How to Start Up a Hairdressing Business
Are you a hairdresser with your own ideas on how you'd like to run your salon? Have you been keeping notes on what you'd do differently? If so, then you are a perfect candidate for starting your own hairdressing business. On top of having the skills needed to satisfy your customer's needs, you'll need to be able to write up a business plan, identify the threats of starting your salon, identify ways to increase your clientele and procure financing.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Location
- Stylists
- Chairs, dryers, washing stations
- Hair care products
- Liability insurance
- Business license
- Establishment license
Instructions
-
-
1
Take care of the legal requirements for your hairdressing business. Contact your state cosmetology board to obtain an establishment license for your salon. Brush up on any health and safety regulations for your business. Form a business structure, such as a limited liability company (LLC), and register your business. Purchase liability insurance for your salon. Obtain a sales tax permit from your county clerk's office and a federal tax ID. Visit the IRS website for details. Also, write up a business plan to present to your bank, if intending to apply for financing.
-
2
Decide on your target demographic. An upscale salon will have a more exclusive clientele and should be situated in a high-end shopping center or near an upscale neighborhood. Your prices and services will need to reflect your clientele. Also, you may provide services for men, women and children. A lower-priced salon will cater to a larger group of people; however, you will be limited in your creativity as you won't be able to provide some of the pricier services.
-
-
3
Determine the services your hairdressing business will offer, such as waxing, tanning, manicures, pedicures, relaxers, perms, color and braids. Evaluate the salon you are currently working in, taking note of the most popular requests and changes you would incorporate. Or visit salons in your area to get some ideas on running your own business.
-
4
Find your location. You'll need enough space for booths for your stylists, at least three shampooing stations, many electrical outlets, a break room, bathroom, supply room, reception area with chairs and benches, at least three dryer stations and space to display any hair care products for sale.
-
5
Set yourself apart by offering a clean, professional atmosphere, fashionable stylists, complimentary beverages and great music. If you've got the space, consider placing a couple of snack and soda vending machines along the back wall, or by the bathroom or water fountain.
-
6
Hire licensed, qualified, professional and fashionable beauticians and manicurists. Scrutinize each candidate on their skill sets, friendliness and appearance. Remember, your team represents your salon. Each member should present a stylish image that customers would want to adopt. A stylist who looks like she just rolled out of bed doesn't instill confidence in a new client. Consider implementing a dress and hair code. Also subscribe to style magazines that will keep your team up to date on the latest hair and nail trends. Find your team by asking co-workers that you admire to join you, by putting a "Now Hiring" banner on your salon and by placing an ad in the paper. Make sure to create a contract that details the conditions of employment, such as providing their own insurance.
-
7
Purchase your equipment: dryer chairs, salon stools, tanning booths, shampoo chairs, reception desks, display counters, steamers, lamps, salon mats, styling books and magazines and manicure tables. Purchase your supplies: wholesale hair care products, combs, brushes, coloring solutions, shears, lotions, spa products, cuticle nippers, capes and aprons are available from Centurybeautywebstore.com.
-
8
Tell clients that you are starting your own salon, and ask them to join you. Ask each stylist to bring their clients on board.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Franco Folini: Flickr.com
