Why individual salon suites are revolutionizing the beauty industry
While some beauty professionals still work under the traditional system, thousands of others are already discovering the path to complete independence, striking it rich, and the freedom they could only dream of before.
The global salon and spa suite market, which reached circa $277 billion last year, is experiencing rapid growth and creating numerous new opportunities. Of all of them, establishing an individual space is probably the most exciting for beauty specialists.
But what makes individual salons revolutionary compared to traditional work arrangements, and why has this concept gained such popularity? We’re here to figure this out.
As it was before: Traditional salons and “rent-a-chair” arrangements
For a long time, the beauty industry has mostly relied on two arrangements: technicians were either paid employees or they rented a chair (also known as a booth). The latter model has been around for over a hundred years, offering the freedom to work independently. But it had both positive and negative aspects.
On the downside:
- Technicians didn’t have the desired privacy as the noise in the shared workplace might have bothered them and their clients.
- Salon owners established strict rules regarding working hours, pricing, and the recommended products for use.
- Due to the percentage-based pay, owners retained the lion’s share of what beauty specialists earned.
And, of course, it wasn’t easy to create your unique brand because you were just a part of someone else’s big salon. Things called for a change.
Individual salon and the revolution it has fueled
The concept of individual salons or suites is a relatively new phenomenon that has been actively developing and gaining popularity since the early 2000s. The growth has been swift over the past decade, which has started changing the entire beauty industry.
Salon suites are here to stay and are likely to replace rental booths. Why would you rent a small chair, purchase all the necessary items yourself, including lamps and showcases, and bother with repairs and cleaning when you can establish an individual space with most of the things handled for you?
A salon suite is a separate facility specifically designed to let beauty experts start on their own. Instead of settling for a chair and limited space, you can rent a fully equipped studio to accommodate all your equipment and services. Besides, it can be rented for your exclusive use, complete with the basic elements you need for work (for example, a hairdressing chair and a mirror for a stylist or a manicure table for a manicurist).
How individual salon suites are redefining the beauty sector
As beauty professionals seek more privacy and control over their activities, it’s time to explore why today’s best individual salon suites are actively evolving by introducing innovations previously unavailable in this field:
- Entrepreneurship. This model enables a nail technician or a stylist to launch a business quickly without requiring a steep upfront investment.
- Financial control and income growth. You just have to cover a fixed rent for your suite (either weekly or monthly), and all the money earned (100% of the revenue) remains with you.
- Freedom of branding and creativity. Control when to work, how much to charge for your services, what products to use, and what your mini-salon looks like.
- Individual approach. In a suite, you have everything it takes to serve and communicate with your clients in a private setting.
Salon suites have impacted who controls the beauty industry. Previously, it was dominated by several giant salon chains. Today, it is expanding among thousands of beauty specialists turned entrepreneurs. As a result, the market can respond more quickly to what clients want and need.
It is clear from industry statistics and reports that the salon suite sector is expanding, and this trend is expected to continue. More people are making career decisions in favor of financial and professional independence, and the industry supports them in building a fresh environment for beauty services.
Where are individual salons popular and who benefits most?
Salon suites aren’t exclusive to North America, but the US is the largest market. Still, there is soaring popularity in Europe and Asia, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea.
Suites have a bearing on multiple sectors of the beauty industry and are a real hit among:
- Hairdressers and stylists for how conveniently they offer private spaces for cutting, coloring, styling, and other services.
- Manicurists and pedicurists for how suites serve as fully equipped, hygienic spaces for nail procedures.
- Cosmetologists and aestheticians who are well into complete privacy and access to professional skincare tools.
- Lash artists and brow technicians looking for a separate space that will allow them to focus on delicate work.
- Massage therapists, makeup artists, waxing specialists, and other professionals who appreciate the ability to create their own work atmosphere.
With rapid global expansion, it’s clear that salon suites are a practical and rewarding option for many independent beauty entrepreneurs worldwide. They represent the progress of the industry, as personal skills and a passion for work thrive in the right environment.
Working with the best individual salon company
If you have always wanted to try on your own in an individual salon but have been worried about the cost and potential risks, now is the time to move forward. Thanks to this new model, you won’t have to choose between independence and high expenses. Salon suites offer stylists and other professionals the freedom to manage their businesses as they see fit, with minimal financial investment and risk.
Profit-wise, many specialists make 25-35% more during their first year of transitioning into an individual space than what they earn with the commission-based approach. Flexibility in pricing and adjusting your availability to the needs of your clients account for such an increase in profits.
The beauty industry revolution can continue with you. Optima has everything your business may ever need, including the best individual salon suites for rent and a working arrangement that lets you keep all your earnings and maximize them down the road. Contact us for detailed information.