How to Start a Hair Salon

Hair salons provide hair care and inspire the fashion world.

Have you always loved styling hair? Opening a hair salon may be the perfect way to share your passion with the public. Hair salons provide hair care and inspire the fashion world. With careful planning, your hair salon can be running smoothly in record time.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Gather the needed capital. Although the range of money needed to start a hair salon is affected by a variety of factors, including location and specialty, be sure to have enough money for start-up costs. Assess your financial stability before attempting to start a hair salon. Consider seeking investors if you need access to capital to get started.

2. File the necessary paperwork. Check with local business agencies and bureaus, such as the License Commissioner and State Board of Cosmetology, to determine the paperwork you will need to complete. This include permits and operating licenses. Be sure to meet all deadlines to avoid penalties or a delay in be able to open the hair salon.

3. Determine the hair salon's focus. Will the hair salon center around a theme, such Hollywood glamor or Las Vegas edge? Will the hair salon attempt to attract clientele of a business nature or a more laid-back customer? Knowing the hair salon's target market will make it easier to provide the appropriate services.

4. Choose a suitable location. The store should be in a location that makes attracting new customers possible. Avoid positioning the hair salon in areas that are heavily saturated with your salon type.

5. Plan how the hair salon will operate. Will the hair stylists be employees of the hair salon, or will they operate as independent contractors? Will you require monthly booth or equipment rental fees? Determining your policies early will allow for assessment and time to make changes before opening the hair salon.

6. Stock your hair salon with personnel and materials. Choose employees who will contribute to the overall vision for the hair salon. Ensure that all employees are licensed in accordance with local policies. Order durable equipment, such as cash registers and seating. Search for deals online and through industry publications. Decorate the hair salon in an attractive, clutter-free manner.

7. Celebrate the hair salon's grand opening. Spread the word to the local community through word of mouth and print advertisements. Consider setting special prices to celebrate the hair salon's opening and to draw in customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a name that describes the type of services offered by the hair salon.

Resources

• Entrepreneur.com: Business Ideas - Hair Salon
• PowerHomeBiz.com: How to Start a Hair Salon Business