussed to minimize potential liabilities. Additionally, contingency plans are detailed to handle unexpected situations, such as economic downturns or natural disasters.

By carefully analyzing and addressing potential risks, the risk management section demonstrates the salon’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and building resilience, providing potential investors and stakeholders with confidence in the salon’s ability to navigate challenges and succeed in the long run.

So, What’s the Secret to Creating a Successful Salon Business Plan?

Running a successful salon requires more than just a flair for aesthetics; a robust salon business plan is equally essential. This plan is not a one-time document but a dynamic tool that evolves alongside your business. It serves as a roadmap, guiding your financial decisions, attracting funding, and steering your salon toward lasting success.

When writing your salon business plan, don’t forget to include a detailed market analysis, your financial projections, operational plan, services and pricing strategy, marketing, and branding.

Be sure to check in on your plan regularly and see how you’re doing compared to your goals.

Remember, a well-thought-out salon business plan is not just a formality; it’s a dynamic tool that empowers you to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and seize opportunities for growth. Invest time and effort in crafting a plan that aligns with your vision, and watch your salon flourish.

Looking for More Salon-Related Resources?

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FAQ on Salon Business Plan Essentials

Why do i need a salon business plan.

A salon business plan is essential because it serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the process of starting and growing your business.

It outlines your goals, target market, services, pricing, and marketing strategies, helping you stay on track and make informed decisions.

A well-prepared business plan can also be valuable when seeking financing, as it demonstrates your commitment and expertise to potential investors or lenders.

What should I include in the company description?

In the company description, provide an overview of your salon, including the name, location, and ownership structure.

Explain your salon’s mission, vision, and core values, as well as the unique selling points that set you apart from competitors. This section should also highlight the salon’s atmosphere, target clientele, and the specific services you plan to offer.

What is an example of a salon mission statement?

An example of a salon mission statement could be: “At [Your Salon Name], we are dedicated to delivering exceptional beauty experiences that empower our clients to look and feel their best. Our mission is to create an inviting, inclusive environment where creativity thrives, and our team is committed to providing personalized, high-quality services that enhance natural beauty and boost confidence.”

What is the best business structure for a salon?

The most common business structures for salons are Sole Proprietorship, LLC (Limited Liability Company), or Corporation. Each has its own advantages. Sole Proprietorship is simpler but offers less liability protection. LLC combines liability protection with flexibility. A Corporation provides strong liability protection but involves more complex formalities. Consult with a business advisor to determine the best fit for your salon.

How do I choose the right services for my salon?

Choosing the right services for your salon starts with understanding your target market and their needs.

Research your local area and identify gaps in the market or underserved segments. Consider your own skills and expertise, as well as those of your team, and focus on services that align with your strengths.

Offering a mix of essential and specialized services, such as haircuts, coloring, and unique treatments, can help you stand out and attract a loyal clientele.

How do I set salon pricing?

Setting salon pricing requires balancing the cost of providing services with what customers are willing to pay.

Research competitor pricing in your area and consider factors such as your target market, the quality of your services, and your salon’s atmosphere. You can opt for tiered pricing based on the experience of the stylist or offer service bundles to encourage customers to try additional services.

Be prepared to adjust your pricing as your business grows and evolves.

What’s the best way to market my salon?

Marketing your salon requires a combination of traditional and digital strategies.

Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients can be powerful, so encourage customers to share their experiences with friends and family. Utilize social media to showcase your work, engage with potential clients, and share promotions.

Collaborate with local businesses or participate in community events to raise brand awareness. Don’t forget about email marketing, loyalty programs, marketing tools , and targeted advertising to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

How can I ensure a top-notch customer experience?

Providing an exceptional customer experience is crucial for salon success. Start by hiring skilled, friendly staff who share your vision and commitment to customer satisfaction. Offer ongoing training to ensure your team stays up-to-date on industry trends and techniques.

Also, handle bookings professionally, with the help of salon scheduling software and booking apps .

Create a welcoming, clean, and comfortable salon environment, and be responsive to customer feedback. Consistently delivering high-quality services and personalized attention will help you build a loyal client base.

How do I manage salon inventory and supplies?

Effective inventory management is essential for a successful salon. Implement a system to track product usage and sales, ensuring that you always have adequate supplies on hand without overstocking. Regularly review your inventory levels and adjust your ordering frequency or quantities as needed.

Negotiate with suppliers for the best prices and consider implementing inventory management software to streamline the process.

What legal requirements should I be aware of?

Before opening your salon, familiarize yourself with any legal requirements, such as licenses, permits, and zoning regulations.

You may need a cosmetology license, business license, or specific permits for your location. Additionally, ensure your salon meets local health and safety guidelines and complies with employment laws. Consult with a legal professional if you’re unsure of your obligations.

How do I create financial projections for my salon?

Creating financial projections for your salon involves estimating future revenue, expenses, and cash flow. Start by estimating your income from services and product sales, taking into account factors like pricing, target market, and more.

Outline your anticipated expenses, such as rent, utilities, salaries, marketing, and inventory costs. Create a cash flow statement to ensure you have enough working capital to cover your expenses and support your salon’s growth.

Use your financial projections to set realistic goals and adjust your business plan as needed. Regularly review your financial performance and compare it to your projections, making necessary changes to stay on track and achieve your objectives.

How do I measure the success of my salon business?

Measuring the success of your salon business involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your goals.

Common KPIs for salons include revenue growth, client retention, client acquisition, average ticket value, and employee productivity.

Track these metrics regularly to assess your salon’s performance and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, use customer feedback, online reviews , and testimonials to gauge the overall satisfaction of your clients and the quality of your services.

This information can help you refine your business strategies and ensure your salon’s ongoing success.

• Jovana Smoljanovic Tucakov

Jovana Smoljanovic Tucakov is a Content Marketing and SEO Specialist who uses both words and data to communicate a message and deliver value. With more than 5 years of experience in digital marketing and content production in the IT industry, she loves identifying and solving the readers’ pain points and creating targeted content.

Curious about the human mind and emotions, especially those that drive consumer behavior. Likes fitness, food preparation, board games, reading (both for pleasure and learning), and binge-watching Netflix.

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Opening A Hair Salon Business Plan: Your Ticket to Growth

Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of opening your own hair salon for a while now. Well, you’re in good company! The beauty industry is a thriving one, and with the right strategy, dedication, and a solid business plan, you can turn your dream into reality.

To open a hair salon, start with a well-crafted business plan. Research your market, define your unique selling points, plan your finances, design your salon layout, and focus on effective marketing.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of creating a hair salon business plan that not only reflects your vision but also sets the stage for a great venture.

Table of Contents

The Importance of a Business Plan

Before we dive into the finer points of crafting your hair salon’s business plan, it’s essential to grasp why having one is absolutely crucial. A business plan serves as your guiding roadmap, a strategic blueprint that spells out your salon’s objectives, the methods you’ll employ to attain them, and the step-by-step actions needed to transform your vision into reality. But it’s not just a document intended to woo potential investors; it’s an invaluable tool tailor-made to assist you, the salon owner.

Think of your business plan as the compass for your hair salon journey. It’s like having a clear, well-marked map that not only points you in the direction you want to go but also provides you with the various routes you can take to get there. In simpler terms, it’s your trusted navigator, ensuring that every decision you make aligns with your salon’s vision and goals. So, while it might look like a mere document, it’s, in fact, a fundamental instrument that empowers you to chart a course in the world of salon ownership.

Read more about: Hair Stylist Business Plan: Unlocking Beauty Biz

Here are some key reasons why a business plan is essential:

Clarity of Vision: Your plan forces you to clarify your salon’s concept, target market, and unique selling points. This clarity will guide all your decisions as you move forward.

Attracting Investors: If you plan to seek funding from investors or lenders, a well-structured business plan is a must. It demonstrates your commitment and the potential return on investment.

Measuring Progress: As you implement your plan, you can track your progress against the goals and milestones you’ve set. This helps you stay on course and make necessary adjustments.

Risk Assessment: A business plan forces you to identify potential challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them. It’s like having a safety net for your salon.

Now that you understand why a business plan is so important, let’s dive into the steps of creating one for your hair salon.

Research Your Market

Before you can start styling hair, you need to understand your market thoroughly. Conduct market research to identify:

Demographics: Who are your potential customers? Consider age, gender, income levels, and lifestyle.

Location: Where will your salon be located? Is there a demand for hair services in that area?

Competition: Who are your competitors? What services do they offer, and at what price point?

Trends: What are the current hairstyling trends, and how can you incorporate them into your services?

Customer Needs: What do potential clients look for in a hair salon experience?

Understanding your market will help you tailor your salon’s offerings to meet the needs and preferences of your target audience.

Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

What will set your salon apart from the competition? Your Unique Selling Proposition, or USP, is what will draw clients to your establishment. It could be exceptional customer service, a specialty in a particular hair technique, eco-friendly products, or any other distinguishing feature. Your USP should resonate with your target market and be a central focus of your salon’s identity.

Read more about: Home Beauty Salon Set Up: Infusing Style into Self-Care

Legal and Financial Considerations

Running a salon involves more than just scissors and hair dye; you’ll need to handle various legal and financial aspects. Here are some key considerations:

Legal Structure: Decide on your salon’s legal structure, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each has its own legal and tax implications.

Permits and Licenses: Check local regulations to ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses to operate a salon legally.

Insurance: Invest in insurance coverage to protect your business from unexpected events like accidents or property damage.

Budget: Create a detailed budget outlining your startup costs and monthly operating expenses. This will be crucial when seeking funding or managing your finances.

Salon Layout and Design

Your salon’s physical layout and design play a significant role in creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for clients. Consider factors such as:

Layout: How will you arrange styling stations, waiting areas, and product displays for optimal flow and functionality?

Interior Design: Choose a decor style that aligns with your brand and appeals to your target clientele.

Equipment and Furniture: Invest in quality salon chairs, styling tools, and lighting to provide top-notch service.

Eco-Friendly Options: If sustainability is part of your USP, consider eco-friendly design elements and product choices.

Services and Pricing

Determine the range of services your salon will offer. This might include haircuts, coloring, extensions, styling, and more. Set competitive pricing that considers your target market’s willingness to pay and your salon’s unique offerings. Be flexible and open to adjusting your services and prices based on market feedback.

Read more about: Home Beauty Salon Tips: Craft Your Beauty Escape at Home

Marketing and Promotion

How will you attract clients to your salon? Your marketing plan should outline strategies for:

Branding: Create a compelling brand identity that reflects your salon’s personality and values.

Online Presence: Develop a professional website and maintain an active presence on social media platforms where your target audience is most active.

Advertising: Consider paid advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to reach potential clients.

Networking: Build relationships with local businesses and influencers who can promote your salon.

Customer Loyalty: Implement loyalty programs or referral incentives to encourage repeat business.

Staffing and Training

A crucial aspect of your salon’s journey involves assembling a capable and welcoming team. This step is pivotal for your salon’s growth.

Hiring: Begin with a well-thought-out recruitment strategy. Create clear job descriptions, outlining the roles and responsibilities for each position in your salon. These descriptions help potential candidates understand what’s expected.

When conducting interviews, prepare thoughtful questions that help you gauge the skills, attitude, and compatibility of candidates with your salon’s culture. Finding team members who are not only skilled but also friendly and aligned with your salon’s values is essential.

Training: Once you’ve brought talented individuals on board, invest in continuous training. The beauty industry evolves, with new techniques and trends emerging regularly. To stay competitive and provide top-notch service, your team needs to stay up-to-date.

Offer training programs, workshops, or online courses to ensure your staff remains knowledgeable and skilled. This ongoing investment not only enhances your salon’s services but also keeps your team engaged and motivated.

In simpler terms, your salon’s growth depends on having the right people with the right skills and attitude. By carefully selecting and continuously training your team, you’ll be better equipped to provide excellent service and thrive in the ever-changing beauty industry.

Financial Projections

Now, let’s delve into the financial side of your salon venture. This step is all about creating detailed financial projections to understand the financial health of your salon.

Projections: Your financial projections include three key documents: a profit and loss statement, a cash flow forecast, and a balance sheet. These documents paint a clear picture of your salon’s financial standing.

Profit and Loss Statement: This shows your salon’s income and expenses over a specific period. It reveals if you’re making a profit or incurring losses.

Cash Flow Forecast: It predicts how money will flow in and out of your salon. This helps you anticipate any cash shortages or surpluses and plan accordingly.

Balance Sheet: This provides an overview of your salon’s assets, liabilities, and equity at a given point in time. It gives you a snapshot of your salon’s financial health.

By creating these projections, you gain insights into when your salon is likely to break even (cover its expenses with revenue) and when it might start generating a profit (income exceeding costs).

In simpler terms, financial projections are like a financial roadmap. They help you anticipate financial challenges, plan for growth, and make informed decisions about your salon’s financial future. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that your salon remains financially stable and on the path to prosperity.

Read more about: Home Salon Ideas: Elevate Your Self-Care Space

Funding Your Salon

After creating your financial projections, you might realize that you need additional capital to start your salon. This could be because of initial setup costs, rent, purchasing equipment, or covering operational expenses until your salon starts generating revenue.

Exploring Funding Options: There are several avenues to explore for funding:

Personal Savings: Using your own savings is a common way to finance your salon. It offers full control but carries personal financial risk.

Loans: You can apply for loans from banks or financial institutions. These loans can vary in terms and interest rates, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your financial situation.

Grants: Some organizations and government programs offer grants to support small businesses. Research and apply for grants that cater to your industry and location.

Investors: Seeking investors means partnering with individuals or groups who provide funding in exchange for a share of your salon’s ownership or future profits.

Each funding option has its pros and cons, so it’s vital to weigh them against your salon’s financial projections and your own risk tolerance.

In simpler terms, securing funds is like finding the necessary resources to bring your salon to life. It’s about assessing how much money you need and exploring various ways to obtain it. Careful consideration of your options will help you make informed financial decisions for your salon’s startup.

Monitor and Adapt

After your salon is operational, it’s crucial to keep an eye on how things are going. Regularly checking your progress ensures that you’re on the right track and can help make necessary changes when needed.

Monitoring Progress: This involves keeping tabs on various aspects of your salon’s performance. You’ll want to track factors like client satisfaction, revenue, and expenses. Regularly reviewing these metrics can reveal what’s working well and what might need attention.

Collecting Feedback: Listening to your clients is essential. Gather feedback from them to understand their experiences and preferences. This information can guide improvements to your services and overall salon experience.

Adapting Your Plan: Be open to revisiting your business plan. As the industry evolves and market demands change, your salon may need to adjust its strategies. This could involve updating services, revising pricing, or altering your marketing approach.

In simpler terms, think of this step as regularly checking your map during a journey. It helps ensure you’re headed in the right direction and allows you to change course if necessary. By keeping an ear to the ground and being flexible, your salon can thrive in a dynamic beauty industry. It’s about staying responsive and continuously improving to meet the needs of your valued clients.

Opening a hair salon can be a fulfilling venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. Your business plan is the foundation upon which your salon will thrive. With thorough market research, a unique selling proposition, legal and financial considerations, a well-designed salon space, effective marketing strategies, a skilled team, and solid financial projections, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving hair salon that attracts a loyal clientele.

Remember, the beauty industry is ever-evolving, so stay attuned to industry trends and continue to adapt and grow your salon to meet the needs of your clients. With dedication, creativity, and a well-crafted business plan, your dream of owning a hair salon can become a reality. Good luck on your journey to salon ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should be included in a hair salon’s business plan?

A: A business plan for a hair salon should encompass market research, details on unique selling propositions, financial projections, salon layout and design considerations, pricing strategies, and a comprehensive marketing plan.

Q: How can I secure funding for my hair salon business?

A: Securing funding for a hair salon can involve personal savings, loans, grants, or seeking investors. It’s crucial to have a well-structured business plan in place to present to potential lenders or investors.

Q: What ongoing strategies are important for the growth of a hair salon?

A: Ongoing growth strategies for a hair salon include monitoring client feedback, staying updated on industry trends, adapting services and marketing strategies, maintaining a skilled and motivated team, and regularly reviewing and adjusting the business plan as needed.

To learn more on how to start you own salon checkout my startup documents here.

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About the author. Entrepreneur and Salon Business Fan.

Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online salon business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a salon business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.

That’s why I created Salon Business Boss: I want to help salon business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Hair Salon Business Plan

Start your own hair salon business plan

Cranium Filament Reductions

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

First impressions are everything. A really good haircut is key to making a good impression. Not everyone can afford to spend a few hundred dollars and a few hours to get a good haircut. A lot of families have budget constraints. They need a place to go to get this stuff done. 

Cranium Filament Reductions will stand out by providing superior customer attention. This is particularly important in the "quick salon" space that Cranium operates in because margins are a bit lower and the goal of a quick salon is to crank through customers.

The hair styling industry is highly fragmented with national chains such as Regis Corporation, which operates diverse franchises catering to all the market segments, and also including thousands of "mom and pop" salons that are very restricted in scope and services. This makes for a highly competitive market that has low barriers to entry and exit. In addition, the clients of hair styling have significant leverage due to the low switching costs they have. However, most companies have tried to pursue only one general strategy in gaining market share. Cranium believes that it is possible to offer a differentiated service through improved customer service at no greater significant cost if the right employee incentives are provided.

Competition

The buying patterns of men and women are quite different. Typically men are more price or convenience sensitive. Men typically care less about the task of getting their hair cut. For them whatever is easiest works best. Women on the other hand are more caught up in hair styling and tend to bond more with their stylists. Because they bond more, they are much more loyal to their stylist. Once a stylist has earned their trust they are more willing to blindly put their hair in the stylists hands.

Cranium Filament Reductions’ mission is to provide reasonably priced, convenient hair styling. We exist to attract and maintain customers. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers. 

Expectations

This is a service business so it doesn’t generate high profitability. It does generate a good way for its people to make a living. 

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

The financing needed is $105,000. That includes a $45,000 loan, and owner investment (Susan) of $60,000. 

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Problem & solution, problem worth solving, our solution.

Cranium Filament Reductions is a hair salon that allows the entire family to have their hair needs satisfied in one convenient visit. 

There are many "quick salons" like Cranium, however, many of these salons, such as Cost Cutters, only provide the minimum services, whereas the upscale salons can be inconvenient due to scheduling requirements and cost. The owner of Cranium perceives an unfulfilled customer need for a low-cost salon that provides maximum flexibility and strong customer attention. Using this strategy, Cranium will gain significant market share and create critical long-term relationships with its clients.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

Cranium Filament Reductions will target each of the three groups separately. The males will be targeted by offering a quick, convenient, service. Because men tend to have shorter hair, they usually require haircuts more often. If they are getting a cut every four weeks and work normal business hours, most barbers are closed when the male customers have free time. Cranium Filament Reductions will cater to males with evening hours, no appointments necessary, and quick turn around times.

Generally females prefer the allure of upscale salons, however, not everyone can afford this luxury. For this reason Cranium Filament Reductions will provide the same quality hair styling, without the expensive price. Cranium will target these customers by emphasizing the sophisticated, ultra-hip styling that Cranium can offer.

Cranium Filament Reductions will also target mothers with children by offering the kids toys to play with while they wait and child-friendly hair stylists. Additionally, children receive a special rate reflecting the fact that children’s hair grows so fast that it can be expensive to keep up with regular cuts, as well as the recognition that it generally takes a lot less time to cut a child’s hair so it should be inherently less expensive.

Current Alternatives

Cranium Filament Reductions’ competitors include:

• Traditional barbers . They rarely serve appointments, it is generally a walk-in service. While barbers are usually willing to provide whatever cut you are interested, they are generally providing straight forward haircuts, typically on the conservative side. The advantages of a barber is they are inexpensive and easy to use. Their disadvantages is often conservative styling capacities, sometimes a long wait as the barber may be an old timer who enjoys to chit chat.
• Franchised "quick salons."   An example of this would be Supercuts or Best Cuts. In essence this is a franchised version of Cranium Filament Reductions. The advantage of this style is the store will be the same from location to location and some people like this predictability. 
• Independent salons . These shops typically focus on a specific niche and do not serve a wide group of customers. The advantages to these could be an independent salon that fulfills all of your needs. The disadvantage is that because they tend to be more focused, more often than not this type of salon will not offer exactly what customers are looking for.

Our Advantages

Cranium Filament Reductions’ competitive edge is based on faultless customer service. Cranium Filament Reductions recognizes that the hair cutting/styling market is crowded so it is difficult to stand out. Cranium Filament Reductions will stand out by providing superior customer attention. This is particularly important in the "quick salon" space that Cranium operates in because margins are a bit lower and the goal of a quick salon is to crank through customers.

Cranium will invest time and money into training to ensure that clients receive the best experience possible making it easier to turn them into long-term customers. By providing superior customer service, Cranium will be able to effectively compete against and outlast larger chains and independent stores.

Keys to Success

Our keys to success are: 

• To create a service-based company whose goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.
• To increase the number of clients served by at least 20% per year through superior performance and word-of-mouth referrals.
• To develop a sustainable start-up business, contributing to increased employment of community residents.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

Cranium Filament Reductions will be located in a shopping center in Shaker Hts., OH. While the cost of the lease per foot is higher than in other business areas, the shopping center provides the best exposure. Additionally, the shopping center association is responsible for marketing the center’s common area which will help draw a lot of traffic to the shopping center.

Cranium Filament Reductions will market themselves as a hair salon that serves everyone, men, women, and children. This will be done through flyers to be sent out with the local newspaper. Cranium will also have an in-store promotion for the first few months to lure new people in. Lastly, Cranium will offer a discount for a few months to people that refer new customers.  

We intend to be active in social media, with consistent presence, offering tips on style plus information on local events and issues, occasionally humor, social media presence that helps people get to know us, like us, and trust us. 

Cranium Filament Reductions’ sales strategy will be based on extremely professional interactions with the customer. Typically the "quick salons" concentrate on being quick and inexpensive, often at the expense of customer service. Anytime that a prospective customer is speaking with someone at Cranium’s the employee will have an opportunity to impress the customer. Employee training will emphasize seizing these opportunities.

Cranium Filament Reductions will also have the opportunity to increase sales of their retail hair care products every time they have a customer in the chair. Cranium offers deep discounts on the hair care products for employees to encourage usage so they can explain to the customer about their personal experiences. Additionally, Cranium offers a product-based commission structure for the hair care products where they give away the product to the employee for commissions for selling the items to their customers. These personal testimonials and commission structure will allow Cranium to generate good sales from the retail hair care products.

Location and Equipment

This will be a store front with 1500 square feet. There will be: a waiting area with magazines and a display with hair products, a reception desk, 3 hair dressing chairs, 3 washing stations towards the back of the store, one computer and one cash machine. This will be a small space but will have everything that one expects when going into a hair cutting space. 

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table, key metrics.

Our key metrics are:

• The # of customers in a day 
• The # of customers in a month 
• Walk-ins vs clients who called to make a appointment ahead 
• The # of products that are sold to clients or walk-ins every month 
• The money brought in on the most popular stylist vs the least popular stylist 

Ownership & Structure

Cranium Filament Reductions is an Oregon corporation owned entirely by Susan Sever and is located in Shaker Hts., Oregon.

Ms. Sever will be handling all hiring and training, purchasing, and retail sales. She will also hire a receptionist to manage all of the appointments as well as the people who walk in and be responsible for the point of sale transactions. Cranium will also be hiring six part-time hair stylists who will operate on a hourly/commission basis. 

Ms. Sever will be using a partial commission basis to create incentives for superior customer attention. The more her stylists attend to the customer’s needs, the more money they will make off commissions. Cranium will invest time and money into training to ensure that clients receive the best experience possible making it easier to turn them into long-term customers. 

Management Team

Susan Sever received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH. While pursuing her degree Susan worked in the restaurant industry. For the four years during school she was a server in an upscale restaurant. While this provided very good income, particularly on the weekends, she longed for management experience.

After graduation she sat down with the owner of the restaurant and presented him with a well reasoned case as to why she should be manager of the establishment. Her main points were her intimate knowledge of the industry and the restaurant, her superior communication skills with the customers and her colleagues, and her ambition to succeed. The owner was surprised by the well-reasoned arguments, enthusiasm, and ambition to take on more work that he promoted her to manager on the spot.

Susan worked as manager for three years, learning all the intricacies of operating a business. These were three rewarding, but long, years. Toward the end, the long hours and work at night took its toll on Susan and she was burned out. When contemplating new opportunities she was brainstorming a  way in which she could combine something she loved with something that she would be the owner of. She loved hair and had the experience of operating a business so after a lot of market research she undertook the task of writing a business plan.  

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

Our Key Assumptions: 

– Men would like to have great haircuts and do not mind paying for them 

– Men and women need hair products 

– Our cost for men’s haircuts will be industry standard of 43% and our cost for women’s haircuts, children’s haircuts and products are 27%

– Our friends  and family see the merit of our business and would be happy to give us the cash to run the business. 

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

Cranium Filament Reductions will incur the following start-up costs:

• Computer with point of sale terminal.
• Computer with printer for back office.
• Five cutting stations, each station requires a barber chair, cabinet, large mirror, blow dryer, curling iron, electric razor, several pairs of scissors, spray bottle, two sided mirror, and assorted combs and brushes.
• Desk for reception area.
• Three couches for the reception area.
• Display shelf for sale of retail products.
• Assorted plants.
• Assorted toys for the children.
• Legal fees for business formation and generation/review of contracts.

Please note that the following items that are assets to be used for more than a year will be considered a long-term assets and will be depreciated using the straight-line method accepted by G.A.A.P.

Sources of Funds

Susan will be contributing $60,000. The additional $45,000 will come from a business loan. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

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Hair Salon Business Plan Sample

AUG.14, 2013

Hair Salon business plan for starting your own business

A hair salon is a business that never goes into loss. As long as the people are living on earth, they will need to go to hair salons and get their hair done. If you plan to start your own hair salon business, you need a business plan hair salon. The first and crucial thing is to get an idea of how the business work and what do you need to start it. You need to set up a hair salon business consultants that provides all services, and high customer satisfaction by providing excellent services.

To start a hair salon that provides an amazing atmosphere at an affordable price-value relationship, you need a business consultant service .  If you do not know how to write a hair salon business plan, we have provided a detailed business plan to start a hair salon so that you can avoid any inconvenience in making a plan for yourself. You will find many samples of a business plan for a hair salon, but you need to choose the one that suits you the best.

Also, if you’re looking for a business plan for a barber shop , a business plan for hair extensions shop , a hair removal business plan , an airbrush tanning business plan , salon and spa business plan , or even a center reiki business plan , this template can help you!

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

The Cute Cut Hair Salon will be registered in New York, USA. The business will offer the services that will enhance our customers’ appearance and their mental relaxation. Instead of competing with other hair salons in town, we mainly focus on providing services to the customers who cannot afford those luxury salons.

2.2 Management of Hair salon

Cute Cut Hair Salon will be managed by Mike himself. To assist him, we will have three managers who will be trained for a month and a half before starting their jobs. In starting hair salon business plan, Mike will work with a small team comprising of a few hairstylists, managers, accountants, helpers and a guard. He will ensure the quality of work regularly.

2.3 Customers of Hair Salon

Customers are the backbone of every business. If you know the right audience for your business, you will be able to achieve your target. You will get the idea of how to run your business if you understand your customers. The main customers for the hair salon business consultants will be the following:

• Women and men who are looking for hair treatments.
• Children of age 15 and above.

Our best business plan for a hair salon includes all the hair removal treatments we mainly offer to women.

2.4 Business Target

In our business plan for hair salon pdf, we have mentioned our main goal. Our main goal is to provide high-quality services to our customers by using safe and good quality products. Our primary target is to become the popular and most loved hair salon by people within the next 3 years of our launch. We aim to recover the investment within the next two years. Our secondary target is to increase the net profit every month.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

The owner of the Cute Cut Hair Salon will be Mike James. Mike had a dream of starting his own business since he was a teenager. He wanted to set up a business that helps people of all ages.

3.2 Why the Hair Salon is being started?

When Mike was asked why he is interested in starting a hair salon business plan, he said he wanted to help people who cannot afford expensive hair treatments. Moreover, his idea of setting up a hair salon business plan is based on the fact that this kind of business never goes into loss. He believes that his business can attract more customers because his salon uses all the new techniques and equipment. With constant hard work, he can now start his hair salon and fulfil his dream.

3.3 How the Hair Salon will be started?

To start a hair salon business plan, you need the right techniques and ideas. Before starting a hair salon, you need to consider these essential steps:

Know About Industry Experience

Before entering into the world of entrepreneurship, gain some experience in the relevant industry. For example, before starting your salon, it is preferred to work in some salons. If you get your feet wet by working in other salons, you will get enough experience of how things work.

It will allow you to see how the business work daily.

Create A Business Plan

A business plan helps in planning everything for a business. It will tell you how you will earn money, what type of customers your business is trying to attract, how are you going to manage the expenses and finances, and other daily operations.

The business plan will also help you to make important decisions that will affect your business.

Set Your Budget

To get an idea of the kind of salon you want to start, you will have to set up your budget first. First, get set with your expenses and finances as hair salons expenses can vary. They depend on the location and size of your business. For example, if you are setting up a salon in your home, you will have to bear fewer expenses. But if you want to start a hair salon in a commercial area, you may end up spending thousands.

Target Customers

Determining your target customer is a vital step in starting a business. Many business decisions depend on the type of clients you want to attract. Before finalizing anything, research the area you are planning to open a salon. If that area has plenty of people who want affordable yet modern hair solutions, set up your salon accordingly.

Find A Suitable Locatio n

Depending on the type of business and services you are providing, find a suitable location for your hair salon. Find a location that is centrally located, and it should also be easy for your target clients to access.

Obtain Permits

Once you have decided on the location for your salon, you will need to get a building permit, business permit, and all other legal documents.

Stock The Inventory

To run your business, you will at least need chairs, washing stations, hair tools, and other styling products. You can also connect with brands that will attract your target customers to offer their types of equipment at your hair salon.

Hire a Team

Depending on the size of your business, hire a team accordingly. It should have at least two hairstylists who can entertain the customers. The stylists should have a friendly nature and they should be experienced as well.

To open a hair salon, you need to decide which hair services you are going to offer. The services that you plan to offer also depend on the size of your salon, and the equipment that you have. It will also determine how many hairstylists you need and the number of chairs you want in the salon.

There are several services that a hair salon offers. You need to narrow down the services you are going to focus on. This business plan for hair salon will give you a detail about the services.

Our services include the following:

Hair Styling & Haircuts

The basic service that Cute Cut hair salon is providing is hair cutting and styling. Some hairstylists can cut all types of hair for all men, women, and children. After cutting hair, drying it, and styling it is also offered in our hair salon.

Hair Coloring

Hair coloring is another service offered at Cute Cut hair salon. Before coloring the customer’s hair, our stylist discusses all the risks with the customer because coloring can sometimes go wrong.

Hair Extensions

Over recent years, the trend of hair extensions has gained popularity among people. As long hair is in fashion again, and more people are attracted to hair extension treatments. Stylists at Cute Cut Hair Salon are well-trained and experienced in hair extensions treatments.

Conditioning Treatments

These include deep conditioning treatments. The basic conditioning treatment is done to provide moisture to the hair. It adds protein to hair and makes them shiny and smooth.

The other one is specialty conditioning that is customized according to the customer’s hair.

Marketing Analysis of Hair Salon

Great service.

Great service. Good turnaround time and quality work. Thanks!

To make your hair salon business consultants successful, you need to keep an eye on the market trends as well. If you run a complete analysis of the market, you will get an idea about many things. Understanding the trends and variables will help you in making decisions for your business. The goal of this market research is to understand and get a general idea of the overall market around your salon and how you can adjust to that ecosystem.

5.1 Market Trends

Over the past five years, the hair salon industry has grown at an incredible rate. People are now more attracted to advanced hair treatments such as permanent hair, facial and massage etc. The hair salon market in 2019 was $144.48 billion. And by the end of 2026, the market is expected to grow by around $217.25 Billion.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

If you know exactly what type of business is a hair salon, you can easily understand its market segmentation. There are many business plan examples for hair salon and each of them includes market analysis of hair salon.  To estimate the startup cost for hair salon, you need to make a complete analysis of market segmentation for it.

The most important part of any hair salon business plan is to have an idea of the expected marketing segmentation. Here is the market segmentation that will be facing our hair salon:

UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan

5.2.1 women.

80 percent of our services will be offered to women who are interested in hair cutting and treatments. Cute Cut Hair Salon also offers skincare and nail care treatments to its customers.

Some of our services are for men as well. We have hair stylists who are experienced in cutting men’s hair.

5.2.3 Children

We have a friendly staff who treat children with great care and affection. We offer haircutting for children.

5.3 Business Target

• Building a trustworthy relationship among customers
• Providing high-quality services to customers
• Arranging the best interior to impress the customers
• Making an excellent customer care service for our loyal customers
• Recovering the initial investment within two years of launch
• Increase the revenue every year

5.4 Product Pricing

The prices of the services that a Cute Cut Hair Salon provide are comparable to other salon services. We will try to provide better services and customer care to our clients. We will satisfy our customers by providing exceptional services to make as much profit as possible.

Marketing Strategy

In any hair salon business plan template, the financial plan for hair salon should be well-formed. No business can grow and become successful without a marketing strategy. No matter how many excellent services you offer, if you do not have customers, it is all in vain. The more people know about your salon, the more they reach out to you.

Nowadays, the best way of marketing is social media marketing. Social platforms are strong, and they are accessible to everyone. A good thing about social media marketing is its low cost. You can reach out to millions of people with online marketing. All the hair salon business models explains the importance of social media marketing and how you can use them to reach out to people. Along with that, you need a competitive analysis to make a strategy that will make your business successful.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• People are not satisfied with the services provided by hair salons in that area.
• The hair salons and spas in that area are too costly. And these services are not good enough as compared to their price.
• Most salons do not offer basic services to people.

6.2 Our Strategy

• We will associate our hair salon with community events and charity.
• We will use social media platforms to advertise our hair salon.
• We will make our online presence so that we can reach out to more and more people.
• We will use the advertisements channels in the area to reach out to the people.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

When you are starting a hair salon business plan, you need to make sure that the staff should work as a team. In the hair salon business consultants examples, you will find out that the environment of the hair salon depends on the number and type of staff which should be determined in the initial stages.

To start a hair salon business plan, list down all the expenses. It includes the rent of hair salon building, the cost of equipment and the employee’s salary.

7.1 Company Staff

Mike James will be the owner and CEO of the Cute Cut Hair Salon business plan. His team would include:

• 1 Social Media Marketer
• 3 Hairstylists
• 1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Proper planning and execution of the finance help you to maintain a stable budget for the upcoming entire year. To start a hair salon, you need to make research on how much does it cost to open a hair salon. To run a smooth and successful hair salon, you should have a strong hair salon financial plan.

• Money is needed to make the interior of the salon.
• The cost of chairs, mirrors, and hair styling tools.
• The salary of employees.
• The cost of buying hair products.
• Bonds, securities, registration costs, and insurance.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5  Projected Balance Sheet

8.6  business ratios.

• Is owning a hair salon profitable? If you’re wondering is owning a hair salon profitable, the answer is yes! It’s a highly profitable business with very lucrative rate of return.
• How much does it cost to run a salon monthly? If you want to know how to start your own hair salon and how much would it cost, consult the business plan above.
• How do I start my own hairdressing business? For starting a hair salon business plan, just follow the steps we mentioned in this template.
• What is a business plan for a salon? A business plan just like this free business plan template for hair salon details how a hair salon business consultants is started and maintained to yield profit.

Download Business Plan for a Hair Salon Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Sheetz near downtown Hagerstown closes; Belles and Beaus Hair Studio opens in Williamsport

Sheetz closes store near downtown Hagerstown

The longtime Sheetz store near downtown Hagerstown closed on March 3 as the company continues to build a new store along Mount Aetna Road and Dual Highway.

"We are continually evaluating our strategy in every market where we operate, and as a result, we made the decision to close the store along East Washington Street in Hagerstown," Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for Sheetz said through an email from the public relations office.

The new store along U.S. 40 , farther east from downtown, is expected to open in late May.

Employees who were working at the 301 E. Washington St. store were offered jobs at other local Sheetz stores, while awaiting the completion of the new store, Ruffner said.

On March 5, workers were removing part of the gas station canopy at the old store site.

Ruffner said debranding work is going on at the old site through April 30, when Sheetz's lease for the site expires.

The old Sheetz site was purchased by Vertex Real Estate Investments LLC, with a Hagerstown address, in February for $675,000, according to online property records through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

State of the City: Hagerstown officials address questions about new ballpark, parking, crime and development

Mother and daughter open Belles and Beaus hair salon in Williamsport

Belles and Beaus Hair Studio held its grand opening March 1 for the new hair salon at 307 E. Potomac St., Suite 101, in Williamsport.

The new salon opened for business on Thursday, said Karen Lowman.

Lowman owns the salon with her daughter, Kelli Sue Schonewolf. Both are from Williamsport.

Schonewolf, who has 16 years experience working in hair salons, told The Herald-Mail she's wanted to own and operate her own salon for years to provide the "salon experience" for her customers.

The salon serves all ages, offering individualized hair and beard services, and facial waxing, according to a news release from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

The salon owners plan to offer frequent specials and run raffle fundraisers to support charitable organizations, the release states. Military veterans, police, fire and EMS providers will get regular discounts, including providing free haircuts to veterans on Veterans Day.

Belles and Beaus is in a newly renovated space that used to house a Meritus Medical Lab. The salon is in a building next door to the McDonald's along U.S. 11 in Williamsport.

Salon hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays for walk-ins. Appointments are encouraged. Saturdays are appointment only. The salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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If you have details on a business coming or going in Washington County, Md., or Franklin County, Pa., email us at  [email protected] .

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Welcome to Canopy Salon in Moscow, Idaho.

More than just services, we offer experiences.

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Our mission is to exceed your expectations

• Ethically serving Moscow and the Palouse since 2014
• Canopy is a salon of affirmation for all guests. We recognize and honor your presence, purpose, and identity. We ask all guests to do the same.
• All stylists are Aveda trained and certified
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Because Canopy Salon in Moscow, Idaho is committed to giving you the best experience possible.

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“Michaela is a genuinely kind soul. Her talent and knowledge for hair was nothing like I’d experienced before!”

Jennifer Rouse Long Cut

“Freakin awesome, would 100% come again!”

Beck Meisel Short Cut + Shampoo/Style

“Zeke was very friendly and professional. He did an exemplary job of coloring my hair which included a base color and highlight color. The color was perfect and I look 10 years younger! I was a new client and I couldn’t have been happier with the result!”

Lynn Liebers Canopy Full Dimensional

“I have been going here since they have been open. So 8-ish years. I am never disappointed and always leave happier than I was when I arrived. I feel so fortunate to have a place like this in our small town. Michaela and Will and Zeke are top notch. They are professionals and I consider them my friends.”

Maria Marx Medium Cut

“Amazing! My hair feels so much better and my curls look amazing.”

Megan Long Long Cut

“Asked Zeke to change my cut. He was all in and recommended new products. This salon is the rock star of Moscow. I highly recommend visiting. Clean professional and fun. Very fair price for an excellent cut.

Wanda McIntyre Long Cut

“My hair has changed over the years. I love how Michaela confidently recognizes how to work with my evolving beauty.”

Alma Cervantes Short Cut

“(Zeke was the) Sweetest and most personable hair stylist I’ve ever had, will definitely be coming back 🙂 The salon itself also had a very professional feel overall!”

Karina Sande Long Cut

“Michaela and Zeke are absolutely wonderful and are great at what they do! I will definitely be coming back. Thank you so much!”

Erin Wigen Long Cut, Canopy Color

“As always I was pampered and made to feel special. I was welcomed and given a cup of delicious Aveda tea. Treated to a massaging shampoo and rinse. Walked out with a beautiful hairdo receiving a compliment from a stranger just outside the salon. Michaela is amazing.”

Joyce Miller Short Cut

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Longtime Hairdresser Opens Natural Hair Salon in Detroit

Detroit entrepreneur and hairdresser Kathy “Kat” English has opened a new hair salon — Alotta Locs Hair Suite — at 22000 Grand River Ave., Suite 400, in Detroit’s Old Redford neighborhood.

Located in The Obama Building, Alotta Locs has a team of locticians, or stylists who cultivate locs from one’s own natural hair without the use of chemicals, heat, and perms.

Alotta Locs specializes in sisterlocksä, micro twists, and traditional starter locs, and offers additional natural hair alternatives for men, women, and children with kinky, curly textured hair to fine hair and everything in between.

“I always knew that I would one day become a hairstylist,” English says. “Hair is my passion and I’ve spent nearly my entire life honing my skills, even when I was in college and working in a completely different industry.

“What sets me and my brand apart from other locticians is that I focus on the whole client. I provide hair care education and support for clients who are transitioning from permed hair to natural hair and ongoing education services for healthy hair growth. I build relationships and trust with my clients. For me, it’s more than just hair. It’s about the importance of embracing natural hair and the cultural significance of that.

English was born and raised in Detroit. While growing up, her family’s kitchen was turned into a “salon” on weekends where she and her grandmother, mom, and extended family members would do each other’s hair for the week ahead.

In 2015, she established Alotta Locs, grew a team of stylists, and moved into a brick and mortar in Southfield. English is a fall 2022 graduate of TechTown Detroit’s Retail Boot Camp and recipient of a $5,000 Kickstart Award.

Alotta Locs also offers hands-on classes and mentorship opportunities in-person and virtually for people who want to learn about locs and are considering starting their own loc business. Classes are meant to be affordable, and materials are included.

Alotta Locs will present a one-day loctician certificate workshop taking place Saturday, June 8, to provide a continuum for loc education, cultural understanding, and share techniques for maintaining afro-textured hair.

Hosted by English, she recommends the workshop for hair stylists, cosmetologists, and aspiring locticians. No experience is required. Classes are small and space is limited. Participants will learn loc cultivation techniques, loc care and maintenance, loc repair tips, mentorship opportunities, and more. Early bird registration is now open online at  alottalocs.com .

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Editor:  R.J. King Associate Editor:  Tim Keenan

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Ha-ha.... bring iPad with Google translate.

Upscale hotel, I expect

Even in the upscale hotels, and i have a serious doubt - hairdressers are graduates from the linguistic University....lol

http://moscow-rentals.ru/en/articles/moscow-beauty-salons

Look area near Patriarshy Pond

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Home » Russian treatment » Ladies Only! Here Are 5 Best Beauty Salons in Moscow, Russia

Ladies Only! Here Are 5 Best Beauty Salons in Moscow, Russia

• Post author By Annisa Wulandari
• Post date April 19, 2019
• No Comments on Ladies Only! Here Are 5 Best Beauty Salons in Moscow, Russia

Do you have a plan to visit Moscow any of these days? Perhaps just for a short vacation or maybe for a rather formal event like a wedding invitation? Whether a casual or official visit, you might feel like giving yourself a treat by getting a makeover or a new hairdo . So check out these 5 best beauty salons in Moscow that you can give a try:

1. AltoSenso

This beauty salon has been approved by Russian beauty enthusiasts as the best one in Moscow. It has two spots; one in Ulitsa Osthozenka and the other on Tverskoy Boulevard. AltoSenso is derived from Latin words which mean high feeling and that is exactly what the salon promises to its clients. AltoSenso wants them who leave the salon to feel “high” in beauty, grace, and self-confidence.

Along with the quality comes the price. This may not be a beauty salon for everyone because of the high price of the services. But, everyone who visits the salon won’t be disappointed because AltoSenso has such a high standard for its stylists that they could be compared to the masters of European chocolate. They have been trained to Latin style the women so they could feel the beauty balanced inside and out. The salon offers several services like hairdressing, cosmetology, manicure and pedicure, also makeup.

The clients love this beauty salon because of the quality, the flexibility of the schedule – which is very important for busy women, and the professionalism of the stylists that could finish more than one service at once perfectly and, therefore, save a lot of the clients’ time.

2. ASAP Beauty Salon

Located in Astrakhanskiy Pereulok, ASAP is also one of the high-end beauty salons in Moscow. Out of 5 stars, it gets 4,9 points. The services it offers are eyebrows and eyelashes fix, hairdressing, and manicure and pedicure. Their eyebrows service is said to be the best in Moscow, so you should take this as a note if you need a fix. Another perks from ASAP are its client-based schedule and multitasking. The staff would remind clients about their appointments while offering services related to the one they are scheduled for. The standard also says that manicure and pedicure will be done altogether with hair coloring for less time consumption. All services are done effectively yet with flawless results.

ASAP is special because it declares itself as a modern and bold salon with new and surprising projects that will always attract new clients to come and try the services. So, if you need extraordinary and daring haircuts or feel like having rainbow in your hair, you can go ahead and visit ASAP.

3. Sono Beauty and Health Center

The beauty salon is actually a part of the big beauty center. You can find all kinds of beauty services here starting from facial to tattoo removal. Located in Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya, the salon opens from 10AM to 10PM with its peak around 4PM. In Sono you can get treatments like facial, manicure and pedicure, hairdressing, makeup, cosmetology, massage , peels, and depilation. Very complete, right? Just like a one-stop beauty center. This is why all of the clients give Sono five out of five stars for perfect services, satisfying results, great atmosphere, and professional and competent staffs. You will be handled not only by beauticians but also dermatologists, cosmetologists, and dermato-oncologists. The building is situated near the Smolenskaya metro station right in the center of Moscow. Another plus point for the ideal location.

4. Expat Salon

This one is unique and different from the other three above because – like what the name says – this beauty salon helps expats who live in Moscow to feel like home. The building is not intimidating like AltoSenso, yet very warm and charming. The staffs speak in English, so this is a big advantage if you are a foreigner that happens to be in Moscow and needs a quick beauty treatment. You can book an appointment from their website and what’s convenient is that you can check the price to all the offered services so you can be prepared and find ones that suit your budget.

At Expat Salon you can get haircut, hairstyling, coloring, conditioning treatment, hair rebonding, smoothing, manicure, pedicure, face mask, waxing, eyebrow shaping, facial, hair removal, and body treatment. The location is easy to reach since it’s near Mayakovskaya and Tverskaya metro stations . Expat also promises a nice and friendly atmosphere where you don’t need to feel awkward even if it’s your first time there. Enjoy the complimentary beverages, free Wi-Fi and the English magazines.

Founded on September 16, 1998 by Alexander Glushkov in Moscow, Mone was inspired by the French painter Claude Monet. Glushkov wanted his salon to present the best stylists who could handle the beauty and style like Monet did with his paintings. Since then, Mone has grown to be more than just a salon but also a company. It has become a franchised beauty salon and the branches are spread all over Moscow – so this is the easiest salon you can find while you’re in town. It is specialized in hair services like cutting, styling, coloring, rebonding, and such. Monet is also the official stylist for the Russian Fashion Week . So, speaking of quality, there is no doubt about it.

Clients love Mone because it is easy to be found, not too expensive, professional, and efficient with time. If you are in a mall and only need a quick haircut in between shopping sprees, then Mone is where you have to go to get the cut.

Have you gotten the image of where you might be getting your treatments next time you visit Moscow? Hopefully the list of 5 best beauty salons in Moscow above could give you a hint and be of a little help to you ladies.

• Tags beauty salons , moscow beauty salons , moscow travel guide , russian salons

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