How to Start a Hairdresser Business
If you are a hairstylist looking to break out on your own, know that being your own boss can be extremely rewarding. However, it isn't without its challenges. Owning your own business means that you will be responsible for all aspects of the business, including accounting, tracking inventory, hiring and firing stylists, payroll, designing your store, advertising, providing excellent customer service, training staff and maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Call your state cosmetology board to determine if you need an establishment license. Familiarize yourself with health and safety regulations for hairdressing salons. Purchase hairdresser's insurance.
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2
Visit other salons and determine how you will stand apart. Identify your target audience, and then cater your salon to meet their needs. For instance, will you have a low cost salon or a more upscale shop? Before you hire your staff, you'll need to know what type of services your clients will be interested in. The services you offer will vary significantly depending on the income levels of your potential clients.
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3
Determine how many stylists you'll need, based on the services you intend to provide. Services may include perms, relaxers, cuts, colors, braids, weaves, waxing, nails and electrolysis. Visit beauty schools to find talented students who might join your team. Ask former co-workers whom you respect to join you. Create contracts that lay out the conditions of employment for each member of your team. Your team must look professional and fashionable at all times. Customers should have faith in their stylist's ability to spot and recreate fashion trends. Consider having a hair and dress code. To help keep your stylists current on the latest hair styles, subscribe to trendy magazines, such as those offered by Modernsalon.com or Stylehairmagazine.com.
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4
Find your salon location. You will need plenty of electrical outlets, a booth for each stylist, room for three to six washing stations, a private bathroom and break room, a reception area including 10 to 20 chairs or several sofas or benches, and three to six dryers. Expect to need at least 800 square feet. If you intend to sell hair products, you'll need extra display space. Consider having a coffee station and background music. Your location should be convenient for your customers, such as in a mall or shopping center.
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Purchase heavy-duty equipment such as dryer chairs, salon stools, tanning booths, shampoo chairs, reception desks, display counters, steamers, lamps and manicure tables.
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Purchase wholesale hair care products, combs, brushes, coloring solutions, shears, lotions, spa products, cuticle nippers, capes and aprons. Buy cash registers, paper and other accounting supplies at Cashregisterstore.com. Visit Merchantexpress.com to set up a merchant account so you can accept credit cards. They also offer accounting tools to help you get your business in line.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a catchy name for your salon and incorporate your business. Becoming a limited liability company can offer a number of advantages and should cost about $250. Create a business plan, especially if you will need to apply for financing. Lead by example. If one of your stylists is falling out of line, don't be afraid to fire her. Remember, your entire team projects your salon's image. If you don't take advantage of formal accounting tools, be sure to document all liabilities and assets on an Excel spreadsheet.
