Menu
Opening your own salon
Dream of being your own boss? Opening your own hair or beauty salon is hard work but the rewards are plentiful. Here are our top 10 tips to prepare you for the challenges ahead.Industry Knowledge and Experience
You should have a strong understanding of how the industry works, the kind of salon you want to open and what services you would offer to clients. Previous salon management experience would also be beneficial, as would qualifications in salon management or business.
Business Plan
A good business plan is essential and should break down all the information about your proposed salon, from day-to-day operations to financing. Show that you understand the industry. Think about the kind of salon you want to open. Is it a high-end, luxury spa or a small, traditional barbershop?
The Costs
Seriously consider the costs of opening a salon as these can range widely. Are you going to rent or buy? Would you rather take over an existing hairdressers? How about a franchise? Do you have funding in place or will you need to borrow money from a bank? Remember, you will also need to pay staff, utility bills and taxes and buy equipment, signs and products. Work out your overheads and calculate how much money you would need to make to break even or make a profit.
Location
Do your homework. What kind of clients do you want to attract? Does this location suit your personality or brand? Can you afford this location? Is it convenient for clients and staff? Does this street get much footfall? Is there parking nearby? Are there parking charges? Your salon should be as visible as possible, preferably on a busy street, easily accessible by foot, car or public transport, rather than tucked away down a backstreet. Is the street well lit? This will help clients feel safe and comfortable when visiting your salon outside of 9-5 work hours.
Space
Purchasing or renting a larger salon you can expand into may sound appealing but will be more costly. Do you need that much space? Can you afford it? With smaller premises, make sure you have adequate space to create a relaxing atmosphere and that people can move around freely. Remember, clever interior design, such as using mirrors, can make smaller areas feel more spacious.
Competition
Research the local competition. What services do they offer? What do they charge? How long have they been established? Is the area already saturated with similar businesses? Make sure there is a gap in the market for you.
Unique Selling Point
Figure out what makes you different from the other hairdressers or beauty salons in the area. What can you offer clients to help you stand out from the crowd? Unique selling points can include bespoke treatments, new techniques, staff experience, particular products, atmosphere, promotions or superior customer service.
The Law
Consider legal structure, insurance, trade organisation, governing bodies and health and safety requirements. Qualifications, such as a degree in Salon Management or Business, may also help you, as could a mentor. Do not be afraid to approach people who run their own salons or other businesses for advice.
Staff
You may be looking to employ new staff or already have a team if you are buying an existing salon. Either way, ensure all employees are suited to your business. You may also have the option to employ an apprentice to train. Click here to see the training courses we offer.
Design
Design your salon around the clientèle you want and to fit your budget. What can you afford? Will you buy or lease salon furniture? What colours or styles would appeal to your clients? How can you create an atmosphere to relax them?
New & Trending
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
NEW
NEW
NEW
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Back to Posts
Tags
- 2024
- acne
- allergies
- apps
- autumn
- awards
- balayage
- blonde
- braids
- bridal
- brows
- business
- capital & me
- care
- career
- celebrities
- christmas
- chrome
- clean
- collection
- color wow
- colour
- colours
- conditioner
- covid-19
- crazy color
- curls
- facial
- fanola
- fashion
- festival
- finance
- floral
- freelance
- gel
- gellux
- get the look
- goldwell
- halloween
- indola
- interview
- k18
- lashbase
- lashes
- lob
- loreal
- loyalty
- make up
- manicure
- marketing
- men
- mens
- mental health
- microblading
- milk_shake
- nail art
- nailart
- nails
- new years
- nioxin
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- party
- pedicure
- ponytail
- pulp riot
- redken
- retail
- revlon
- salon revamp
- salon system
- schwarzkopf
- self-employed
- shampoo
- skincare
- smoothing
- social media
- split-ends
- spring
- step by step
- summer
- sustainability
- tanning
- the manicure company
- the met gala
- tigi
- tiktok
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- trends
- tutorial
- updo
- valentines
- veganuary
- wahl
- waxing
- wella
- wellbeing
- winter
Latest Posts
- How To Winterise your Client’s Hair Routine
- Keeping It Clean: Essential Barber Shop Sanitisation Tips
- Now Live: LashBase
- Trend Alert: Muted Shades With Goldwell
- The Best Christmas Gifting Products For Your Salon
- Jenna Ortega: Get The Look
- Spook-tacular Nail Designs for Halloween: Get Ready to Enchant Your Clients!
- Why We’re Falling for Pumpkin Spice Hair Colour
- London Fashion Week SS25 Show Report
- Nail the Magic: OPI X Wicked
Related Posts
The true cost of beauty - 80% of Brits admit to spending £1200 on beauty treatments per year
We did some digging to reveal the true cost of beauty, and what we found may shock you! A whopping 80% of Brits admit to spending £1200 a year.
The UK cities with the most top - rated hair & beauty professionals
We explore what drives consumers to leave positive reviews online for their hair and beauty professionals, and reveal the UK cities where salons and freelancers have received the most favourable reviews.
Staying Organised with Apps and Online Services in 2023
While starting your own business can feel like an endless list of tasks there is so much you can do via your phone and a variety of apps.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media in 2023
When it comes to being a hair or beauty pro – freelance or salon-based – social media offers your clients a window into your creations, how you work and how popular you are.
How to set up your at-home salon
There are various ways you can go freelance; while some hair and beauty pros prefer to rent a chair or space in an existing salon, others love the freedom and flexibility of creating their own at-home workspace.
Getting and Retaining Clients as a Freelancer in 2023
Starting your own business can definitely be daunting, but once you’ve got your clientele sorted, you’re halfway there! Here we break down some useful tips to getting and retaining your clients.
Pricing Your Services as a Freelancer in 2023
Deciding on your costs can be one of those super difficult decisions that you’d rather not deal with. However, it is an important step, so make sure you do your research. Here are some tips to help make the process that little bit less painful.
Managing Your Finances as a Freelancer in 2023
More and more people in the hair and beauty industry are going freelance and one of the keys to sustainable success is knowing what’s happening with and how to manage your finances. Here we break down our top tips to get your started.