How to Open a Successful Hair Salon

Do you want to open a successful salon? Action is better than heart, now the time is just right! According to authoritative research, the health and beauty industry is growing steadily. In the US alone, the beauty and hair industry is estimated to be worth nearly $50bn. This guide will give you detailed step-by-step instructions on how to start a salon. Here's our salon checklist to help you get ideas.

1) Think of a stylish hair salon name. Choosing the name of a salon is half the battle.

 

Combine the market positioning of the salon. Whether you want to be an upscale leisure haven or a fun and optimistic salon for younger clients, choose a name that fits.

 

Combine the salon owner's own name. Many salon owners combine their name with the name of their business. There is nothing wrong with that.

 

Avoid legal trouble. When you're just starting out in a salon, you don't want to get into a legal fight! You can also check to see if the name you choose can be used as a website domain so that you can easily build a business website.

 

2) Create a business plan for a hair salon

 

Starting a business requires detailed organization and planning, including knowing how much money it will cost, where it will start, and what services it will offer. Develop a business plan for your salon that takes into account not only your goals and how you intend to achieve them, but also your understanding of the market and how your salon will stand out from the competition.

 

What about a business plan?

Summary - An overview of the overall plan, including objectives, location and budget.

 

A description of what kind of salon you want to be, what service you will offer, and what your unique selling points are.

 

Market research - Demonstrate your knowledge of the target market and the success/failure of local competitors.

 

Marketing Plan - Consider how your salon will compete with other salons in the area and how you will market it. Will you use traditional marketing, social media, word of mouth, etc.?

 

Financial plans - financial information, such as estimated budgets and financial projections

 

3) Check the requirements for opening hair salons

Obtain the industry practice certificate to work in the salon. Obtain National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) - There are four levels of NVQ. Level 1 is a basic introduction, it is not considered a separate qualification, but allows you to enter Level 2 - which is the minimum qualification for salon positions. Levels 3 and 4 teach the more advanced technical skills required for managerial roles.

 

Apprenticeship - If college isn't for you, you can earn NVQ through an apprenticeship. This will combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing you to earn money while learning.

 

Workplace Assessment - If you start as an assistant at a salon, you may be qualified to be a barber for the job.

 

Salon Management Courses - You may want to consider a management course before opening your own salon. There is a range of Salon Management Foundations (FDA) and Bachelor's (Hons) degrees that teach business management skills.

 

4) Start-up capital

 

Like any other business, to start your salon business, you need a certain amount of start-up capital. If funds are not enough, bank loans will have to be considered. If loans are involved, you need to think carefully about how much money you will need and how you will repay it. Think about what equipment you need; What are your property costs? What bank charges you may have to pay. The cost of opening a salon can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on your location and how much work is involved.

 

5) Choose your salon location

 

Opening a shop, running a salon, the biggest factor of success is to choose a good office. If you find a location with a lot of people and passing traffic, you greatly increase your chances of attracting new business. Also, of course, consider whether there is enough parking, the size of the home, the type of people who live in the area (do they match your target market), and how many other salons there are in the area. There is no need to set up your salon in an area full of competitors, as this may prove difficult to gain customers, however, it is worth choosing a nearby store or cafe that will attract the same customers.

 

6) Essential items for every salon:

 

A forward,

Comfortable chairs and mirrors

Hair sink

Waiting Area Seats

A cart for transporting tools and products

Scissors, scissors and blades

Combs, brushes and grips

A hair dryer, straightener and curling irons

Dyeing brush, foil and mixing bowl

Dress for clients

towel

Protective gloves and aprons

Shampoo, conditioner, hair dye and styling products

A laptop and a phone

Pay for equipment

 

7) Insuring your hair salon business

 

Running any business carries risks, so it is important that you have insurance to protect yourself if your business is hit with a claim.

 

Public Liability Insurance - Members of the public who insure against physical injury or property damage caused by your work. For example: slipping on the wet in the salon.

 

Professional treatment liability insurance - specifically covers cosmetic treatment resulting from accidental injury or property damage. Take, for example, a customer who is allergic to hair care products.

 

Employer Liability Insurance - covers claims for physical injury or illness caused by an employee working for the company. Standing all day causes back pain.

 

Personal Accident Insurance - supports you as a business owner against loss of income if you are unable to work due to accidental physical injury.

 

8) Consider hiring

 

Your beauty salon is only as good as the people who work there, so be careful when hiring stylists. First, they must have a government-recognized qualification -- at least 2 tables or 3 NVQ ratings. The level of experience you want your new stylist to have beyond their initial training is up to you, and it depends on whether you want to continue training them or prefer to hire someone with a wide range of existing expertise.

 

9) Sell your hair salon

 

Start marketing your business. At the very least, you need a professional website that Outlines your services, prices, locations and contact information. Not only should it be easy to navigate, but it should also be mobile responsive and search engine optimized

 

In addition, being visible on social media will help build brand awareness. Choose two or three platforms to invest your time in and make sure they update posts about your salon.

 

Bottom line: Opening your own salon can be a challenge, but if you're passionate about the industry and willing to put in the effort, you have a good chance of finding success.