How to start your own individual hair salon: A step-by-step guide

Have you ever dreamed of being an independent hairstylist, working for yourself, putting your ideas to good use, and doing what truly brings you professional fulfillment? If so, starting an individual hair salon may be at the top of your agenda. However, opening a traditional studio involves many risks and extensive paperwork. 

Is there an alternative that would allow you to achieve the desired autonomy while minimizing initial costs and daily hassles? The answer is yes!

The billion-dollar market and independent stylists

The beauty industry is a huge and hard-to-conquer market. It’s mainly represented by haircare services, including haircuts, styling, coloring, and other services considered to have the most considerable money-making potential.

What is especially interesting is that the number of self-employed professionals has increased over the past few years in this industry. The rise of individuals’ hair salon businesses shows that stylists wish to take control of their careers, income potential, and work environment.

Traditional hair salons are a thing of the past

The standard approach is to open an independent salon, which allows you to have complete control over every aspect of your business, including the interior, employees, and overall concept. It lets you bring your most daring ideas to life and create a brand and atmosphere like nothing else in the world.

By going the traditional salon route, you’ll be responsible for selecting the location, designing the space, purchasing equipment, and managing all aspects of your business, including hiring staff and handling accounting. 

While this level of control may work well for growth and building a beauty business empire, it comes at a high cost. In the United States, the cost of opening a small traditional salon ranges between $5,000 and $200,000, depending on the location, size, and level of comfort. Renting a space alone requires a substantial upfront payment, let alone finishing and renovation costs, which may set you back around $50 to $75 per square foot for remodeling, plumbing, and electrical work.

This process is long, requiring 3 to 6 months or more to progress from the idea to the first client. This is the period when you aren’t making any money. Meanwhile, you’ll need to pay for: 

• Rent (may vary from one city to another)
• Utilities (which tend to be higher in office buildings)
• Staff wages
• Taxes 
• Insurance
• Occasional materials and supplies
• Marketing
• Accounting

On top of that, you may end up losing your investment if your salon business doesn’t yield the expected income in the first months.

Individual hair salons are the future for the self-employed

An individual’s hair salon suite is a safer bet for hairstylists looking to work independently with minimal initial investment and maximum control over their business. Here’s how it works.

A salon suite is a fully prepared space that you rent to work in all by yourself. All concerns related to building maintenance, utilities, security, and basic management services are delegated to the suite complex owner. You don’t need to invest tens of thousands of dollars into renovations or buying equipment. Everything is already in your individual salon suite, including hairdressing chairs, sinks, and mirrors. The start-up expenses are limited to the rent and cost of professional products and supplies for getting started.

The process of signing a lease and moving in usually ranges from a few days to a week, and you can begin earning money shortly after that. Operating an individual hair salon comes with expected, manageable costs, as most utilities (electricity, water, heating, and cooling), cleaning, and Wi-Fi are typically included in the suite rent.

This business model is also great for control over income and branding. It enables you to focus your efforts on advancing your career, expanding the scope of procedures, and delivering exceptional service to your clients. Every cent you make out of your appointments is yours, as you don’t have to pay commissions.

7 Steps to open the best individual hair salon

The individual salon suite model is a faster, less risky, and more hairdresser-centered path to independence. Here’s what you need to do to open your business this way:

1. Define your business plan and unique niche. Even if you’re renting a space, a clear vision for your business is the foundation for success. Outline the specific hairdressing services you’ll offer and your specialization (e.g., coloring, men’s haircuts, bridal hair, etc.).
2. Do your homework. Find salon suite complexes in your state. Visit them and compare locations, accessibility, quality of equipment, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. Pay attention to the availability of parking, waiting areas, Wi-Fi, and any additional services offered by the complex owner (e.g., laundry and administrative support).
3. Choose and rent your perfect facility. After careful research, select a space that aligns with your goals and financial plan for building the best individual hair salon. Check what’s included, the lease term, and the renewal or termination conditions.
4. Set up your legal status. Register your business as a Sole Proprietorship or Limited Liability Company (LLC), depending on your plans and the professional opinion of your tax advisor. Make sure you have all the necessary state licenses and local permits to provide hair services. Often, this process is simpler for suites, as the building owner already has basic permits for the premises.
5. Stock up on supplies. Although your suite may provide basic equipment, you’ll likely need professional beauty products (shampoos, conditioners, dyes, styling products), consumables (towels, disposable capes), and personal tools (scissors, hair dryers, curling irons).
6. Set up your space and appointment system. Personalize your facility by adding decor that matches your brand. Deploy an online booking system that allows clients to conveniently book appointments (e.g., Square, Vagaro, GlossGenius). Some suite complexes may offer their own integrated booking systems.
7. Actively promote your services. Zero in on social media (Instagram, TikTok), create a portfolio, and collect client reviews. Your suite complex may have its own marketing channels you can (and should) use.

Easier said than done? Not really. With Optima, hairstylists can start and grow the best individual hair salons without colossal investments, administrative hassles, and financial risks. Our locations are associated with the highest earnings potential, and we can help you get started in no time.