How to Start Your Own Braiding Studio Salon

Build your business by braiding hair.

Braiding hair is one of those skills that can bring in extra cash to help you make your monthly ends meet. If you are reliable and consistent, braiding hair can easily become your full source of income. You may even have a desire to start your own braiding studio salon to move your business out of your living room or kitchen and into a nice, customer-friendly salon.

Instructions

1. Research how much it will cost to open a braiding salon. Include the cost of rent, equipment, supplies and hiring employees if necessary. Perfect your technique and master a variety of styles by reading hair-styling magazines, getting certification, visiting trade shows and braiding hair in your home. Begin saving money from braiding to use toward opening your braiding studio.

2. Inform your current customers of your desire to open a braiding salon. Ask them to inform others of your new business to drum up business.

3. Contact your state's professional regulations department to determine if you will need a cosmetology license to professionally braid hair. If a cosmetology license is needed, you will need to find a cosmetology school to attend to gain the license that you need to open your braiding studio salon.

4. Contact your city's office to determine what occupational and business licenses you will need to open your braiding salon.

5. Find a location and use the money that was previously saved, to rent, furnish and advertise the new braiding studio salon. If you don't have enough money to open your own salon, consider renting a chair or booth in a salon owned by someone else. Salons often hang advertisements in their windows when they have available space.

6. Contact weaving hair and product distributors, for wholesale prices on hair and grooming products.

7. Join an industry association such as the National Black Cosmetology Association to stay up on rules, regulations and the latest trends in braiding.

Tips & Warnings

• Braiding hair takes time. Use an appointment calendar to schedule appointments, giving yourself enough time for braiding between appointments, and do not overbook. Consider hiring help when you need it.

References

• Enterpreneur.com: Business Idea Center: Hair Salon

Resources

• National Black Cosmetology Association