business plans for hair salons

Free Hair and Beauty Salon Sample Business Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

6 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Looking for a free,  downloadable hair and beauty salon sample business plan Word doc  or  PDF  to help you create a business plan of your own? Bplans has you covered.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to find a sample business plan that exactly matches your business. Whether you’re launching an upscale, full-service salon in a bustling city or a neighborhood barbershop, the details will be different, but the bones of the plan will be the same.

Are you writing a business plan for your salon because you’re seeking a loan? Is your primary concern building a clear roadmap for growth? Either way, you’re going to want to edit and customize it so it fits your particular company.

No two salons are alike. Your business model will be different if you’re renting space to independent hairstylists, rather than taking on employees, for example. So take the time to create your own financial forecasts and do enough market research so you have a solid plan for success.

• What should you include in a hair and beauty salon business plan?

Your hair and beauty salon business plan doesn’t need to be hundreds of pages—keep it as short and concise as you can. You’ll probably want to include each of these sections:

• Executive summary
• Company summary and funding needs
• Products and services
• Marketing plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

One of the things that makes a salon business plan different from some service-based business plans is that you might decide to offer a combination of products and services.

Maybe you’ll sell shampoo, beard oil, or other cosmetics and beauty products, in addition to offering services like haircuts, manicures, or massages. If that’s the case, make sure you include your ideas for upselling products to customers to increase the value of every appointment you book.

Here’s an example of a salon business plan outline.

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• The 7 elements of an effective hair and beauty salon business plan

1. Executive Summary

The  executive summary  provides a high-level overview of your business plan. It should outline the objectives of your hair and beauty salon, such as to offer high-quality services, to expand the client base, or to break into a new market.

Your salon’s mission statement should describe its purpose and what sets it apart from competitors. For example, you may aim to offer a personalized experience for each customer or provide eco-friendly hair and beauty services.

The keys to success are the factors that will help your salon thrive. These may include a prime location, hiring experienced staff, excellent customer service, or a unique product and service range.

2. Company Summary and Funding Needs

The company summary offers a detailed overview of your salon, including its legal structure , location, and history. Also, it highlights your salon’s funding needs if you are seeking financial support.

Clearly state how much funding you need, what you will use it for, and how it will benefit the salon. For instance, you may need funds to renovate the premises, purchase equipment, or boost marketing efforts.

3. Salon Products and Services

This section should detail the products and services your hair or beauty salon will offer. These may include haircuts, hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty treatments.

If you plan to retail beauty products such as shampoos, conditioners, or skin care items, include this information too. Highlight any unique services or products that differentiate your salon from competitors.

4. Salon Marketing Plan and Analysis

Your marketing plan should outline the strategies you will use to attract and retain customers. These strategies might include social media advertising, loyalty programs, partnerships with local businesses, and special promotions.

Additionally, you should conduct a thorough market analysis. Understand your target customers, their preferences, and their spending habits. Identify your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you can differentiate your salon.

5. Salon Management Team

The management team section provides information about the salon’s key personnel. This could include the salon owner, managers, stylists, beauticians, and other staff members. Highlight their roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and experience.

If you plan to rent chairs to independent stylists rather than hiring employees, describe how this arrangement will work and the advantages it offers for your business.

6. Financial Plan and Forecasts

Your financial plan should present detailed financial projections, including revenue, costs, and profitability. Include a cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet. This section should clearly demonstrate the salon’s potential profitability and financial viability.

Also, outline your pricing strategy. How have you priced your services and products, and how do these prices compare with competitors? What are your wage costs, and how will they affect your profitability?

7. Appendix

The appendix includes any additional supporting documents that complement your business plan. This might be market research data, lease agreements, employee contracts, or licensing and permit documents.

While not always necessary, the appendix can provide valuable context and proof to support your business plan’s content.

• Crafting a Successful Salon Business Plan: Key Considerations

Understanding your target clientele’s needs is crucial to writing a hair or beauty salon business plan that you can put into action. To ensure your business plan is the foundation of a growing operation rather than just checking boxes, ask yourself whether you’re taking these considerations into account.

1. Comprehensive Services Offering

In the beauty industry, customer preferences vary significantly, and staying versatile in your offerings can help cater to a broader clientele. Include a wide range of services that cater to different demographics. You may also consider offering unique or specialized services that distinguish your salon from others.

2. Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your salon. Competitive pricing attracts customers, but your pricing should also cover your costs and ensure profitability. Effective market research can help you understand the average cost of services in your area, which you can use to set your prices competitively.

3. Salon Atmosphere

The ambiance of a salon plays a significant role in attracting and retaining customers. Consider factors like décor, cleanliness, and customer service when planning your salon.

4. Staff Training and Expertise

Quality service is crucial in the hair and beauty industry since word-of-mouth exposure from existing clients is a major driver of new business. Investing in ongoing staff training ensures that your team stays updated with the latest trends, techniques, and customer service skills.

5. Digital Presence

Although word of mouth is one business driver, many of today’s customers research online before visiting a salon. Having a strong online presence, including a well-designed website, effective search engine optimization and active social media accounts, can significantly boost your business.

• Download your free hair and beauty salon sample business plan PDF

Download this  hair and beauty salon sample business plan PDF  for free right now, or visit Bplans’ gallery of more than  550 sample business plans  if you’re looking for more options.

There are  plenty of reasons  salon business owners can benefit from  writing a business plan —you’ll need one if you’re seeking a loan or investment.

Even if you’re not seeking funding, the process of thinking through every aspect of your business will help you make sure you’re not overlooking anything critical as you grow.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How To Write the Perfect Salon Business Plan for Your Salon in Just 7 Simple Steps

The US salon industry includes more than 80,000 establishments with a combined annual revenue of about $532 billion. So opening a salon, and owning a salon business is a pretty safe bet; it’s steady and profitable . But lack of proper planning makes it difficult to juggle all the aspects of your business, starting from marketing and sales, to accounting, and whatnot. 

Here’s a quick tip! Searched all over the internet for concrete information on how to open your own salon? Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out this blog on opening your own salon business that gives you a comprehensive 10 step guide to help you get started now.

Writing a properly structured salon business plan is crucial to guarantee your salon’s success in this highly competitive market. Whether you’re wanting to secure a business loan for your salon or trying to expand or reinvent your salon business, a business plan for your salon will help you get there.

So how exactly would a business plan help you?

• A business plan will help you to figure out what you want your salon to offer, where you aim to take your salon’s growth, what kind of people you want to cater to, and who you’re competing against . 
• If you are looking for investment from private investors, banks, or any other lending institutions or public grants, structuring a business plan is crucial. 
• A business plan will help boost your salon business’s productivity through improved oversight and direction, and help you make informed decisions.
• As your salon business starts to grow and gain clientele, a well-developed business plan can help you acquire the capital needed to expand to new locations.

How to make the perfect business plan for your salon business?

Whipping up a perfect business plan can be pretty daunting because it needs to be immaculate. No worries! Here we’ve broken down the entire process into 7 easy-to-follow , foolproof steps, along with their templates, to help you create a successful salon business plan. 

• Write a mission and vision statement
• Create an executive summary
• Analyze and identify your target market
• Perform a competitor analysis
• Write your salon’s business description
• Make strategies for advertising and outreach marketing
• Figure out your financial plan

Whether it’s a hairdressing salon business plan, a general beauty salon business plan, or even a  small salon business plan for opening a salon on your own from scratch, we’ve got you covered. This is a complete, comprehensive guide to help you in the process of making a business plan for a salon. It’ll give you a basic understanding of how to write a salon business plan in the easiest possible way. 

1. Write a mission and vision statement

I) mission statement .

It articulates the immediate purpose of your salon business. Under this, you can state all the short-term goals that you plan on achieving with your salon within 6 months , stretching up to a year.

Here’s how you can nail a perfect mission statement

• Value – What is the value of your salon in the market? How can it help your clients? 
• Inspiration – Why should people want to come to your salon?
• Remember to make your mission statement sound plausible and reasonable . Also, make it specific and concise – clarify all your short-term goals and the timeframe within which you’re planning on achieving them. 

ii) Vision statement

 Now, where do you aim to take the salon’s growth in the next 5 years ? Well, if you’re dreaming, dream big! And you can be as ambitious as you want, the sky’s the limit. 

Setting strategies for a longer-term makes sure that you don’t stumble on the road to success. It makes the overall structure of your business stronger. It prepares you for anything that the fickle market demands from you and throws at you.

Here’s how you can write a perfect vision statement :

• Review your long-term goals in a way that you can analyze how achieving your long-term goals could impact your business and the salon industry in general.
• Derive how your clients could benefit from the visions that you would be implementing.
• Your business’ end goals can drive your vision statement, For instance, if you’re planning to branch out to different locations after, say, 5 years, you can frame your vision statement in a way that states to make your salon a household name, popular in the neighboring areas and so on. 

2. Create an executive summary

After you write the mission and vision statements, you can summarize everything that you’re aiming to achieve with your salon under an Executive Summary. Whether you’re writing a business plan for a hair salon or a business plan for a beauty salon, you should be properly aware of what your intentions are with the salon. This section is the most important part of your business plan as it dictates the tone of your salon, and makes an impression. 

Remember to keep this section very brief and concise to give an overview, as you’ll be elaborating on these points in the later sections of your business plan. 

If you’re having trouble writing your salon’s executive summary, you can always write it after you’re done with all the other sections in the business plan . This will give you a better understanding of your salon business and help you succinctly put your points together to describe it. 

What can you do to write the most fitting executive summary for your salon?

• Start by stating all the short-term goals that you plan on achieving within, say, 6 months or a year.  Remember to keep your goals realistic and feasible. 
• Summarize your approach towards your business, to give an overview of how you will run things in your business.
• Clearly and briefly express the value proposition of your salon, and how it would potentially position your business in your target market.

How to write your salon’s executive summary: A simple template

Divide your business summary into sections of opportunities and expectations, and put brief points in those subsections in the most convincing way. The following template can help you with this :

• How are you trying to achieve recognition in your target market?
• What is your salon’s tagline/motto?
• What is your salon’s growth plan for the first 6 months after its launch?
• Which demographic is your salon meant for?
• How are your services aligned with your target market?
• How many salons are there in the area of establishment of your salon?
• What products and services do they offer?
• What is the range of variation of their clientele?
• What products and services is your salon offering?
• What is the unique selling point of your business? For eg: If your salon is the only one in the area that offers holistic services with spiritual healing, then put it down as your differentiating point.
• How are you different from your competitors? For eg: Is it the lower cost of services of your salon, or the vast range of services that make your salon stand out? 

Make sure you catch the eye of potential investors in the above section. Don’t forget to state how you can attract potential customers. 

• What is the salon costing you? List down the projected expenses and costs that come from daily operations, rent, staff hiring, cosmetics, appliance expenditures, etc. for the first 6 months. 
• What is the cash flow and how much profits are you bringing in for the initial 6 months? This is completely variable and the reaction of your target market to your salon decides this. So aligning your services with them is of utmost importance. 
• Why does your salon need financing? For eg: you can convey that you’re trying to meet the anticipated growth of your salon in the market.

3. Analyze and identify your target market

Analyzing and defining a target market for your salon is very important as it goes hand in hand with your salon’s growth and outreach . 

A beauty salon can service all genders and age groups. Your target audience can include working professionals, college students and teenagers, homemakers, to-be-Brides, and even children. And each group will require different types of services.  So make sure you list down each individual section of your target market and what services they would require. 

Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re going the right way about it. 

Steps to analyze and identify your target market 

• Find out what kind of people you think would resonate with your salon’s services the most. For example, if your salon offers low commitment (temporary) coloring services, you can get a lot of customer traffic from the millennials. 
• As an extension to that, find out if your services are more inclined to serve a particular demographic better, or if you’re good with people of every demographic.
• Keep up with the trends in the salon industry to know what’s hot and what’s passé.
• Peek inside the brains of your target clients to know exactly what they want or like and tune your salon accordingly.

An easy-to-follow template to proceed with your target market analysis

• Segregate the people in the market pool into different categories.

Do not forget these bases:

• Personal income/occupation
• List out the services that your salon would offer that would fit one or more of the stated categories above. 

For eg: If your salon offers Diamond Facial at $200.00, then you can list this service out as follows :

• Use social media to get an understanding of the trends in the market at present. Join salon and beauty communities on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, and follow beauty bloggers on Youtube and Instagram. 
• Look up the people who subscribe to or follow these beauty pages and beauty bloggers to identify which trends appeal to a certain demographic. You can tell a lot about your target market’s behavior from the posts they like and the thoughts they share in the comment section of these posts and videos.

4. Perform a competitor analysis 

With a great market demand, several strong competitors emerge. And we don’t want your salon to get lost in the sea of other salons now, do we? As it goes, keep your clients close but your competitors closer.

Figuring your competitors out gives you a necessary nudge in the right direction to take your business plan forward. It gives you an idea of what the other salons are practicing with their clients, and what gaps they’re leaving that you can fill up as you step into the salon business yourself. 

How do you analyze your competition?

• Find out what the other salons in the area are doing successfully or poorly.
• Get a rough idea of the cost of services that the competitor salons are offering. This helps you price the services for your salon.
• Identify how many salons provide services that focus on a specific niche and do not serve a wide group of customers.
• Find out the industry-specific challenges they are facing that you may also face while running your own salon.
• Analyze what they can do differently to improve their situation, and implement it in your business mission plan to avoid facing such challenges yourself. 
• Have your salon address these deficiencies in the market.

Follow these easy steps to perform your salon’s competitor analysis 

• Visit your competitor salons’ websites.
• Follow them on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) to get an idea of how much influence and reach they have. Check out who follows their social media page to get an idea of the target market as well.  
• Sign up for any interactive sessions that these salons might conduct and check how other people respond to these sessions, to understand their grip and dominance on the market.  
• Visit the other salons in the market as customers, to get an idea of their quality of services.

5. Write your salon’s business description

So now that you have your market and your competitors figured out, it’s time to work on your salon business . A beauty salon or a hair salon is fine, but what kind of salon do you want yours to be like? Setting a proper description for your business gives your salon a custom style and personality. 

Your business description should include an overview of the products and services that your salon would offer, and how your salon would stand out in the market. Setting a trademark vibe to your salon also helps with its brand image. 

To get started, you can answer the following questions :

• Would you specialize in any particular service like nail art or bridal makeup? 
• Would you want your services segmented for various types of clients?
• What services would you want to offer in packages? 
• Would you serve complimentary refreshments to the clients?
• What theme are you going for with respect to interiors and ambiance (Japanese zen, tropical beach day, etc, etc)?
• What would be your salon’s “it” factor that distinguishes it from the other salons in the area? 

Once you’re done with the salon’s description and personality, set a brand logo and a tagline to go with it. To get a professionally designed custom logo, you can always reach out to freelancers or companies that can do it for you, like 99designs . 

You can also use an online designing software like Canva to design your salon’s logo on your own. 

And that should complete the branding. 

Creating a business brand will prepare you to answer someone asking you “Why should I come to your Salon?” 

Remember to make your salon stand out, noticeable, and interesting.

6. Make strategies for advertising and outreach marketing 

Now you have to position your salon in the market in a way that makes people take an avid interest in “the new salon”. Your target audience will guide you towards the perfect approach to spread the word around about your salon. 

A simple guide to writing the marketing plan for your salon business :

• Your salon should be Google-able. To show up in digital searches, make sure your business is listed in online directories.
• Create a website or a mobile application for a better customer experience. 
• It’s always better to spread out to all social media platforms to promote your business so that your customers (and other potential clients) can get to know you on a more personal level. Connect with your business community by following other small businesses in the area. Actively engage with your target market and share behind-the-scenes content (like before and after photos of clients’ haircuts) to build your credibility and cultivate brand awareness.
• Partner up with other businesses that may share the same clientele as a salon would (like spa retreats) to offer coupons and vouchers, for outreach marketing.
• Offer “first-service” discounts to your customers.
• Keep service rates lower than the other salons in the area to attract clients. 
• Once the rapport is established, and your clients trust you with the service quality, you can cut out the discounts. It is also very important that you optimize the discounts in a way that you don’t run into a complete loss, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
• It is crucial to maintain the service quality to the highest degree after you start getting clients. Remember that your clients wear the marketing after they come out of your salon. This will definitely help you secure referrals from existing clients.

Marketing Tip! Want to pull off a great marketing campaign for your salon business but don’t know where to start? Do you feel like the marketing section in your business plan is incomplete? For more detailed marketing ideas for your salon, check out our blog on 7 hand-picked salon marketing ideas to boost your business .

7. Figure out your financial plan 

It’s time to play the number game. This is probably the trickiest part of writing a salon business plan because you have to be extremely careful while juggling your revenue and expenditure budget optimally. 

You don’t want to scare or throw off your customers by charging exorbitant prices for the services, but at the same time, you don’t want to crash and drown in debt yourself. Not to forget, cutting costs on cosmetics may affect the service quality. Cut hair, not costs!

Ergo, you need to have a proper financial plan for your salon. 

Writing a detailed financial plan will help you get a rough idea of how your salon would be progressing on a monthly/ yearly basis. Moreover, if you’re applying for a loan, your financial plan will determine your eligibility .

What can you do to create a solid financial plan for your salon?

• It helps to bifurcate all the expenses into Fixed costs, and Variable costs. Then you can analyze your fixed costs and variable costs to set an optimal budget.

Fixed Costs: This section includes all the costs associated with your salon business that must be paid regardless of the customer traffic in your salon.

• Rent or mortgage for the salon space.
• Payroll for the employees you hire.
• Equipment maintenance costs for hair spa and other services that are heavily equipment dependent.

Variable Costs : This section includes all the costs in your salon business that are directly associated with the customer traffic in your salon. 

• Expenses of purchasing cosmetics and other salon supplies.
• Electricity consumption by salon equipment. For eg: If you’re writing a hair salon business plan, make sure you include the electricity consumption by blow dryers, hair straighteners. 
• Have a clear idea of how much discount you plan on putting on your services during the first few months of opening your salon, and for what duration you will be offering these discounts. Note that during the first few months of opening your salon, your sales are likely to be lower than your projections, and that’s completely okay.
• Make a list of pros and cons for renting out space for your salon versus buying a place.
• If you’re renting and wish to own the salon space, spot out a tentative date of when you’ll become capable of buying the place.
• Figure out how many people you are going to hire in your staff, and how much salary you would be able to offer them. Note that you’ll have to improvise this according to how the customers respond to your salon.
• Reach out to your local chamber of commerce to get more insights on funding and loans.
• Tentatively figure out the time it will take you to break even, and start earning chunky profits.

Here’s an easy-to-follow template to proceed with your ‘financial plan’ section 

The following simple template can help you make the financial plan for your salon: 

i) Sales and revenue projections for the first five years :

Figure out how much you’ll charge for your services, and estimate how many services you may perform in a week. A periodic analysis of this over the next five years will give you the necessary projections. Put the details down in a spreadsheet to keep it organized. It also helps to collate all this information and analyze using bar graphs.

ii) Expenses’ budget :

Break down the expenditure of your salon for a given term, by referring to the “fixed and variable costs” list that you made. You can pick the term to be a month, a quarter, or a year long .

It’s a safer practice to stick to a month-long or a quarter-long term. You don’t want the budget analysis task to loom over you and become a burden. Not to forget, it keeps you in touch with the financial status of your salon business. 

iii) Estimated profit margins:

Accumulate the sales projections and budget report analysis to find out the profit for that term. Display the margins in pie charts or bar graphs for easy comprehension. 

iv) Liabilities:

Note all the losses that your salon business can possibly incur in the time period that you have defined as a term. For example, your blow dryers may stop functioning and need to be replaced.

Also include the factors that may stunt your business from growing. For example, you may be short on staff, or your nail salon is lacking an appointment scheduling and business management tool.

v) Cash flow statement:

Make a projected plan of cash flow-in and flow-out for your defined term, where you include cash flow from sources that are not directly related to your salon services or your salon business-related expenses. 

Include the cash flow from loans, loan payments, taxes, and personal funds that you used for your salon.

vi) Break-even analysis:

Predict the break-even point for the first five years of your business. Break-even is achieved when your salon business has covered all the expenses, and your sales surpass the expenditure costs. From that point on, your salon will start earning profits.

Other ways to create your financial plan :

Dealing with numbers can be tedious and scary, especially when you already have a lot of other things on your mind as a salon business owner. Moreover, documenting the financial projections yourself can be a pretty daunting task, especially because there’s no room for mistakes. 

Instead of making the document yourself, you can choose to consult professionals to help you write the perfect financial plan for your salon. 

• Hire freelancers : You can collaborate with business plan consultants to make your financial plan. All you need to do is give them your salon’s budgetary estimates and inputs. 
• Use Financial planning tools :  It asks you to enter all your financial information. They use built-in formulas to give you the most accurate financial statements that include all the charts and projections that an investor would expect to see in a business plan. 

Some important things to keep in mind :

• Keep reviewing the target market, competitor analysis, and marketing and advertising strategies once every while, however frequently necessary.
• Set realistic long-term goals that would be in sync with your current business performance. For example, you can think about branching out to two different locations after a few years. This will allow you to expand your local salon to an enterprise salon.

Go ahead with the pretty business plan 

Executing a well-structured salon business should reap good-looking numbers. And the first step towards that is making a killer business plan for your salon.

It gives you the courage to place your faith in your business, and we don’t want you to doubt something you’re passionate about. Remember that you can convince the people in the market about all the great things your salon has to offer, only when you truly believe it yourself. 

So go on ahead, start creating your salon business plan today, and give your dreams a much-needed flight. Good luck :))

About Appointy We at Appointy, help business owners grow and run their businesses with our online scheduling software. This blog was a part of our ‘Manage your Business’ category, where we provide expert tips, and resources, or simply talk about the challenges that small and medium businesses face every day.  If you have any thoughts on this blog or would like to chat about your business struggles and achievements, let us know in the comments below.  We love a good talk!

25 comments

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The perfect salon business plan requires defining your vision, researching the market, outlining services and pricing, addressing operations and finances, and emphasizing exceptional customer service

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• February 27, 2024

How to Write a Hair Salon Business Plan

Are you thinking about opening your own hair salon? Or maybe you already have a salon and are thinking about opening another location?  

Well, when it comes to opening a new salon business, knowing how to write a hair salon business plan can make or break your success. The good news is—we’re here to help. 

In this article, we’ll go over the ins and outs of creating a hair salon business plan. This includes everything from market analysis and financial projections to your goals for the future. Having a plan will help you obtain funding and stay on track as you grow. 

Let’s get started. 

Do I Really Need to Write a Business Plan for a Hair Salon?  

You wouldn’t drive from San Francisco to Boston without either a GPS or a map, right? So, you shouldn’t run a business without a plan either. 

A hair salon business plan is a roadmap for your beauty business. Whether you have two chairs or 200, it’s essential for your ongoing success. 

In fact, opening or expanding a business has a lot more at stake than a drive across the country. You may have saved or taken out a loan to start your salon. And you likely have employees or contractors who are dependent on your business sense, too. 

A business plan gets you organized when you’re first starting out or opening a new location. Plus, it keeps you on track as you grow. You can reach or exceed your goals, but you must know what they are first. And you need to have a detailed set of strategies to use along the way. 

Let’s go back to our road trip metaphor.  

Suppose you want to get from California to Massachusetts. First, you figure out how many miles or hours the journey will take. Then, you divide that by how many miles or hours you can comfortably drive in a day. That’s how many days it will take. Finally, you plan overnight stops along the way for each of those days to make the drive doable. 

A salon business plan isn’t much different. You probably have goals for things like: 

• How much gross income you want to bring in 
• How much profit you want after overhead and labor 
• Ideal business model structure (e.g., booth rent vs. commission) 
• Services you would like to offer clients 
• Places where you’d like to open additional salons 

Without a specific business plan for how to make them happen, those are just pie-in-the-sky dreams. You need a more granular approach to turn them into a reality. 

For instance, how much money do you need to make each month to reach your desired net profits? If that’s how much you need to make each month, what do you need to make daily, assuming you’re open five days per week? How many chairs do you need to have? At what capacity do you need to operate? 

Not to mention, you’ll almost certainly need a formal business plan if you want to get financing for your salon. Salon equipment and real estate can be quite expensive. A bank may loan you money to get set up, but only if they see you have done your homework first. 

Lenders don’t want to back a business that is more likely to fail than to succeed. And new hair salons have an average success rate of 50% in the first three years of operation. 

That means half of those businesses will fail. Most fail not because of a lack of talent or ambition but because the owner doesn’t know how to properly run a business. You can be the best hairstylist in the world. But if you consider things like business accounting and marketing, you will likely lose more money than you are bringing in every month. 

Do you want to be in the 50% of new salons that thrive? Keep reading to learn the step-by-step method of developing a business plan for your salon. 

RELATED ARTICLE:  

Owning a Hair Salon: Your Launch Guide  

How to Write a Hair Salon Business Plan: Step by Step  

Below you’ll find information on each section commonly included in a business plan. But first, here’s a tip to help you make the most of these categories. 

Use the SMART method for setting goals. What are SMART goals ? They are: 

• Specific – highly detailed, not vague 
• Measurable – able to be quantified with hard numbers and actionable items mapped out to achieve the goal you’ve set 
• Achievable – doable within the framework of your business model 
• Relevant – related to your salon today, not somewhere else or too far in the future 
• Time-bound – tied to specific dates for end goals and milestones 

Any time you set a long-term or short-term goal, ask, “Is it SMART?” If not, dig deeper to get the details you need to make it work. 

Executive Summary  

Think of the executive summary as the introduction to your salon business plan. It gives brief information about: 

• The purpose of your salon and who it will serve 
• Your business objectives (offer something novel, expansion, etc.) 
• How your salon will be different from your competitors 
• Why you think the business will perform well 

For instance, you could talk about how you plan to open a salon in a busy urban area to cater to downtown employees. Your client demographic is primarily white-collar workers aged 25 to 45. 

Your unique selling proposition , or USP, is what makes the salon special. Say it’s that it will offer 20 and 50-minute appointments to fit into standard lunch breaks. Additionally, you’ll have 10-minute appointments for fast services during coffee breaks. 

Customers can get a quick trim on their fringe or ends. Beard and mustache trims are another rapid service you will offer. Everything can be booked and paid for online to streamline the process and get customers in and out in a jiffy. 

Maybe after work hours, your salon will be open for more traditional appointments. And you’ll have more quickie services available for businesspeople going out at night. They can get an updo, blowout, or style refresh before a date. On Fridays, you’ll offer manicure services too. 

In your business plan, you’d want to outline howyour USP will help your salon be successful. For our example, you might say you believe the salon will do well financially because of three factors: 

• The area is currently underserved by hair salons. 
• You are catering to the needs of businesspeople in your locale. 
• You hired an experienced stylist who’s bringing their clients with them. 

You don’t have to get into a ton of detail yet. This is a proverbial bird’s eye view of your business proposition. You could, however, outline a rough roadmap of how you envision your business will start and where you see it going in one year and five years. 

For instance, perhaps you plan to start with one location and 10 chairs. Five years from now, you want to open two additional locations. At that time, you will add new services like brow waxing and makeup consultations. 

You can mention market analysis in this section, too. Market analysis looks at competition and consumer needs in your niche. However, there will be a place later in your business plan to address this in more detail. 

Remember, your executive summary is an investor or lender’s first impression of your salon business. Therefore, you want to make it shine. 

Company Description  

This section goes into detail about the structure of your company. How long have you been in business? Who are the owners and managers? 

You’ll also want to review how many employees or contractors you plan to have. Will they be employed under W2 status, or will they contract as 1099 workers? 

Will hair stylists pay you a fee for the use of a chair? Will your salon take a cut of their fees? How will tipping be structured? 

For example: 

• Our salon is a startup organization that is not yet in business. 
• It is co-owned by two stylists who participate 50-50 in leadership. 
• There will be 10 chairs in total in the salon. 
• Eight contract stylists will be working as 1099 independent contractors. 
• Contract stylists will pay a monthly chair rental fee and a percentage of their billables to the owners. 
• All tips will go to the employed stylists, with a percentage going to a shampoo assistant. 
• Contract stylists make a commission on products sold in the salon. 
• You will also have two paid receptionists who will be W2 employees. 

You will go into more detail about financials in the Services and Pricing section. But this section should give readers an understanding of the basics of your planned salon operations. 

You can also include funding or investing requests in this section. Again, you will have further opportunity to dive into financials later. But touching on what you need to open or expand gets readers primed as they go through the next four sections. 

Market Analysis  

The market analysis section of your business plan is another area where you can wow readers and make your salon stand out. It answers the question, “Why you, and why now?” 

Remember, you don’t want to fit in with all the other salons in the area. Instead, you want yours to be unique . 

Your hair salon might be unique because of its business model, like the hypothetical one described in the executive summary. Or it could be you have a string of well-known stylists. 

Perhaps you offer extra luxury services and product lines. Maybe you offer great prices. It could be the whole vibe of your salon that’s one of a kind. Maybe it’s a retro nod to the ‘70s or a high-tech glimpse into the future. 

You don’t want to pitch your salon with a kitchen sink-style of features. After all, when you appeal to everyone, you really appeal to no one. But you can list several unique attributes that will give you a competitive market edge. 

In this section, you’ll show what the current market is like in your location. How many other salons are within a mile or two? Who do they cater to? Is there a gap you can fill to capture more market share? 

Be realistic. If everyone who comes through your door is on a tight budget, you can’t offer $300 color jobs. You need to match your services to your demographics. 

If you’ve ever sold a real estate property, you’ve done something similar to a business market analysis. You or your agent prepare “comps” or comparables. The comps show how your property is special, while reviewing what the rest of the area has to offer. 

Whether your salon is brand new or you’re opening a new location for your existing salon business, you may need to conduct market research. You can do this on your own or hire a consultant to do it for you. 

The more populated the area in which you operate, the more complicated market research is likely to be. If you’re in a suburb or rural community, there may only be a few hair salons to compete with. 

Don’t forget to include how your USP and ability to fill a need relates to industry trends. Let’s use the example above. There is a current national trend towards more online conveniences for salon customers. So, offering online payments and booking is going to help you stay at the front of the curve. 

Also, employees are feeling busier than ever these days. They struggle with work-life balance. And many are returning to the office after working remotely for several years. 

Your salon leverages this trend as well by providing stress-free quick appointments that fit into work breaks. Workers can get their hair done over their lunch hour and make better use of their personal time after work. 

If you have an existing business that you’re expanding, you can survey your clientele. Maybe you’re going to a second location because it’s underserved. Or perhaps you’re adding more services because that’s what clients want.  

It’s great to be able to give objective data that says there’s a need for your services. 

Hair Salon Industry Trends for Growing Your Salon Business  

Marketing Strategy  

How do you plan to promote your new salon or additional location? That’s the focus of this section of the plan. 

Some common salon marketing methods include: 

• SEO website 
• Social media accounts 
• Paid advertising 
• Loyalty programs 
• Cross-promotion with other businesses 
• Flyers in area office buildings 
• Bulk mailings with coupons 
• Free makeovers 
• Local news editorial coverage 
• Online review platforms 

An SEO (search engine optimized) website is a great place to start promoting your business. You can add other components later. An optimized website is set up to rank higher on search engines like Google and Bing. 

How do you improve a website’s SEO? 

• Use keywords related to your exact services that clients would search for when looking for a hair salon. 
• Be sure to mention your location multiple times on the website, including your state and local landmarks. 
• Add a blog for value-added content with links to authoritative sources. 
• Get your salon mentioned on other websites and in social media mentions. 

This section overlaps with your market analysis. You’ll be using your unique selling proposition to focus marketing campaigns. Every marketing effort is an opportunity to promote what makes your salon stand out. 

Talk about how you plan to cement the two cornerstones of a healthy salon business: 

• Repeat customers who book appointments regularly 
• New customers who keep things fresh and balance natural attrition 

How to Design and Roll Out a Beauty Salon Rewards Program  

Management and Organization  

Here’s where you can go into more detail about your salon’s company structure and staff payment plan. You can include elements like credentials here, particularly if you or a manager have a business background or education. 

Don’t simply list how you plan to pay workers. Explain why this is best for your salon business’s long-term financial health. 

Are you and any other owners taking a salary? What corporate structure are you using (LLC, S corp, etc.)? Your state may determine how you want to set this up.  

Speaking with an accountant can clarify questions for you, especially about taxes. 

Services and Pricing  

This section of your hair salon business plan outlines the meat and potatoes of what your salon will offer. It is essentially a menu of all the services and treatments you provide. It also includes prices for each. 

You can mention why you chose the pricing model you did. For example, if you’re serving affluent clients in a resort area, you can justify charging a little more. Or you might do group pricing because you serve a lot of bridal parties. 

Don’t forget to add any products you plan to sell. Why is carrying these items beneficial to your business? 

Financial Projections  

Financial projections are the nuts and bolts that lenders want to see. They’ll also keep you on the right path as you grow your salon. 

You’ve already outlined your services and pricing. Now, it’s time to do the math and calculate what that means in terms of income. 

Answer these questions first: 

• What do you expect your salon to gross (total income) in a year? 
• What are your overhead expenses (rent/mortgage, staff, utilities, wholesale supplies, etc.)? 
• What portion of your expenses are due to payroll? 
• Do you have to make capital purchases for equipment? Will these be paid with a lump sum, financing, or rental payments? 
• What is the net profit you expect (gross income minus overhead and expenses)? 
• Where do you predict expenses or income will change over the next few years? 

You want to make your business plan financial projections look truly professional. So, break them down into these categories: 

• Sales forecast – total sales expected over the next several years 
• Expenses budget – all the costs you need to operate 
• Profit and loss (P&L) statement – a 12-month summary of revenue versus expenses 
• Cash flow statement – how cash moves in and out of your business, including monthly payments 
• Projected balance sheet – items that aren’t in your P&L, like interest debt, equity, and other factors that affect the net worth of your business 
• Break-even analysis – what you need to earn (at least) to make your expenses and start turning a profit 

A certified public accountant (CPA) can help you put together this part of your business plan for a reasonable fee. It’s well worth it if it helps you obtain investors or bank funding. 

How You Can Start Writing a Hair Salon Business Plan Right Now  

Ready to get started on your hair salon business plan today? Use these tips right away to make it both convincing to lenders and helpful as an internal roadmap: 

• Write a mission statement. To write a solid executive summary, it’s helpful to first compose a mission statement. This delves into why you want to open your business in the first place. Some people include this in their executive summary. Others keep it private and use it as an inspirational jumping-off point. 
• Include milestones in your financial projections. These are points where you will examine progress and see if you’re on target. Be ready to course correct if you’re not hitting your goals. 
• Compile an appendix. It’s a good idea to include an appendix in your business plan with copies of extra materials. This is an ideal place to include photos of your salon, certifications, licenses, and financial documents. It will keep everything organized for you and make you look more professional to lenders. 
• Enlist help. If you have questions about certain sections of your salon business plan, consider consulting with the appropriate professionals. Paying a one-time fee to an attorney or CPA can save you money and headaches down the line. You could even consider hiring a business manager to deal with office and financial issues. 
• Research your competition. If you’re not sure what services to offer or how you stand out, do some in-person recon. Visit competitor salons and check out influencers on social media. How can you align with service gaps and trends to make the most of your business? 
• Explore salon management software. Salon management software can save you a lot of time and make your job a lot easier. For instance, you can use it to quickly and easily generate reports to keep a pulse on your performance. It’ll also help you with other tasks related to your financial success. The best salon management software can automate appointments, keep track of inventory, and assist with marketing. 

Learn How to Manage a Hair Salon Business with SalonBiz  

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How to write a business plan for your hair salon.

Starting a hair salon is a great way to be your own boss and make a living doing something you love.

It also offers potential for growth and diversification, allowing you to add additional services or products to your business.

But, before launching anything, make sure you have a business plan in place.

A business plan is an essential tool for any new project, and a hair salon is no exception. Writing a business plan will help to ensure that the project is well-thought-out and has a clear roadmap for success.

In short, a thorough business plan will help make sure your hair salon is profitable .

What should you consider when writing a business plan for a hair salon? What should be the main focus areas? What are the important financial ratios to consider? How can I speed up the process of developing an efficient business plan?

Please, find comprehensive answers to all these questions below.

Additionally, it's worth noting that you have the option to avoid starting your business plan from scratch.

Instead, you can download our business plan for a hair salon and adapt it to your project.

Creating a business plan for a hair salon

Will a business plan be beneficial for your hair salon.

Yes, you should create a business plan to ensure the success of your hair salon.

Developing a robust business plan will enable you to:

• learn about the hair salon market
• be aware of new consumertrends and apply them to your project
• identify factors for viability in a hair salon
• understand the latest hair trends, styling preferences, and customer expectations in salon services
• find a great unique value proposition for your hairstyling salon
• investigate competitor customer retention strategies
• find competitive advantages for your hair salon
• find a business model that delivers consistent positive financial outcomes
• establish and execute a solid and strategic action plan for long-term success
• evaluate potential risks specific to a hair salon, including customer satisfaction, employee training, and product safety

Our team has drafted a business plan for a hair salon that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to outline a business plan for a hair salon?

Your business plan will include a wide range of numbers and valuable information. It must be presented in a structured format, to make easy to read and digest.

When we built our business plan for a hair salon , we took care to arrange it appropriately.

There are 5 parts within the business plan.

1. Market Opportunity

The introductory section has been named "Market Opportunity".

Our team has gathered essential information and metrics about the hair salon, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs in this industry.

The data here is always kept current; we update it biannually.

2. Project Presentation

The "Project" section provides an opportunity to describe your hair salon, specifying the range of hair services you offer (cut, color, styling), specialized treatments, talented stylists, haircare products, salon ambiance, and the unique value proposition that guarantees exceptional hairstyling and customer satisfaction.

Remember to introduce yourself at the end of this section.

Discuss your passion for hairstyling, your expertise in hair trends and techniques, and how you plan to create a personalized and transformative hair salon experience for clients. Highlight your range of services, your skilled stylists, and your dedication to providing individualized consultations and exceptional customer service that leaves clients feeling confident, stylish, and satisfied at your hair salon.

We prepared text in our business plan. Customize it to suit your idea.

3. Market Research

Moving on, there's the "Market Research" section.

In this section, you will find a market segmentation analysis for your hair salon.

It includes a study of other hair salons in the area that will be competing with you. Your salon's unique hair services and competitive advantages are also highlighted. A customized SWOT analysis is included.

4. Strategy

The "Strategy" section outlines a comprehensive 3-year action plan, detailing the initiatives and steps needed to transform your hair salon into a highly profitable endeavor.

Furthermore, this section encompasses a comprehensive marketing plan, a strategy to mitigate risks, and a completed Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

In the end, the section titled "Finances" is where you can present the financial plan and breakdown for your project.

How to write the Executive Summary for a hair salon?

The Executive Summary gives a summarized glimpse into the business plan of your hair salon.

Keep it brief, not going over 2 pages. Highlight the essential points.

When you share your business plan with an investor, this is the part they will read at the beginning. It should grab their interest and make them want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your hair salon, address the following queries: what services does your hair salon offer? who is your target audience? are there other hair salons in the area? what makes your salon unique? what funding do you need?

How to do the market analysis for a hair salon?

Analyzing the market for your hair salon allows you to gain insights into factors such as customer preferences for hairstyling and haircare services, competition from other salons, and emerging trends in hair fashion.

By conducting a comprehensive market study, a hair salon can identify customer preferences, offer a range of hair services, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal customer base, increased appointments, and a prominent position in the local hair care industry.

Here's what we've incorporated into the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a hair salon :

• fresh and updated data and statistics about the hair salon industry, including popular hairstyles, hair care trends, and customer preferences
• a list of potential market segments for a hair salon
• the competitor analysis
• the competitive advantages to target for a hair salon

The key points of the business plan for a hair salon

What's the business model of a hair salon, business model of a hair salon.

A hair salon's model revolves around providing various hair care services, including haircuts, styling, coloring, or treatments. Revenue is generated through service fees, potentially offering retail hair products or additional beauty services.

The business model focuses on employing skilled hair stylists, providing personalized consultations, using quality hair products, creating a welcoming and trendy salon environment, and building strong client relationships through exceptional service and hairstyling expertise.

Success depends on stylists' talent and creativity, effective marketing to target individuals seeking hair services, maintaining industry trends and techniques, fostering positive client reviews and referrals, and providing a satisfying and rejuvenating salon experience.

Business model ≠ Business plan

Be clear on the distinction between "business plan" and "business model."

A business model is a blueprint for how a company operates and makes money.

In a business plan, you use the Business Model Canvas as a visual aid to explain the inner workings of your business.

Rest assured, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a hair salon .

How do you identify the market segments of a hair salon?

Market segmentation for your hair salon involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their haircare needs, preferences, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as haircuts and styling, coloring and highlights, extensions, or customers seeking specific hair treatments (e.g., keratin treatments, scalp treatments).

By segmenting your market, you can offer a range of hair services and solutions that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide a variety of haircut and styling options for customers seeking trendy or classic looks, offer professional hair coloring and highlighting services for customers looking to enhance their hair color, specialize in hair extensions and volumizing treatments, or provide specialized treatments for customers with specific hair concerns such as damaged hair, dry scalp, or frizz control.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, showcase your hairstyling expertise, and deliver personalized and satisfying hair services that meet the unique needs and preferences of each customer segment.

In the business plan for a hair salon , you will get a detailed market segmentation, helping you understand your target audiences and their needs.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a hair salon?

Without surprise, you won't be the only hair salon in your city. There will be other establishments offering hair styling, cutting, and coloring services to customers.

Your business plan must incorporate a thorough examination of your competitors, including their characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

Pay attention to their weaknesses (such as inexperienced stylists, lack of trending hairstyles, or poor customer satisfaction).

Why is it crucial to notice these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact the client experience at hair salons. By addressing these elements, you can provide a wide range of hair services and treatments, offer skilled and creative stylists, and create a welcoming and stylish salon environment, establishing your hair salon as a preferred choice for hair care and styling needs.

It's what we call competitive advantages—work on developing them for a distinct business identity.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a beauty salon: skilled and experienced stylists, wide range of beauty services, relaxing and luxurious ambiance.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a beauty salon?

A SWOT analysis can help identify potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that may affect the success of a hair salon.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a hair salon

The strengths for a hair salon

The letter "S" in SWOT signifies Strengths, highlighting the project's internal advantages or positive features.

For a hair salon, potential strengths include excellent customer service, a wide range of services, experienced staff, and attractive pricing.

The weaknesses for a hair salon

The "W" stands for Weaknesses, referring to the areas or aspects of the project that need to be addressed.

For a hair salon, potential weaknesses could include lack of repeat customers, limited marketing budget, lack of online presence, and lack of staff training.

The opportunities for a hair salon

O represents Opportunities in SWOT, referring to the external factors or conditions that can create opportunities for the project's advancement.

In the case of a hair salon, potential opportunities may include offering online booking services, expanding into new markets, providing additional services such as cosmetics and nail care, and advertising on social media.

The threats for a hair salon

The "T" in SWOT stands for Threats, which are external factors that may pose risks or challenges to the project's success.

How to outline a marketing strategy for a beauty salon?

A marketing strategy is a vital element of a business plan as it details how a business will attract customers and generate business.

A hair salon can attract clients in need of professional and trendy hairstyling services by implementing a targeted marketing plan that highlights the salon's skilled stylists and personalized approach.

Clients won't choose your beauty salon without effective marketing; showcasing your range of services, talented stylists, and relaxing atmosphere is crucial.

Are you implementing effective marketing strategies for your hair salon? Consider offering first-time client discounts or referral programs, showcasing trendy hairstyles or transformations on social media, and partnering with local fashion influencers for endorsements.

Don't fret if you lack ideas for your project's marketing strategy.

How to build a solid financial plan for a beauty salon?

A successful business plan must include detailed financial information, such as income and expense projections, cash flow statements, and a break-even analysis.

As you outline your business plan, you should include revenue projections for your hair salon.

The inclusion of a relevant and credible revenue forecast in your business plan adds credibility and enhances appeal to banks or investors.

Our financial plan for a hair salon is straightforward and equipped with automated checks, enabling you to validate and adjust your assumptions easily. This way, we make sure you're building solid financial projections.

Without a doubt, you'll need to come up with a basic budget for starting your hair salon. Make certain to include all expenses without exception - you can find them all listed in our financial plan!

The break-even analysis is a crucial tool in your financial plan, providing insight into whether your hair salon will become a profitable company or not.

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Hair Salon Business Plan

Things to Consider Before Writing a Hair Salon Business Plan

Find your usp.

A hair salon gives several services including cutting, coloring, styling, and hair care. Apart from that, your customer service, prices, and a lot of other things make your services a package deal for your customers.

But out of everything that makes up your business, you have to do something that you do differently or better than your competitors. This would help you stand out and become memorable to your customers.

Build your client base

Although this is an ongoing process, getting a head start with building your client base is essential. Know what sources you can use to reach out to your clients, what makes them pick a hair salon service, what makes them come back, and so on.

Knowing these things gives you an edge over businesses that dive right in without an action plan.

Find the ideal location

The ideal business location will be both accessible and functional. A good location for a hair salon would be either located in a busy neighborhood or a place that people frequent between home and work.

A good location makes accessing your services more convenient and hence more in demand.

Design your salon for both form and function

Although, it is advisable to hire a designer to design your salon in a way that is functional and also looks appealing. But cash crunches, startup costs, and whatnot might leave lesser scope for a designer in your budget.

In such a case, you can design your salon with the help of catalogs, outside inspiration, and your creativity to make it as functional as possible and build upon and redesign it as your business grows.

Writing Your Business Plan

If you are planning to start a new hair salon business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample hair salon business plan created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing a business plan for your new hair salon business, spend as much time as you can reading through some samples of hair and beauty salon business plans .

Reading some sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample hair salon business plan for you to get a good idea about how perfect a hair salon business plan should look and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Hair Salon Business Plan Outline

This is the standard hair salon business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Business Overview
• Our Services
• Goals and Objectives
• Keys to Success
• Katarzyna Doe
• Legal Business Description
• Hiring Plan
• Products & Services
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Market Analysis
• Customer Profile
• Competitive Summary
• Competitive Advantage
• Sales & Marketing Strategy
• Sources of Income
• Sales Forecast
• Pricing Strategy
• Publicity and Advertising Strategy
• Personnel Plan
• Startup Costs
• Important Assumptions
• Profit & Loss Projections
• Balance Sheet Projections
• Cashflow Statement
• Business Ratios

After  getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this hair salon business plan example into your business plan and modify the required information and download your hair salon business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Download a sample hair salon business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free hair salon business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your hair salon business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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As a salon owner, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential to the success of your business. A salon business plan outlines your business goals, market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and other key details, serving as a roadmap that guides you through the process of starting, running, and growing your salon. In this article, we’ll go over the key elements of a salon business plan and provide tips on how to write the best business plan for salons in 2023.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Salon? 

Before you start writing a salon business plan, it’s important to get an idea of the startup and ongoing costs. As we discuss in this article , the costs of starting a salon range from $62,000 for an existing salon to $90,000 for a new operation. With some of the expenses, you’ll incur one-time costs – other expenses will be ongoing such as supplies and inventory. Here are some of the typical costs associated with starting a salon: 

Existing Salon 

When you buy an existing salon, be it a hair salon or nail salon, you save on the costs of buildout, salon equipment , and salon marketing, assuming the salon already has some of these elements in place. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the following:

• Rent deposit: $4,500
• Buyout of current salon: $10,500
• Leasehold improvements: $15,000
• Equipment: $10,000
• Initial supplies: $8,000
• Initial inventory: $4,000
• Certifications and licenses: $4,000
• Marketing: $5,000
• Legal or consulting fees: $1,000

Grand total: $62,000

The upfront costs of building out a brand-new salon, marketing it to local clients, and getting the business up and running will likely exceed those of buying an existing salon. Here are the typical expenses you can expect to incur for a new salon:

• Buyout of current salon: $0
• Leasehold improvements: $35,000
• Equipment: $25,000
• Marketing: $8,000

Grand total: $89,500

You may also want to budget for the following:

• If you need a loan or financing to cover startup costs, expect to pay interest rates of 1.25% to 10%.
• Salon insurance ranges from $50 to $1,000 per month.
• Salon booking software and a point of sale (POS) system range from free to $500 per month. GlossGenius starts at an industry-low $24 per month with low payment processing fees and includes a website, a branded card reader, and other extras.
• A salon website can cost you thousands, but with GlossGenius, it’s included free! Beautiful and customizable, your website is packed with scheduling features and is easy to navigate, helping to increase bookings and future appointments.

How Profitable Is Owning a Salon?

If you owned a salon during the pandemic, no doubt you experienced your fair share of struggles between lockdowns, closures, and reduced business hours. According to Statista , the U.S. market size of beauty salons dropped from $69 billion in 2019 to $42.3 billion in 2020. Fortunately, things are beginning to look up for hair, skin, nail, and other types of salons, with the market valued at $53.6 billion as of 2022.

You can take advantage of the comeback by approaching your salon startup with a solid plan in place, a realistic budget, and a marketing strategy. A beauty salon business plan can help you identify any questions , opportunities, and potential roadblocks so you can have the best chances of getting funding, earning a return on your investment and achieving profitability. The more you control your expenses and market your business successfully, the more profitable you will be – so be sure to take your time creating a salon business plan for your needs.

6 Steps to Writing a Hair Salon Business Plan

The business plan is the most important document for any salon owner. It’s a formal, written plan that describes the future of your business and how you intend to achieve it. A good business plan will help you stay on track, get funding if you need it, and avoid costly mistakes as you navigate through choppy waters in this industry. 

We know what you’re thinking – that a business plan is a monster of a document that will take a ton of time to create. But, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you can pare it down to one page and still have an effective, clear document that outlines everything you (and any other interested parties) need to know about your new salon. Below are six steps to writing a salon business plan that will ensure your success.

Here are six steps to creating your salon business plan:

• Create an Executive Summary
• Map Out Your Branding Vision
• Research Your Industry
• Create a Client Acquisition Strategy
• Management and Operations
• Financial Planning

Let's dive deeper into each one.

1. Create an Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first section of your business and management plan and provides a brief overview of your salon business. This section should include your mission statement , business objectives, target market, products and beauty services, and financial projections. It should be concise, engaging, and compelling to grab the attention of potential investors, lenders, or partners. It also serves to clarify your goals so you can come back to them anytime you need a refresher or wish to update this information.

Your executive summary is just that: a summary. This means you do not have to get into every detail in this section; you’ll provide a more complete analysis in the individual sections of your business plan. Here are some key elements to include in the executive summary:

• An opening “hook.” The first sentence or two of your executive summary needs to draw in the reader; otherwise, your business plan might not get the attention it deserves. Grab your audience’s attention by sharing a compelling fact about your company, a memorable story related to your industry, or some other well-crafted description of your business that will make your business plan stand out.
• Summary of your business. Describe what your company does, what services and products you will offer, who will run the company, and other high-level details.
• Market analysis. Briefly describe the market landscape for your own salon to show there is a proven need for your services. Be sure to address who your competitors are, any advantages you have compared with others, and any research you’ve conducted to demonstrate there is a demand for your services in the area. 
• Products and services. Highlight the specific services your salon will offer, any products you will sell, and any other information showing that your salon will fill the need you’ve described in your market analysis summary – and how you’ll do it better than the competition.
• Financial information and projections. Give your reader an overview of your business financials, including any current sales and profits, the funding amount you’re looking to acquire or any funding you already have, and your projections for growth.
• Future plans. Tell your reader exactly how you plan to use any funds you acquire and how their investment could pay off. Imagine where you want your business to be in a year, five years, and so on. Make it clear how funding will help you get there.

2. Map Out Your Branding Vision

Branding isn’t just about creating a unique identity for your business; it’s also about helping people connect with that identity and remember your name anytime they need your services. Branding helps both current clients and new customers recognize who you are and why they would want to seek out your salon. In your business plan, be sure to map out your branding vision by including:

• A description of your salon business. Describe who you are and what you do.
• Your mission and vision statement. Briefly summarize why your salon should exist, its primary objective, and how you plan to achieve your goals.
• An overview of your products and services, your pricing strategy, and any unique features or benefits that differentiate your salon from others in the market. Discuss the specific services you will offer and their price points, plus any product lines you will carry, such as hair care products, makeup, or skincare.
• A description of the target audience and customer demographics. Include relevant research on your market and the people who will buy what you’re offering.

3. Research Your Industry

This section should include a market analysis that provides an in-depth look at the salon industry, including trends, customer demographics, competition, and opportunities. It should also identify your target market and describe how you plan to reach them. This section should demonstrate your knowledge of the market and your ability to capitalize on it, with details on:

• The industry and trends. Provide an overview of the salon industry with relevant statistics, especially those that pertain to your area of expertise and geographic location.
• Your competition. Conduct a competitive analysis to gain insights into your competition, their marketing strategies, and the services and products they offer. The goal is to show how you will capture market share using stronger business strategies that set you apart from your competitors.
• Market segmentation. With market segmentation , you break down a larger target market into a smaller group of customers you plan to serve. Demographics such as age and income, geographic location, lifestyles or psychographics, and behavioral factors like price sensitivity or product loyalty are just a few approaches to market segmentation that you can consider for your business plan.
• SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis is a way to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It's an effective method for identifying your business strengths and weaknesses as well as external factors that may affect the success of your salon business.

4. Create a Client Acquisition Strategy

The client acquisition section of your salon business plan should describe how you plan to attract and retain customers as a hairstylist . It should outline your advertising and promotional strategies, such as social media marketing , SMS marketing , email marketing, and referral programs. This section should also discuss your sales strategy, including how you plan to increase sales and generate revenue.

• Description of marketing channels and tactics . Outline the different channels you will use to generate leads, such as social media, blog articles, emails, and text messages. 
• Sales forecasting and projections. Discuss how you will convert leads into clients, nurture them through the pipeline, and retain a loyal clientele. Include a realistic estimate of the quantity of goods and services you can sell within the forecast period (for example, monthly, quarterly, and annually). For a salon business, it’s helpful to determine the customer lifetime value of your typical client as well as the customer acquisition cost. You can then break down this number for the forecast period to determine the costs and sales projections.
• Customer acquisition and retention strategies. Include which strategies you will use and the associated costs, such as pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), and paid ads on social media. Describe how you will retain customers – for example, through loyalty programs and responses to feedback and reviews on social media and Google. ‍
• Pricing strategy. It’s critical that you price your services and products competitively to drive revenue and profits. Detail the pricing strategy you plan to implement based on your buyer persona and competitive analysis. The strategy could be based on a variety of factors, but geographic location and local competition will likely be the biggest factors dictating your salon pricing strategy.

5. Management and Operations

The management and staffing section of your salon business plan should describe the organizational structure of your salon, including the roles and responsibilities of each staff member. It should also discuss your hiring and training practices, employee benefits , and compensation plans. This section should demonstrate your ability to attract and retain a skilled and motivated team, with information on your:

• Organizational structure. Spell out who runs the show and who reports to whom.
• Management team and staff. If you plan to hire a manager , look for someone who has experience in the industry and understands what it takes to run a salon. This person should also have good people skills and be able to work well with others.
• Business operations and processes. Consider which other support personnel you will need, such as an accountant and a dedicated marketing specialist. Don’t be a hero; you can’t do it all alone. ‍
• Legal and regulatory requirements. Include information on any legal advice you will employ to stay compliant with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Note that with GlossGenius, you can manage your team and collaborate with them to make your operations run more smoothly. Our software helps you delegate, mentor, and partner with others based on customizable permissions that let you grant as much or as little access as you wish. Easily manage your scheduling, booking, commissions, and reporting from one intuitive dashboard.

6. Financial Planning

Financial planning is a crucial section to include in any salon business plan. A cash flow forecast shows the anticipated amount of money coming into the business, as well as what you will spend on expenses. It also projects growth over time, which allows you to make predictions about future revenue and expenses so that you can better plan for them in advance.

The best way to get started with your financial projections is by creating an income statement (also called a profit and loss statement), which breaks down all income sources by category (e.g., retail sales and commissions), along with their associated costs (e.g., salaries). This will help provide insight into where your profits are coming from as well as areas where they could improve. Here are some key areas to cover in your salon business and marketing plan:

• Revenue and expense projections. Your revenue projections should consider the number of clients you expect to serve, as well as the average price per service. Your expense projections should reflect all costs associated with running your salon, such as utilities, rent, and supplies.
• Capital requirements and funding sources. Detail how much money you need to start and run your small business, including all costs associated with opening the salon. Describe the funding sources that you intend to use for starting your salon business, whether from personal funds, salon loans , or investors.
• Break-even analysis and profitability projections. A break-even analysis is a financial tool that shows how much revenue you need in order to cover your fixed costs (rent, utilities, etc.) and variable costs (such as salons supplies and staff wages). Profitability projections show how much profit you expect from your salon business for each year of operation. This is based on your estimates of revenue and expenses. You can use this information when seeking funding from investors or lenders.
• Financial ratios and metrics. A financial ratio is a measurement of the relationship between two numbers, usually expressed as a percentage or a fraction. For example, the working capital ratio compares your current assets to liabilities; this metric allows you to measure liquidity. Include the appropriate ratios and metrics in your business to demonstrate your company’s financial health.

A well-written salon business plan is essential for the success of your business. It provides a roadmap for achieving your business goals, attracting investors, and securing funding. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write the best business plan for your salon and ensure your salon’s success!

As you’re creating your salon business plan, remember to start your free trial with GlossGenius and give yourself the best chances for success. From salon management to payment processing, we’ve got your new salon covered – making it easier to get up and running sooner rather than later.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a hair salon business plan

• Nirit Braun
• Sep 12, 2023

When setting up your own hair salon, one of the most important initial steps is crafting a well-thought-out and detailed business plan. Consider it your styling guide for success in the hair and beauty industry. This document isn't just about the right cut and color it's your roadmap to achieving your salon's objectives, whether you specialize in trendy haircuts, stunning makeovers or relaxing spa treatments.

Your hair salon business plan will help you navigate the ever-evolving world of starting a beauty business , helping you start a business with confidence.

Ready to kick things off? Begin making a website with Wix .

Benefits of a hair salon business plan

A well-structured business plan is vital for a number of reasons. Below is a breakdown of the top benefits for you to bear in mind.

Getting investors interested: Your well-thought-out business plan isn't just for show; it's what can help you woo investors and raise money for your business . It shows them you've got a plan, clear goals and a vision for profitability. In other words, it makes them more likely to open their wallets and invest in your salon dream.

Figuring out what you need: Writing a business plan forces you to think about everything you'll need to run your salon smoothly—from supplies and equipment to staff. By the end, you'll have a good handle on your startup and operating costs. Don't forget to factor into this the cost of opening a business, starting an LLC for example.

Drawing up your game plan : Think of your business plan as your playbook for success. It lays out the steps to make your salon thrive, helps you set achievable goals and gives you a roadmap for reaching them. Plus, it's got your back when it comes to handling challenges, with strategies to tackle whatever comes your way.

Outshining the competition : While creating your plan, you'll dive deep into your salon's market and competitors. That research helps you understand your customers, spot industry trends and figure out how to stand out from the competition.

Running a smooth ship : Your business plan isn't just about the big picture—it's also about the nitty-gritty details. It helps you plan things like where your salon should be located, how it should look, what equipment to get and how to manage your staff effectively.

Playing it safe: In the financial part of your plan, you'll lay out your salon's expected income, expenses, and profits. This not only helps you see if your business will make money but also prepares you to make smart financial decisions. Plus, it's your insurance against unexpected bumps in the road.

Read more about how to start a service business .

6 steps to creating a hair salon business plan

Let's dissect the key components of a hair salon business plan:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire hair salon business plan. It provides a snapshot of your business concept, strategies, financial projections and objectives. While it appears at the beginning of the plan, it's often written after the rest of the plan is complete to ensure all crucial details are included.

To write a clear executive summary for a hair salon business be sure to introduce your hair salon, detailing the services you offer and the unique value proposition that sets you apart in the industry. Then clearly state your short-term and long-term business goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).

Remember to highlight what differentiates your hair salon from competitors, whether it's your exceptional stylists, innovative services or a specific niche you cater to. Als, provide a brief overview of the target market you're aiming to serve and the market demand for your services.

Offer a glimpse of your projected financials, including expected revenue, expenses and profitability within a specified timeframe. Additionally, include how much investment you're seeking or have secured to launch and grow your hair salon business.

Example of an executive summary for a hair salon business

"EleganceTresses Salon is poised to transform the hair care experience in the city. With a mission to blend style and artistry, we offer a range of premium hairstyling and beauty services that cater to a diverse clientele. Our SMART objectives include becoming the go-to destination for modern hair transformations, increasing customer retention by 20% in the first year and expanding our salon footprint to two additional locations within three years. What sets us apart is our team of master stylists, led by industry veterans with over 15 years of combined experience. We're seeking an initial investment of $250,000 to support salon setup, staff training and salon marketing initiatives . Our projected revenue of $500,000 in the first year, coupled with strategic partnerships, positions EleganceTresses Salon for rapid growth and profitability."

02. Business and domain names

Naming your business is crucial, as it will become an integral part of your brand identity. A memorable and relevant name enhances brand recognition and establishes trust with your customers. A business name generator can provide inspiration for a beauty business name that resonates with your salon's concept and values.

For more inspiration:

Nail business names

Beauty business name ideas

Selecting and registering a suitable domain name is equally important. Ensure your domain name aligns with your salon's name or services as this consistency makes it easier for customers to find you online.

Opt for a domain name that is simple to spell and remember and avoid using complex words or excessive characters. As part of this, if feasible, incorporate relevant keywords in your domain name to improve search engine visibility. Finally, check domain registration platforms to confirm your chosen domain name's availability.

Learn more about registering your business , which you’ll want to do once you’ve landed on a business name and a legal structure.

03. Market analysis and research

The market analysis and research section of a business plan is essential for understanding the competitive landscape and consumer preferences in the hair salon industry. This information forms the foundation of your business strategy.

Define your target audience based on demographics, lifestyles and hair care preferences.

Evaluate competing salons' offerings, pricing, location and customer reviews to identify gaps and opportunities.

Research industry trends, emerging styles and customer demands to align your beauty business ideas and services with current market expectations.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan details the practical aspects of running your hair salon. It covers location selection, salon design, equipment procurement and staffing.

Location: Describe how you'll choose a high-traffic, accessible location that caters to your target audience.

Interior design: Highlight your salon's ambiance, decor and layout to create a welcoming and appealing environment.

Equipment: Specify the types of equipment and products you'll use to provide top-notch services.

Staffing: Detail your staffing needs, including hairstylists, receptionists and other support roles and outline their qualifications.

Operation plans example:

"Our salon will be strategically situated in a bustling shopping district, attracting both locals and tourists. The interior design will exude contemporary elegance, featuring comfortable seating, modern decor and ample natural light. We'll invest in premium hairstyling equipment and a range of high-quality products to ensure exceptional services. Our staff will consist of experienced stylists specializing in diverse hair types and styles."

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan outlines how you'll promote your hair salon, attract customers and build brand recognition. This can include marketing campaigns tailored to different customer segments, such as bridal packages, seasonal promotions or loyalty programs. Be sure to highlight how you'll utilize social media, a business website and online advertising to engage with customers and showcase your services.

Example of a marketing plan

"Our marketing strategy entails a mix of social media engagement and influencer partnerships. We'll leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase before-and-after transformations, share hairstyling tips and engage with our audience. Collaborating with local boutiques for joint promotions will enhance our visibility while offering special packages for bridal parties will establish us as a bridal hair expert."

Need some help building up your brand? Get inspiration from these beauty logo ideas and use Wix’s free logo maker to create your own, plus check out this guide on how to make a barber logo .

06. Financial plan

The financial plan section of your business plan provides insights into the financial aspects of your hair salon business. It will need to include a rundown of your initial expenses such as salon setup, equipment purchase, interior decor and initial marketing efforts.

After this, you'll need to estimate projected revenue based on services offered, pricing and anticipated customer volume. At the same time, document ongoing costs, including rent, utilities, staffing salaries, product replenishment and marketing expenditures.

Then lay out the initial investment you'll need and potential sources of funding, such as personal savings, loans or investors.

It’s also important to project when your hair salon is expected to become profitable based on revenue growth and expense management.

Example of a financial plan

"Startup costs are estimated at $120,000, covering salon setup, equipment and marketing campaigns. We project an annual revenue of $300,000 within the first year, with a steady increase of 15% in subsequent years. Operating expenses, including rent, staff salaries and product inventory, are projected at $180,000 annually. We anticipate becoming profitable by the end of Year 2."

Got another business idea in mind?

Still trying to decide on the best type of business to pursue? Check out the guides below and read about more service business ideas .

How to start a nail business

How to start an online business

How to start a consulting business

How to start a fitness business

How to start a fitness clothing line

How to start a makeup line

How to start a candle business

How to start a clothing business

How to start an online boutique

How to start a T-shirt business

How to start a jewelry business

How to start a subscription box business

How to start a beauty business

How to start a trucking business

How to start a construction business

How to start a landscaping business

How to start a food business

How to start a food prep business

How to start a vending machine business

How to start a contractor business

How to start a virtual assistant business

How to start a homecare business

How to start a coaching business

How to start a handyman business

Check out more service business examples

Want to create another type of business plan?

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A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Hair Salon Business Plan

• July 31, 2023
• For Salon Owners

If you’re thinking about starting a hair salon, it’s crucial to have a solid business plan in place. A hair salon business plan will help you make informed decisions and give you a clear roadmap to success. Plus, having a well-researched and detailed plan can help you secure funding from investors and grants.

In this guide, we’ll go over why having a hair salon business plan is so important and give you some tips for creating one that covers all the bases.

What to Keep in Mind Before Writing a Hair Salon Business Plan

When you’re planning to open your hair salon , there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly. To ensure nothing gets forgotten or left out, download our step-by-step guide to opening a salon – you’ll have all the information you need in one place.

The Ultimate Checklist You Need to Open Your Salon

Get Trafft’s FREE & PRINTABLE step-by-step opening a beauty salon checklist every salon owner needs.

Bonus: Discover 5 essential steps to building a successful beauty salon

Now, let’s take a closer look at one of the most important factors to think about when writing your hair salon business plan:

Unlocking success: Uncovering your salon’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your salon’s unique selling proposition (USP) sets it apart and gives it a competitive edge. It’s the unique element that makes customers choose your salon over others. To identify your USP, ask yourself:

• What unique services or treatments do your salon offer?
• Do you specialize in a specific niche or cater to a particular target market?
• How do you provide an exceptional customer experience?

Boldly highlighting your USP in your hair salon business plan will attract attention and demonstrate your salon’s unique value proposition.

Investing wisely: Researching and budgeting for essential hair salon tools and equipment

Having the right tools and equipment to run a successful hair salon would be the most important. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering quality services.

Furniture: What theme will you have, and what setup do you need to get your salon started?

Business space: Renting vs. buying?

Staff: How many hairdressers do you need, and how much will their salary be?

Booking software: What booking software will you use to help automate the booking process?

Research the market, compare prices, and create a budget for acquiring your tools and equipment. Outlining your hair salon business plan’s estimated costs and specific equipment will showcase your preparedness and financial planning.

The client connection: Building and nurturing a loyal customer base

Keeping your customers happy is key to running a successful hair salon business . You can do this by offering personalized services, loyalty programs, and referral incentives. It’s also important to show your appreciation by giving special discounts and really listening to their needs.

Building trust with your customers is key to keeping them coming back. If you focus on providing exceptional service, you’ll have a loyal customer base in no time!

Beyond aesthetics: Designing a hair salon that blends style and function

When you’re putting together a business plan for your hair salon, remember to include a section about creating a cool and functional space.

The design and layout of your hair salon play a vital role in creating a welcoming and functional space. Consider the salon’s ambiance , layout efficiency , and comfort for clients and staff. You want it to look great, but also be practical for your team to work in and for clients to move around comfortably.

Make sure to cover all the important details and show that you’re prepared and strategic in your planning. And don’t forget to include an executive summary – this part is key for investors and lenders to get a quick overview of your hair salon business.

How to Write a Hair Salon Business Plan?

Every hair salon business plan should always include:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Competitor analysis

Operation strategy

• Marketing plan

Staffing and management structure

Financial projections and budgeting, risk analysis and mitigation plan, executive summary of the hair salon business plan.

When you’re putting together a hair salon business plan, it’s a good idea to save your executive summary for the end . That way, you can include all the important details about your business. The executive summary is basically a big-picture overview that you’ll share with potential investors and lenders. You’ll want to include stuff like your goals, strategies for success and growth, financial projections, and an analysis of your competitive advantage. Anything that might catch the eye of a potential funding source should be in there.

For example, did you know that the global beauty market is worth a whopping $511 billion ? And just last year, the Beauty and Personal Care industry brought in $564.40 billion in revenue. Experts think that the industry will keep growing at a rate of 4.76% per year from 2022 to 2026.

When you write your executive summary, it’s really important to show that your ideas are feasible and effective . A well-crafted summary can grab an investor’s attention by showing that you’ve done your homework and that your hair salon has real potential.

It’s also super important to write a great hair salon description. That’s your chance to make a great first impression and really show off what makes your hair salon special. Try to capture the essence of your hair salon in a way that really grabs people’s attention.

Painting a compelling hair salon description

When you’re describing your hair salon, start by giving the reader a feel for the place. Is it cozy and intimate or modern and trendy? Make sure to let them know about all the hair and beauty services you offer, especially any unique treatments or techniques you specialize in.

What makes your hair salon stand out? Maybe you have an amazing team of hair stylists who are passionate about what they do. Or maybe you use eco-friendly products that your clients love. Whatever it is, make sure to highlight those special qualities that make your hair salon one-of-a-kind.

Keep your description short and sweet, but make sure to get your message across . Let your excitement for your salon shine through in every word you write.

Market analysis, target market, and industry trends

Before opening your hair salon, it’s a good idea to figure out what your potential clients are looking for. Take a look at your competition and see what they’re offering – that way, you can find a way to stand out in the local market.

Don’t just think about age and gender when it comes to your target customers; you should also consider their interests and what motivates them . Knowing what makes them tick can help you create marketing messages that really speak to them.

If you’re not sure where to start with market analysis, Coursera has a great article that can give you some helpful tips.

To really set yourself apart from other hair salons in the area, it’s important to do a deep dive into your competition. Find out what they’re doing well and what they could improve on, and use that information to make your own hair salon even better.

Now comes the thinking part of analyzing the market and industry trends . This step is essential for your hair salon business plan. You want to understand who your ideal clients are so you can tailor your salon’s offerings and marketing strategies to their needs and desires.

Analyze your competition and how you can excel

When you’re checking out your competitors, don’t just glance at their website and social media pages. Take a deep dive into their customer reviews too, so you can really see how people feel about them. This will give you a better idea of their brand and what they’re doing well or not so well. Look for opportunities where you can stand out from the crowd by offering unique services or top-notch customer care .

It’s super important to keep on top of what’s happening in the beauty industry too. Keep your eyes peeled for new players and trends to stay ahead of the curve.

Running a successful hair salon is all about being organized and efficient. This means hiring talented stylists , giving them the support they need through training and a positive work environment, using a reliable scheduling system , and keeping your inventory in check. Try to build strong relationships with your suppliers too, so you always have the supplies you need on hand.

Here’s how to optimize your operations and what aspects to include when writing your hair salon business plan:

Staffing and Training:

• Hire skilled hair stylists and provide comprehensive training.
• Foster a positive work environment for teamwork and motivation.

Appointment Management:

• Use a reliable scheduling system such as Trafft to minimize wait times.
• Utilize software for automated reminders and calendar management.

Inventory and Supplies:

• Maintain an organized inventory and restock as needed.
• Establish relationships with reliable suppliers.

Salon Maintenance:

• Keep the salon clean and maintain equipment.
• Pay attention to health and safety regulations.

Client Management:

• Provide exceptional service and track preferences.
• Collect and respond to client feedback.

Workflow Optimization:

• Streamline processes for maximum efficiency.
• Update workflows based on feedback.

Maintaining a competitive pricing

Developing the right pricing strategy is crucial for your hair salon’s financial success. Here’s how to create a hair salon pricing approach that maximizes profitability while staying competitive.

• Know your costs: Calculate all expenses, including rent, utilities, supplies, and staff wages, to determine the minimum price per service.
• Research the market: Analyze competitor pricing and industry standards. Consider your unique selling points and target market when setting prices.
• Tiered pricing: Offer different service packages at various price points to cater to different budgets and attract a broader customer base.
• Add-ons and upselling: Recommend additional services or products during client consultations to increase the value per transaction and boost revenue.
• Monitor and adjust: Regularly review your pricing strategy based on market trends, customer feedback , and financial goals. Make necessary adjustments to remain competitive and profitable.

By implementing a well-designed hair salon pricing strategy, your hair salon will cover costs, generate revenue, and deliver value to your customers.

Marketing and advertising plan

To create a winning hair salon marketing plan :

• Set clear marketing goals : increase brand awareness, drive foot traffic, and boost online bookings .
• Explore marketing channels : social media (Facebook, Instagram), local newspapers, and radio.
• Craft a compelling message : highlight unique selling points (exceptional customer service, talented stylists, latest trends).
• Embrace digital marketing : create a user-friendly website , showcase services, feature testimonials, and allow online bookings.
• Leverage social media : engage with the audience, share styling tips, and promote special offers.
• Consider partnerships : collaborate with local businesses, influencers, or complementary salons.
• Measure and track : monitor campaign success, track website analytics, and gather customer feedback.
• Optimize and refine : use data insights to improve marketing strategies over time.
• Position your hair salon as the go-to destination for hair styling services in your local market.

There are plenty of great hair salon marketing ideas you can put into practice to ensure your salon gets maximum exposure.

Don’t forget to include details about employee and management structure in your hair salon business plan. For your hair salon to really take off, you need a strong leadership team to steer the ship. Look for people who have the right experience and know-how and are just as passionate about the salon biz as you are.

When you talk about your team, really hype up their qualifications and skills. Let people know about their deep knowledge of the industry and how they’re total pros at handling day-to-day operations. Be sure to explain their specific roles and how their expertise is going to help make sure your hair salon is running smoothly.

If your team members have some special training , like in hair reconstruction, definitely mention it. It’ll help set your salon apart and make it even more legit in people’s eyes.

So, before you start your hair salon business , you need to figure out how much money you’re going to make. This includes everything from what services you’ll offer to how much you’ll charge. Take a look at what other salons in your area are doing and what your potential customers are willing to pay.

Next, you have to think about expenses . Rent, utilities, employee salaries, inventory, marketing, and other costs all add up. Make a list of everything and estimate how much they’ll cost you on a monthly or yearly basis.

One thing you don’t want to forget is your breakeven point . This is the number of services or products you need to sell to cover all your expenses. It’s important to know this so you can set realistic goals and measure your financial performance.

Creating a budget is key to having a solid financial plan. Think about where you want to put your money, like marketing, equipment upgrades, staff training, and supplies. Make sure you don’t overspend and stick to your budget.

Oh, and don’t forget about technology! Setting up a reliable booking system can make your life a lot easier and keep your clients happy. There are some great options out there, like Trafft . So, keep that in mind when you’re making your budget.

Why Trafft?

Let’s paint a picture: You’re opening a hair salon;  your dream, finally taking shape. That’s thrilling, right? But hold on! It’s also daunting . The appointments, the management, the scheduling – it’s a tangled web.

Enter Trafft . It’s your new best friend, your invisible manager. Here’s why :

• 24/7 availability: Trafft handles your bookings, 24/7. Sleep easy knowing your customers can book anytime, from anywhere.
• No double-booking disasters: Trafft’s smart system prevents overlaps. Say goodbye to scheduling stress!
• Payments made painless: With integrated payment solutions, money matters are managed.
• Your salon, your rules: Fully customizable settings mean Trafft adapts to your salon, not the other way around.

Now imagine: A salon where you’re the stylist, not the secretary . Free from phone tag and double-bookings. A salon where customers conveniently book and pay, then arrive to a smooth, streamlined operation. That’s not just any salon. That’s a Trafft salon .

So why not turn your dream salon into a reality? Get Trafft . It’s not just software. It’s the helping hand your business deserves. Embrace the efficiency. Enjoy the ease. Experience Trafft . Your future self will thank you.

If you’re running a salon, you need to be aware of the potential risks that might come your way and tackle them head-on. These risks could be industry-specific or internal, like staff turnover or not complying with regulations. So, make sure to cover the details of how you plan to tackle these issues and include them in your hair salon business plan.

The plan could involve smart marketing or offering new services to deal with downturns, complying with regulations to avoid legal issues and negative feedback, and investing in staff training to make sure your clients are happy. And don’t forget to keep reviewing and updating your risk analysis and mitigation plan to stay on top of any challenges.

By being proactive and staying ahead of the game, you’ll be able to keep your salon business strong and overcome any obstacles that might come your way.

FAQ on Hair Salon Business Plan

What is a hair salon business plan.

A hair salon business plan is like a roadmap. It guides the direction and future of your business. It explains things like what services you’ll offer, who your customers are, and how you’ll make money. It’s basically your playbook for running the salon and attracting clients.

How important is a business plan for a hair salon?

Oh, it’s super crucial. Not having a plan is like driving with a blindfold on. It’s a tool to attract investors, secure loans, and understand your business better. You’ll be less likely to overlook important details, and you’ll have a clear vision to work towards.

What should a hair salon business plan include?

Your business plan should cover several key areas. Think of your services, target market, marketing plan, financial projections, and operational strategies. Also, don’t forget a solid competitive analysis. This way you know who you’re up against and can work to stand out.

How detailed should the hair salon business plan be?

Your business plan should be as detailed as possible. The more detailed, the better. It should cover everything from your business name, location, services, and pricing, to how you’ll advertise. Think about it as your salon’s blueprint.

How to do market research for a hair salon?

Start by looking at other salons in your area. What services do they offer? How much do they charge? Who are their clients? Online reviews and social media are good places to gather intel. Also, consider conducting surveys or focus groups to understand customer needs better.

How to calculate the financial projections for a hair salon?

First, you need to estimate your startup costs, like rent, equipment, supplies, etc. Then forecast your sales – how many clients will you serve daily, weekly, monthly? What will be the average spend per customer? Don’t forget about ongoing costs, like salaries, utilities, and marketing.

What are the funding options for starting a hair salon?

There are several ways to fund your salon. You can use personal savings, secure a bank loan, find investors, or even crowdfund. Each method has its pros and cons. It’s about finding what suits your situation best.

How to develop a marketing strategy for a hair salon?

Start by identifying your target clients. What social media platforms do they use? What magazines or blogs do they read? Tailor your marketing efforts to reach them. Consider loyalty programs, referral incentives, and special promotions. Remember, word-of-mouth can be super powerful in the beauty industry.

How to tackle competition in the hair salon business?

Differentiate yourself. Maybe it’s offering unique services, creating a distinctive salon experience, or focusing on superior customer service. Constantly keep an eye on what competitors are doing, but don’t just copy them. Build your own unique brand identity.

How to update a hair salon business plan?

Your business plan isn’t set in stone. As your salon evolves, so should your plan. Regularly review it, see what’s working and what’s not. Make adjustments as necessary. It’s a living document that grows with your business.

Final Thoughts on Creating an Effective Hair Salon Business Plan

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this ultimate guide to creating an effective hair salon business plan. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you have the knowledge and tools to write a comprehensive hair salon business plan that positions your salon for success.

Remember, a well-written plan is more than just a document. It’s a roadmap that guides your hair salon’s growth and is a valuable tool for attracting investors, lenders, and stakeholders.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored essential elements such as understanding your target market, analyzing competition, developing a strategic marketing plan, establishing efficient operations, and setting a profitable pricing strategy. We’ve also emphasized the importance of financial planning, risk analysis, and creating a solid management team.

As you embark on your hair salon venture, stay focused on delivering exceptional customer service, staying abreast of industry trends, and continuously refining your strategies based on market feedback. With dedication, proper planning, and a passion for beauty and style, your hair salon can thrive in the competitive beauty industry.

• Jovana Smoljanovic Tucakov

Jovana Smoljanovic Tucakov is a Content Marketing and SEO Specialist who uses both words and data to communicate a message and deliver value. With more than 5 years of experience in digital marketing and content production in the IT industry, she loves identifying and solving the readers’ pain points and creating targeted content.

Curious about the human mind and emotions, especially those that drive consumer behavior. Likes fitness, food preparation, board games, reading (both for pleasure and learning), and binge-watching Netflix.

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3 step guide to creating the ultimate salon business plan

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Your guide to a salon business plan

Being a successful salon owner requires a variety of skills – from customer service, to marketing, financial planning, operations. And don’t forget the salon services themselves, which involve staying up-to-date on the latest trends, plus getting to know your clients and their preferences. 

Get a little help getting started with this three-step guide for developing your salon business plan. With a cohesive business plan at the start, you’ll have a strategic framework for the challenges that come with being a business owner. And your salon will be on its way to becoming a neighborhood favorite in no time.

Step 1: Brainstorm your salon goals and vision

Your salon business plan will cover everything from your goals, salon operations, and your strategy. Setting goals will help you get started and plan for the future. Start researching and gathering ideas for the following:

• What the inside of the salon will look and feel like
• Your goals for the customer service and experience
• Your goals for the employee experience
• What your business culture will be
• What space you’d like to fill in the local community
• What niches you can fill in the beauty industry
• The local market
• Your target demographic

Your business plan will help you turn your ideas into actionable strategy and goals. 

Step 2: Build your salon business plan

At this stage, think of your business plan as a living document with sections you may want to revisit or update as you think through your ideas and goals more. 

With your vision in mind, include these essential elements in your salon business plan:

Executive summary

The executive summary details your overall business idea, and can include the value you’ll offer, mission statement, services, and target clients. This section can also include background information such as who the founders are, the salon’s location, and why you decided to open a salon. 

Even with those details, your executive summary should be a quick read, effectively sharing the most important information to prospective partners and collaborators. San Diego-based nail salon Kalì Zoì combines their passion for nail art with their love of plants as the nail salon doubles as a plant shop. That’s something you’d want to include in your executive summary. 

Company description

This section is like an extended version of your executive summary. It provides detailed information about the key parts of your business, such as:

• The history of your salon and its goals
• What specific beauty services and products you plan to offer
• Your salon’s financial history and growth
• An extended description of your salon’s goals and objectives

Share any niches your salon plans to fill in your local area. For example, if you plan to be a hair salon business that caters to LGBTQIA+ neighbors like Austin’s Birds Barbershop , expand on that in this part of your business plan.

Market analysis

A market analysis demonstrates that you’ve done your research about what your competitors are offering and shares your unique advantage in your local area.

Any gaps you notice in competitors’ services are opportunities for you to fill at your salon. Make note of existing salons’ strengths and weaknesses, plus any other information you can source regarding your local target market, such as:

• Statistics on the local industry outlook
• Client demographics
• An analysis of your competitors’ products and services
• What your salon can offer that others don’t

Structure and organization

In this section, you’ll include your salon’s legal structure, whether you’ll be running your business as a sole proprietor or forming a limited liability company (LLC).

This will depend on other factors of your salon plan, like financial projections, whether you’ll be paying other employees or collaborating with other businesses. No matter what, you’ll want to research which legal situation makes the most sense for your salon, or work with a lawyer or accountant to guide you. Bonus points if they’ve worked with other local businesses in your area.

Management plan

Are you planning to run the salon yourself, or will you work with partners? What will the management structure look like? How many employees will you have? These questions are key as you begin hiring, but are also a major part of planning how your business will operate.

As you plan your salon’s management structure, think about who you’ll hire, what kind of employment experience you’ll be creating, and how they can contribute to the salon’s overall success, long-term and in day-to-day operations. 

Products and services

Whether your salon will maximize profit with a full retail operation, or your unique service offerings will set you apart, this is the section to share it all. 

Include the products and services you’ll offer, listing your service menu and pricing, plus what percentage of your revenue these different income streams will generate.

Marketing strategy

Here, you’ll lay out how you plan to promote your services and bring in clients. This section of your salon business plan will be flexible, with your strategy evolving as your business grows and service offerings change.

To get you started, research marketing options and fill in this section with the essentials, including:

• How you’ll attract new clients
• How you’ll retain clients and build loyalty
• How you’ll become a local favorite in your community
• Where and how your beauty salon will advertise
• Any associated marketing expense and funding sources

As a salon, it’s especially important to have a plan to reach your local community. Invest time and marketing efforts on a platform that makes it easy for local clients to find you, like setting up a free Nextdoor Business Page . Once you sign up, you unlock an instant following of everyone who lives within two miles of your business’s neighborhood.

Financial plan

This section is where you list your salon’s financial history, projections, budget, and outlook . This data will be crucial to any potential lenders or investors. 

Include financial plans for the next three to five years, and the salon’s financial history going back three to five years, if you have it. If the salon is already earning income, include statements. List any potential sources of funding and plans for how you’ll sustain your business as you get started.

Supporting documentation, resumes for existing staff, recommendation letters, and any other relevant documents that show your preparedness can be included in your appendix. These details could set you apart from other salon owners and make your salon business plan more attractive to future partners, investors, and collaborators.

Step 3: Add salon-specific business plans

The salon industry comes with its own rewards, but also with unique situations that require special strategies. Below are two salon business plan example sections you may want to consider.

Salon policies

According to stylist Hunter Donia of Sola Salon Studios , establishing clear guidelines and policies for customers can help your business run smoothly. 

Speaking to Modern Salon about salon policies, Donia said:

"When you’re first starting out you have all these creative and exciting ideas—you’re thinking about what the wall color is going to be, what the decorations are going to be—but you forget about some of the really important fundamentals you need as a business to protect you and guarantee your success.”

As you start out, plan for surprises with salon-specific business policies, including:

• Cancellation 
• Refunds 
• Returns (for any products)
• General salon etiquette

Including these policies in your business plan will help you prepare for turning stressful situations into exceptional customer service.

Seasonal strategies

Many businesses experience ups and downs as the seasons change. How you deal with these fluctuations and slow periods can make a big difference in your salon’s long-term success. Going into each season with a plan can help you avoid unexpected financial losses.

Ronit Enos, owner of Boston-based salon Maxime and founder of Salon Cadence , notes that your business plan can be a perfect place to set out these seasonal strategies.

“If you instill just a couple things into your business plan to account for seasonal slumps and vacations, you can level out your earnings throughout the year and be more financially sound.”

Enos’ strategies include ideas to keep customers coming in during the slow seasons, such as:

• Seasonal gift cards
• Vacation plans
• Promotional offers
• Smart scheduling

Find your salon’s people and purpose with Nextdoor

One last thing to include in your salon’s business plan is a strategy to help you reach your local community where they, and your salon, are. 

As a salon owner, connecting with your local community will be an integral part of getting your business off the ground. Make a free Nextdoor Business Page part of your salon business plan to source your first and forever clients, your salon’s neighbors.

Build awareness for your salon’s opening, and keep clients coming back for more with Nextdoor’s easy-to-use hyperlocal advertising tools. Engage your community and grow word-of-mouth business on your way to becoming a local go-to. With Nextdoor, your neighborhood is more than just part of your salon’s business plan. It’s part of your purpose.

Sources: 

U.S. Small Business Administration. Write your business plan. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan  

Modern Salon. Salon Policies for Independents to Decide on Before Opening. https://www.modernsalon.com/1079250/salon-policies-for-independents-to-decide-on-before-opening

Modern Salon. How to Create Financial Security and Consistency in a Salon. https://www.modernsalon.com/616849/how-to-create-financial-security-and-consistency-in-a-salon

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• How to Start a Hair Salon

How Big is the Hair Salon Industry?

• What are the Key Segments of the Hair Salon Industry?
• What External Factors Affect the Hair Salon Industry?
• Who are the Key Competitors in the Hair Salon Market?

What are the Key Customer Segments in the Hair Salon Market?

• What are the Typical Startup Costs for a New Hair Salon?

Is Owning a Hair Salon Profitable?

• What are the Keys to Launching a New Hair Salon?

How to Start a Hair Salon FAQs

Additional resources, other helpful business plan articles & templates.

The best way to start your hair salon business is by considering the customer. What do they want? What are their needs and wants? You need to know this before opening up your shop so you can be sure that you have exactly what they’re looking for. This article will talk about how to get started on your own salon and the keys to making it a success.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a salon business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Salon Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Hair Salon Business Plan Template here

How to Open a Hair Salon

Use the following hair salon checklist to help you get started:

• Conduct Market Research
• Find competitors and examine their strengths and weaknesses
• Review how people in your area feel about local hair salons
• Determine if the desired business is profitable in the area you plan to set up shop
• Talk to other small business owners in the area to get insights into the demographics and behaviors of your target market
• Write a Hair Salon Business Plan
• Use statistics and research from surveys or studies to support claims
• Include an executive summary people can see at-a-glance
• Use specific details explaining all of your services and each of their price points
• Include how much money is needed for start-up and/or unexpected costs
• Location, Location, Location
• Select a location for your new business that is easily accessible, visible, and nearby
• Make sure you have enough parking spaces to accommodate customers
• Choose an area with little crime so customers feel safe during business hours
• Determine how much it would cost to run the business based on gas, electricity, rent, etc.
• Staffing and Supplies
• Choose people who are competent, licensed, and knowledgeable to work in your salon
• Ensure you have the basic supplies needed to run the hair salon, such as hair dye, shampoo, scissors, combs, sterilizing solution, etc.
• Establish how many staff members would be necessary to meet demand before opening day
• Marketing Plan
• Determine how you want people to hear about your business
• Will you have flyers, a website, or use social media platforms?
• Think of the advertising options available in the area and choose which ones would work best for your own business
• Create a budget for advertising expenses
• Earnings and Salon Expenses
• Examine the costs you will incur during business hours
• Figure out how much money you’ll need to bring in every month after expenses, salaries, and other costs
• Research what your competitors offer and see if there is room for improvement or an untapped niche that needs work
• Create a breakdown of estimated costs for each item on your menu so customers know exactly how much they’ll be spending on their visit
• Taxes, Licenses, and Regulations
• Find out if you need an occupancy permit or other forms of documentation
• Find out how much taxes you’ll have to pay and what you can claim as a business expense
• Inquire about any other regulations that your hair salon will have to follow in your local area
• Determine how you will follow up on these regulations to make sure your business is following the law
• Launch Your Hair Salon Business
• Give yourself a deadline for completing these tasks and stick to it
• Build business relationships with local businesses, friends, and family members
• Plan a launch event to get the word out about your business
• Inform your employees of their roles in the company before your opening day

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

The hair industry is currently worth $39.5 billion and is expected to grow at a 28.7% rate in the next year.  

What are the Key Segments of the Hair Salon Market?

There are several segments within the hair salon market, some of them include:

Affordable Hair Salons

This group of customers typically likes the convenience and affordability of the local hair salon. These clients are not necessarily looking for top-of-the-line service but they want quality care at an affordable price.

Corporate Hair Salons

This sector of the market caters to working professionals who need haircuts on the go. These clients are typically busy and they do not have time to shop around for haircare services. Because of this, it is important for these hair salons to offer quality haircuts with efficiency.

Cosmetology Schools

Cosmetology schools will often offer haircut services to the local market at a discounted rate. The catch is that they are looking to train future cosmetologists, therefore the haircuts are typically basic. This segment of the hair salon market offers budget-friendly haircuts but with lower standards.

Specialty Hair Salons

Specialty hair salons focus on specific hair services like hair extensions, nail care, and other niche hair care ideas. These salons provide a wide range of services but they typically require more training and education.

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What External Factors Affect the Hair Industry?

The economy affects how much people are willing to spend on their haircuts.

Haircuts may be seen as a luxury due to the price fluctuating with the economy.

During an economic downturn, prices tend to increase at many salons because it’s seen as a way for many salon owners to make up for lost profits if people aren’t spending much money on themselves.

When disposable income is higher, more people are able to go out and get their haircut or color which can lead to an increased number of customers.

Who are the Key Competitors in the Hair Salon Industry?

One of the first things you should consider is what other businesses are competing for your target customers’ attention. Your local yellow pages provide an extensive list of the current salons in your area, as well as their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Take note of the types of services they offer, the price ranges, and their customer reviews.

National hair salons such as SuperCuts, Regis, and Great Clips are also considered key competitors in some areas. You might even consider contacting some of these larger chains to see if they will allow you to lease space inside their salon so you can operate your salon business alongside them.

There are several customer segments within the hair salon market, some of the most important include:

• Affluent Middle-Aged Women
• Young Adults on a Budget

When starting a hair salon, it is critical to understand these key customer segments. So how do you go about catering for each of these groups?

Well, affluent middle-aged women are typically looking for top-notch service in an exclusive environment. You will often find that this group prefers upscale salons in larger cities. Therefore, you should consider setting up a shop in a busy, metropolitan area.

Another customer segment is young adults on a budget. These clients may not be able to afford the high-end salon services of the middle-aged ladies but they still want an upscale experience and quality service. Many young adults like stylists who are hip and trendy, but they can’t afford to pay too much for hair services. This is why you should focus on offering affordable hair care options in a chic environment.

Lastly, if you’re thinking about how to open a hair salon, don’t forget the 55+ men. These clients are looking for styling that is natural and classic. They do not want anything too dramatic and they like to keep their hair looking natural.

By catering to these key customer segments, you will increase your chances of being successful.

What are the Typical Startup Costs for a New Hair Salon Business?

The startup costs for a new business vary depending on the physical location and size of the salon. New business owners need to invest in certain salon equipment such as sinks, salon chairs, and hair dryers.

There are also less tangible expenses that salons must bear such as signage and marketing expenses. These can be significant and can make or break a salon’s success.

Yes, owning a hair salon can be profitable if planned well. If you are looking to become stylist or beautician or even open your own hair salon, it is essential to research on whether the business will be profitable enough for your investment. Depending on how busy you intend to schedule the business will determine its profitability. A good business plan ensures that after calculation of expenses and other charges; one can expect a good turnover which will help them recoup their investment.

What are the Keys to Launching a New Hair Salon Business?

The keys to launching a new hair salon business are location, staff, advertising, and customers.

The first thing you’ll need to do is determine where your products and services will be sold. Will it be at a mall or in an area with many shopping centers? You’ll want to make sure that you have enough parking space for your clients because people are less likely to come if they have to go out of their way just to find parking. 

Next, it is important to think about your staff. This includes receptionists and hairstylists. Once you’re ready for business, make sure that all staff follow their schedule. No-shows and late arrivals will only slow down the production and could frustrate customers who have appointments. 

Advertising

Next, you’ll need to choose how you want to advertise your new business. The market is very competitive so it will be difficult for new businesses to survive if they don’t have a plan of action. 

You’ll want something catchy and unique that the customers will remember the next time they’re looking for a salon. Word-of-mouth advertising can also help if you take every chance you get to promote your shop. 

If someone compliments your work, take that opportunity to tell them about your website or hand out some business cards if necessary. 

Finally, you’ll need to decide on who your customer will be and how you can attract more people. You don’t want a shop full of older women if most of the style preferences are for those under 30 years old. 

It’s also important to think about what your salon is going to specialize in. Do you want it to become an upscale hairdresser catering only to celebrities or do you want it as a cut-rate salon?   

How to Finish Your Hair Salon Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Hair Salon Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how a Growthink business plan consultant can create your business plan for you. nbsp;

What are the Benefits of Joining a Hair Salon Franchise?

If you're looking for a way to get your hands in the beauty industry without much start-up costs, running a hair salon franchise may be the best route for you.

You'll need to have a certain amount of funding in place that would cover your initial cost, cooperative advertising, and cooperative purchasing. Speak with other entrepreneurs who have opened a salon franchise before making any decisions because they can offer plenty of information about their shop, including profitability and tips for success.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Hair Salon?

The cost to start a salon varies by the size of your business and services provided but typically ranges from $40,000 to $250,000. This includes monthly lease, salon equipment, staff salaries, utilities, and startup licensing fees before you really start seeing a profit. 

Do You Need Any Licenses for Starting a Hair Salon?

Every salon owner needs the proper business license from the local government before they can legally open a hair salon. 

Hairstylists typically require a cosmetology license in order to cut and style hair, while barbers typically need a barber license. You can search for your local regulatory board at the National Board of Cosmetology website.

It is also necessary to have general liability insurance for the safety of customers entering your beauty business. 

Owning a salon can be very profitable. For example, with only one staffed salon that is open 9 hours per day, 6 days per week (for an annual business duration of 360 days), the average gross earnings before taxes are about $389,000. Overhead averages 65% meaning the owner would keep about $69,000 in net profit annually.

How Do You Stand Out in the Hair Industry?

The main way to stand out in any part of the beauty industry is first to be unique. This means devising a plan that sets you apart from others, such as providing hair coloring services which other salons may not provide. 

By focusing on what differentiates you from others, potential customers will come flocking to your door since they know that they are getting something no one else has.

What Trends Affect the Hair Industry?

Hair and beauty salon owners must be aware of changes within the hairdressing industry. Hairstyles come and go as do colors, cuts, and tools. A hair salon owner must be aware of what is the most popular at the time to stay competitive.

Where Can I Download a Hair Salon Business Plan PDF?

You can download our hair salon business plan PDF template here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

4c Hair Chicks

CosmoProf Continuing Education

How to Start a Successful Hair Salon

SalonToday.com

Salon Owners Collective

Salons For Sale

Beauty salon business plan template & guide [updated 2024], beauty salon business plan template & guide [updated 2023].

Thinking about opening a salon or expanding your brand? A salon business plan template is a great place to start!

Writing a business plan can be a time consuming and daunting task. Our company reviews business plans from across the US and Canada, so we have created this guide to help you streamline your business planning!

Stuck on what to name your salon? Check out the do’s and don’ts in choosing a salon name on this page.

What are the Main Types of Beauty Salons?

The main types of beauty salon businesses are: Employee based and non-employee based. Read our blog for a thorough explanation of how employee based salons differ from non-employee based salons.

Why do You Need a Business Plan Template?

A business plan template is needed to conduct market research, document your business plan and demonstrate your knowledge of salon business. This is the best pathway to raise funding. Even if you plan to just use your personal funds to open a salon, a successful salon business plan will help you get your head around what needs to happen to make your business successful.

Thinking through aspects of doing business such as marketing efforts, what a cash flow statement means, research on the local market and salon equipment costs provides an excellent salon business plan guide.

Templates for such a plan are found on the best business plan software, LivePlan. LivePlan is an easy to use template that walks your through EVERYTHING you need for a salon business plan.

Writing a hair salon business plan from scratch is very difficult and you may accidentally leave out important information. Included in the LivePlan salon business plan template are aspects you may not think are important but are needed to raise funding and open a new salon

What is included in a salon business plan outline?

A salon business plan outline iscreating a living document that includes things like: Business model, your definition of exceptional customer service, market research, financial projections, salon services menu, competitor salons, cash flow statement, executive summary, management team and day to day operations.

LivePlan is the most commonly used business plan template for salons, spas, barbershops and beauty industry businesses of any size. As your company grows, it’s not just about hair styling or nail art! A solid, mapped out beauty salon business plan yields amazing results throughout your business’s lifespan.

Download Your Free Salon Business Plan Template

There are many free salon business plan template examples out there. From our experience, none of them include real beauty industry success stories. Often, using another salon business plan for your own leaves out the most important factors in securing angel investors and getting a bank loan.

We used LivePlan for our own business- Salonspa Connection , so we have firsthand experience with this perfect business plan template!

Brainstorm your salon goals and vision

It starts with a dream… Did you fantasize about being a salon owner in beauty school or have you always wanted to be a business owner, regardless of the industry? The core of your “why” is one of the most important parts of a business plan.

Translating your “Why”

Why do you want to become a salon owner? Do you want to provide the type of environment you wish you had when searching for a salon job?

Is there a gap in your local community for more gender inclusive hair treatments? Maybe no one is offering spa services in your neighborhood and you have the best marketing strategy.

Understanding and documenting your motivation to own a beauty salon is the best place to start. Jot these nuggets down as it is the first step to writing a great salon business plan outline.

How profitable is owning a salon?

Owning a salon can be very profitable is you understand the type of business model, salon services you need to offer and how to pick the best salon location.

If you are considering buying an existing salon, read our blog on the best questions to ask the current owner, here.

Profitability is largely dependent on catering to existing clients, recruiting excellent hair stylists and hitting your target market with a great salon business. Fleshing through your ideas and beauty salon business strategies is best accomplished with a LivePlan business plan template.

Is owning a salon a good investment?

Owning a salon can be a great investment if you understand the dynamics of a hair salon business or nail salon. When you familiarize yourself with the industry, the likelihood of succeeding is much higher.

Both beauty salon professionals and non-salon industry pros buy and invest in salons.  Owning a beauty salon is a people management business. Providing beauty services, skin care services or nail services is just a small part of running a beauty salon business.

Hair salons can be cash cows when your balance sheet is positive and you successfully cultivate brand awareness. If you are considering investing in a hair salon, document your hair salon business plan with the best business planning software, LivePlan

Create an executive summary

An executive summary is an overview of your plan. This should be a detailed beauty salon business plan demonstrating your expertise in your industry as well as providing the roadmap to profitability.

How to write your salon’s executive summary: A simple template

An executive summary details the problem you are solving, your unique solution, identifying a target market, potential competition, financial forecast & projections and funding needed. Writing all of these details in an outline will provide an excellent guide for an executive summary.

If this sounds like a lot, it is! Planning out hair salons is much easier with a business plan template used in the LivePlan software.

What is a Good Mission Statement of a Salon?

A good mission statement is where you demonstrate your values and your “why” as to the “mission” of the salon. This is a fantastic space to create brand awareness.

You don’t need to go overboard here- a few sentences outlining your values and what your company provides existing and potential clients is ideal.

Remember your “why” we discussed earlier? Pull that info back out to create a great mission statement. This is not the space for a company description.

Salon Mission statement examples

We gathered several tips and samples of existing beauty salon mission statements, here . Use these examples to create a great hair salon mission of your own!

Write your salon’s business description

A hair salon is a dynamic business! It can be a struggle to harness all of the amazing things that makes you, YOU into a few paragraphs. We gathered up a few suggestions for a hair salon business description .

Beauty Services Management plan

If you plan on hiring beauty salon employees or opening a booth rental salon, you will need to think through management . Are you planning on being the sole management team or would you prefer to have some help?

Planning the service sales management aspect of business is a great thing to think through! Often, nail technicians or a hair stylist who achieve, and want to not be behind the chair full time are excellent candidates. Think through the strengths of your team with the ultimate business plan- LivePlan .

Management Team

Having a strong team who brings different skillsets to the table is an important part of a business plan. Evaluate where you are strong, and the gaps in your personal business skills can be picked up by either a manager or potentially an outside contractor.

Major Lengths Beauty Salon Products

Are you planning to sell white label beauty salon products? Including this in your business plan is key in understanding the cost vs. potential profitability. It doesn’t always pay off to have your own product lines- do your research before including this in your business plan.

Figure out your financial plan

How long will it take to become profitable? What needs to happen to become profitable? LivePlan walks you through services offered, pricing, costs and projections. This is the easiest software to use for those of us who struggle with the financial part of a beauty salon business.

Example of Problem a Salon Can Solve

The core of your beauty salon business plan template should be the problem, or problems you solve for your target clients. These are unmet needs or services that give you the competitive advantage over existing or competitor salons.

Keep the problem you are solving under 300 words and be concise!

An example would be: Southern Chicago is without a salon that welcomes the transgender and LGTBQ community, yet the population for this demographic grows by 15%, every year. Our experiences in living this lifestyle, and working with the gay and lesbian community, provides the safe salon space needed in the southern Chicago area.

The problem: no salons in your area to serve this population.

Your solution: providing a safe and quality space to serve the population in need of your services.

Get the best salon business plan template available, enjoy 40% off Liveplan today!

Solution the Salon Offers

Are you offering higher quality services at a lower price point? Or maybe you are the first salon to offer hair extensions in your neighborhood?

Offering specific solutions you provide for ideal customers is the key to obtaining financing!

Being Different through Customer Experience

The customer experience is what sets salons apart. Great hair can be achieved in a number of salons, how the customer feels in your salon is what needs to be captured in your beauty salon business plan.

Products and services

Think through how your products and services outshine competitors. Differentiating your salon is the path to creating a great business plan!

What can you do to create a solid financial plan for your salon?

A financial plan is one of the hardest parts of not only running a beauty salon business, but in predicting what this looks like in a business plan. LivePlan makes financial planning EASY, even for the most challenged money managers.

Example of Salon Expenses Description

Salon expense examples are: cost of products- both back bar and retail, rent or lease, taxes, payroll, marketing costs, insurance , salon software, accounting, equipment, laundry & cleaning expenses.

Monthly Salon Expenses List

Lining out monthly expenses vs annual expenses is a great way to predict income throughout the year. Holidays tend to have a higher outgo of expenditure, account for each month by thinking through what may be happening in specific months that would not happen in other months.

Make strategies for advertising and outreach marketing

Are you a people person or do you prefer to acquire clients from online resources? Assessing where salon owners’ strengths are will provide clearer strategies for future marketing efforts.

41 Most Effective Salon Marketing Ideas

Your marketing plan should include both initiatives to gain new clients and for recruiting, if you plan on hiring or renting out your spaces to salon professionals.

Your salon’s growth is dependent upon your ability to market your business to both potential clients and salon staff.

Here are 41 marketing touch points in a month, to include in your business plan:

Marketing for salon clients

8 social media posts per month on Instagram , Facebook Business Page and TikTok. The cadence for higher engagement and growth of social accounts should be to entertain, educate and promote.

2 in person events or visits to local businesses to create relationships. The right connections will pay off in spades!

18 referral cards or freebies given away, every month. Incentivizing current salon clients to send their friends is the best way to get new business ! Happy clients send more clients, it’s that simple.

1 in salon event per month. This can be botox parties, pop up boutique, an art show or whatever is most appropriate for your business model.

2 blog posts per month. Blogging for marketing is one of the most affordable and effective ways to increase visitors to your website. Turn visitors into paying customers with 2x monthly blogs!

4 current client incentives per month. This can mean a once a week discount on services or retail during slower times. For instance, a barber shop offers 50% off haircuts on Wednesdays from 9-11. This is their slowest time and is now full because of their marketing initiatives.

Salon Recruiting is marketing

4 social media posts per month demonstrating who you are and why your salon is the best place to work. These are not billboards for come work with us posts! Showing who you are and how amazing your salon is, with the invitation to come work with you is the goal.

1 visit to a cosmetology school or attendance in a salon industry event . Every month you, or someone from your team should be networking for recruiting.

Example of a Hair Salon Marketing Plan

When writing your new salon business plan, marketing ideas and a general plan for implementation are a must! Banks, investors or anyone you are seeking financing from are going to want to feel confident you can effectively market your new business.

Seeking small business loans or working with angel investors means you are looking to raise funding. Your marketing plan needs to have solid strategies and ideas that can be accomplished without draining your bank account.

My Most Essential Blog Posts when Growing a Salon or Spa Business

If you plan on blogging, this is the #1 way to get the highest visibility on search engines. It is time consuming and there is a lot to learn about how to structure blogs for search engines, but this is an excellent idea for evergreen marketing!

Blogs need specific information to produce results. Writing about subjects such as “most popular hairstyles in Miami” or “best curly hair products in Minneapolis” hit the target.

Every blog you write should highlight a specific service or product you sell, and include the city your salon is in. Writing for new client (or employee) discovery is the best way to gain business on search engines.

Target Market Analysis

This portion of your salon business plan outline identifies your ideal customer. Who will benefit the most from your salon services?

An easy-to-follow template to proceed with your target market analysis

Lining out customer demographics and the amount of potential customers you will have is the first step to an accurate financial projection. LivePlan walks you through this process, step by step with an easy to use business plan template.

Analyze and identify your target market

A great way to identify your ideal customers is to evaluate existing clients. What commonalities do these people have and how can you create a marketing strategy to similar people?

Example of Salon Competition Study in Your Plan

Knowing your competition is a big piece of a successful business plan- this is called market research. For example: If you want to open a salon that offers luxury services in a high end location, that’s great!

If the demand for these services are present, most likely there are competing salons in the area.

Understanding how your salon can differentiate from current, similar salons is the key. Business plans serve to allow you to demonstrate your value proposition in comparison to what already exists.

Improving upon what other salons are doing is the best way to raise funding. Take your top 3 competing salons and list out why your salon is above the rest.

For a complete guide to analyzing your competition, we suggest using LivePlan . LivePlan is the most comprehensive and commonly used business plan software for salons.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Beauty Salon Business Plan?

Raising funding for a beauty salon can be achieved through: SBA loan, bank loan, angel investors, friends and family or salon owner financing.

Owner financing means you pay a portion of the total cost for purchasing the business upfront, and make payments for the remaining balance over an agreed upon timeframe.

Major Milestones and Salon Business Goals

Major salon milestones would be: expanding to the empty space next door, adding a new location, offering more benefits like insurance or expanding your service menu. Thinking through where you want to be in X number of months or years will help you set salon business goals.

Salon Milestones Example

Milestones are a great way to outline your salon’s success goals. You can include a detailed financial plan, or just set dates to serve as a living document of where you want to be in the future.

Get the best milestone planner with LivePlan- 40% off for one year with our special offer here.

We hope you found our salon business planning tips helpful! Salonspa Connection is here to provide a comprehensive resource platform for all of your business needs.

We may earn commissions on affiliate links included in this blog post, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!

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How To Write a Salon Business Plan

By Shannon Mulligan

So you’re thinking of opening a salon business—congrats! Gearing up to owning your own business is a huge step.

But if you’ve never owned a salon before or are simply looking to give your existing business a refresh, you’re probably thinking, “Where do I even start?”  Well, the first step is to write a salon business plan.

What is a business plan for a salon?

A salon business plan is a written document that covers your business goals and how you’re going to reach them.

Every business plan looks different. But for a salon, your business plan will likely include details like who your target customer is, where your salon is going to be located , what salon services you’ll offer, and more. 

Why you need a business plan for your salon

As a salon owner, the thought of writing a detailed business plan might immediately put your stomach in knots. But we promise that the time and effort you take to put a business plan together for your salon will pay off in spades.

Here are some reasons why you should have a business plan for your salon.

To prove your salon business is a good—and profitable—idea

As entrepreneurs, we often have a million great ideas.  But a new business is a big commitment and investment.

Your decision to launch a salon is most likely a great one. But a business plan doubles as a gut check to make sure that you have a solid plan in place. This way, you can open your salon doors with confidence knowing that you’re almost guaranteed to be a success.

To help you reach your short and long-term salon goals

What are your business goals? What steps do you need to take to reach them? How long will it take to reach those goals?

A well-written business plan answers these questions and more. It’s essentially a roadmap that answers all and helps outline how you’ll reach your business goals. Then as you open and grow your business, you can look back and make sure you’re on track!

To help you get funding (and other loans)

Banks and investors often want to see a business plan before they provide you with funding. Having a business plan shows that you’ve done your research, have a plan in place, and that you’re less likely to be a risk.

Even if you don’t need a loan or an investment, financial products like credit cards can be hard to come by if you don’t have a business plan.

To determine your revenue and labor costs

Salons often need multiple stylists and administrative staff. Depending on your goals and the size of your salon business, a business plan can help you determine how many employees you need to hire and train to serve your customers.

Without forecasting your labor costs, you can find yourself with too many customers and not enough workers—or vice versa.

Things to consider before you start writing a business plan for your salon

Before you can start writing your business plan, it’s time to do a bit of brainstorming and research. There are some key questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you start putting pen to paper.

• Where will your salon be located?
• What experience do you have that will help you grow your business?
• Are there similar salons in your area?
• Is there something that will make your business stand out from other salons?

Once you’ve spent some time thinking about these factors, it’s time to get writing.

How to write a salon business plan in 7 steps

Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to write a business plan and the important tidbits you need to know as you get started.

1. Executive summary

The first thing anyone will read in your business plan is the executive summary. Think of it like an elevator pitch. It’s a brief summary that covers all the most important details so the reader wants to learn more about your business.

As a general rule, your executive summary should cover:

• A short overview of your business venture
• Your salon mission or vision
• Your short and long-term business goals
• Highlights around why \ your salon will be successful

2. Company overview and description

This section should be an overview of your company and what makes it unique. Who are you? What do you do? Why do you do it?

Don’t be afraid to dive into your background and the circumstances that led to you wanting to start your salon business. This is your opportunity to tell your story and share what makes you and your business special as an entrepreneur.                                                                                                                     

3. Market analysis

There are almost a million salons in the US—and that only covers hair salons. The thing about salons is that they can be similar and still be successful. But it’s important to understand how your particular salon will stack up. A market analysis looks at all the competing salons in your region—and beyond—to help you understand your positioning in the market. This then influences everything from your pricing strategy, your service offering, or even your location. 

For example, in your market analysis, you might find that you fall into the category of a premium salon, which means you’ll need to target a more affluent market. Or you might find yourself looking in an oversaturated area, so you’ll want to choose a location with less competition.

4. Salon business offerings

Not all salons are alike. For example, your salon may specialize in blowouts. Or you may have a full-service nail salon. 

Before you open, you should have a clear understanding of the services and products that your salon business might offer. Think of this section of your business plan as a menu of services that your potential customers can choose from.

5. Salon operations and management

This is where you’ll talk about the operational side of your business. Some things to think about around salon management might include:

• Will you rent out chairs to stylists or will you hire them as employees? 
• What will your business hours look like?
• How will you schedule salon appointments ?
• What overhead costs will you have?
• What salon management software will you use?

6. Marketing and public relations (PR) strategies

As much as we wish customers would appear out of thin air, for the most part, you need to drum up excitement for your business. That’s marketing. 

In the marketing section of your business plan, you’ll want to Include details such as your brand messaging, how you’ll reach potential customers, and what marketing and PR investments you plan to make.

7. Financial projections

Calculating your financials isn’t the most glamorous part of owning a salon business, but it’s one of the most important.

When writing a business plan, you need to review your short- and long-term financial projections. This is essentially an estimate of how much money you expect to spend and make over the course of the next few years. 

The goal is to show that you’ll have a profitable business. And if not, it allows you to tweak your business strategy so you can create a financial plan that you feel comfortable with.

Free salon business plan template

Need some help getting started? 

We’ve put together a free template that covers all the basics. Use this as a starting point, so you know that your business plan is comprehensive and includes everything you need ahead of opening day.

Download your free salon business plan template here.

Business tools as sharp as your shearing scissors

Once you have a salon business plan, it’s time to make a plan for hiring and managing your employees. Homebase is the all-in-one employee management tool loved by 100,000 + salons and small businesses. 

With Homebase, you can:

• Schedule employees for your salon in just a few clicks.
• Track employee hours and run payroll from one app.
• Stay on top of employee compliance and labor laws with expert HR guidance.

Salon business plan FAQs

Why should you create a business plan for your salon even if you aren’t looking for financing.

A business plan is more than just a document to help you secure financing for your salon business. It can help you organize your business strategy and outline the steps needed to reach your business goals.

What is the best way to create your salon business plan?

The best way to create your salon business plan is by following these steps:

• Write an effective executive summary.
• Create a company overview and description.
• Conduct a thorough market analysis.
• Outline your services and business offerings.
• Decide how you want to manage your salon business.
• Make a plan for marketing your business.
• Put together your financial projections.

You can also use our free salon business plan template to get started.

Remember:  This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.

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How to Write a Business Plan for Your Salon

Apr 17, 2023 By SALONORY

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What do the aspiring salon owner and the seasoned salon owner have in common? They both need a business plan! Even we share this common ground as an established salon supply store !

This is because, while owning a salon business is exciting, a lack of proper planning will make it difficult to have fun, motivate your team, juggle all of the aspects of your business and try to expand it. A business plan is a living document that outlines your business goals and strategies for achieving them. If updated annually and followed enthusiastically, it will help you to fully formulate ideas and set goals, make difficult decisions, have a clear financial understanding of your operation, raise funding and, ultimately, help you avoid getting overwhelmed by your business and improve your chances of success. Although each business plan will vary depending on their industry and operation specifics, a solid salon business plan should include the following elements:

1.     Cover Page

Your cover page will be your first impression to potential business partners, investors or lenders that it’s shared with, so it’s crucial to have a clean and professional one. If you have a logo to add for aesthetic appeal, we suggest this as well! Aside from this, be sure to include your salon name, salon address, salon owners’ names and salon owners’ contact information. If your business plan is super comprehensive, you may even want to consider including a table of contents.

2.     Executive Summary

Your executive summary should be the first section of your business plan, but because it will highlight what you intend to expand on in the rest of the plan, we actually suggest writing this section last!

Ultimately, this section should summarize what your business hopes to accomplish. Along with briefly highlighting important aspects of your business plan (like products or services you’ll offer and why they have the potential to be profitable), you’ll want to talk a little bit about why you’re starting this company and what experience you have in the industry. One of the most essential aspects of your executive summary, though, will be your company’s mission statement, so put some serious thought into crafting it!

A strong salon mission statement will summarize your approach to business in only a few sentences. Once you get them down on paper, though, these few sentences will guide your business in everything it does.

3.     Company Description

Your company description is the section to showcase why your company stands out from the competitors. It’s here that you should break down your salon’s strengths and advantages that will give it an edge to succeed. If you’ve chosen this location for a beneficial reason, if you’ve partnered with a certain supplier for a beneficial reason or if you’re working with the community in any way, this is the section to display it.

4.     Market Analysis

Your market analysis is an opportunity to display how well you understand the industry and specific market you’re in or hoping to enter. This will mean identifying your target market, understanding your community’s wants and needs, analyzing local competitors and acknowledging current trends taking over the industry. Once you’ve put in the legwork for this section and have your market analysis, you can compare the strengths and advantages highlighted in your company description against this and hit home how your salon will stand above the rest.

5.     Marketing Strategy

Your market analysis will lead the way to your marketing strategy. With your analysis complete, you should be able to confidently and concisely identify the type of clientele you’re aiming to attract (with specifics like their age, gender, income, lifestyle, desires and needs). From here, the goal is to outline the position you hope to play in their life. Describe how your salon will attract those clients and how it will achieve its desired position.

6.     Breakdown of Management and Company Organization

Even if there’s not a whole lot going on here, it’s still important to introduce anyone involved with the business and indicate whether your business will operate as a sole proprietorship, a partnership or otherwise. For the aspiring salon owner, this might look like a brief description of your skills with a write-up about how your salon will operate as a sole proprietorship and insight as to how your salon’s organization will adapt to growth. For the seasoned salon owner, this might look like your collection of managers, with a brief description for each that outlines their skills and primary job responsibilities. If you’re a seasoned salon owner operating on a big scale, we suggest creating some sort of visual to display your company organization!

7.     Financial Plan

Creating a detailed financial plan can be one of the most challenging parts of creating a business plan, but can also be one of the biggest reasons for your success. This section will open your eyes to less-obvious obstacles, hidden expenses and potential pitfalls if you’re an aspiring salon owner — and not only get an idea of, but improve your monthly and yearly progress if you’re a seasoned salon owner. Along with this, your financial plan will be the first thing that’s looked at when it comes to determining your eligibility for a loan. While it will depend on the current state of your salon, your financial plan could include:

• A sales forecast , which is a detailed projection of your sales over the next three years.
• An expense budget , which is an outline of what you’ll spend on expenses like rent, supplies and marketing to meet your sales forecast.
• A cash-flow statement , which is a detailed breakdown of how cash will flow in and out of your business over a 12-month period. This includes revenue, costs, expenses, loans and loan payments, personal funds used for business and any other money associated with the operation of your salon.
• A break-even analysis , which is a prediction of your break-even point when your expenses (including interest!) are equal to or lower than your sales.

Bring Your Business to Life

Don’t forget that your business plan should always be your guide in this pursuit of passion! Reference it often, update it regularly and remember why you wrote it in the first place!

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Salon Business Plan: What You Need To Know About Starting A Hair And Beauty Salon

So, you’re looking to get into the salon business.

Maybe you’re a natural at styling hair and applying makeup. Perhaps you’re passionate about the beauty industry and you love helping women feel good about themselves.

Whatever the case, if you want to get your biz off the ground, the first thing you should do is come up with a plan .

Which is exactly what we’ll discuss in this guide.

Below, you’ll learn the ins and outs of writing a salon business plan . You’ll learn what it is, why you should have one, and the steps you should take to come up with a solid business plan for your hair and beauty salon. 

What is a Salon Business Plan?

A salon business plan is a formal document that outlines your strategy for starting and running your hair and beauty salon. It usually consists of several parts and covers various aspects of the business including the company’s backstory, products and services, financials, sales, management, and more.

A business plan also outlines your goals. It sheds light on how you plan to achieve those objectives and in what timeframe.

Why Should You Create a Business Plan for Your Hair and Beauty Salon?

When you’re inspired to start a business, it can be tempting to just… well, start.

And while there are certain situations when quickly kicking off your business is a great idea (e.g., when you want to sell something online), it isn’t advisable to take this approach when it comes to a fully-fledged business with a physical location, like a salon.

Here are some of the reasons why you need to step back and plan before diving into your venture:

To get clear on what you need to do 

Writing a business plan forces you to take a long hard look at your idea . You’ll examine it from multiple angles, conduct market research, and confront your finances. In doing so, you’ll gain more clarity on whether or not your idea is viable, and if it is, what you’re going to do to get it off the ground.

This sets you up for success because rather than going in blind, you have a solid understanding of what your market is like, how you’re going to penetrate it, and how much it’ll cost.

To secure funding

If you’re looking to obtain a loan or raise money for your salon , then a business plan is a must.

Because here’s the thing:

Banks and investors require a formal document outlining how you’re going to use their money.

Needless to say, your business plan can make or break your chances of securing capital, so make it good great.

To stay on track with your business

Starting and running a salon isn’t a piece of cake. Just like with any entrepreneurial endeavor, there are going to be ups and downs. You need to roll with those peaks and valleys to be successful.

To do that, you need discipline.

You also need grit and determination.  

More importantly, you need a plan.

Having a plan for your business will enable you to anticipate issues that may come up. It also helps you stay on track as you go through the journey of starting and running your salon. If you run into a wall or unsure of what to do next, you can refer to your biz plan for insights.

What to Include in Your Salon Business Plan [with Samples]

Now that you have an idea of what a business plan is and why it’s important, let’s move on to the different components of the document.

Here are the chapters that every salon business plan should have:

1. Executive Summary

This section gives readers a quick overview of your business. It should paint a picture of what your salon is all about and the goals you want to hit.

Typically, the Executive Summary will contain:

Business Abstract

Kick things off with a couple of paragraphs defining your business. Let’s say you want to create a hair salon targeting millennials. Your abstract could read something like this:

SLEEK HAIR & BEAUTY is a contemporary salon geared towards millennial women. Our goal is to offer trendy, sustainable, and affordable grooming services that would help modern women look and feel their best.

We will be the first millennial-centric salon in Emerald City, and our objective is to gain a 35% market share by year 1. We want to be the go-to salon for modern women who are looking to elevate their looks.

Mission and Vision

This is the part where you talk about the core purpose of your salon as well as your big vision for the business. So our fictitious salon’s mission and vision could be:

We want SLEEK HAIR & BEAUTY to serve a destination salon for Millenials. We envision having a beautiful and inviting environment where clients can get their beauty needs taken care of by expert stylists who understand them.

Company Summary

The “Company Summary” chapter of your business plan is exactly what it sounds like:

It should summarize the key details of your company.

This part details things like:

• Company ownership (Who owns the company?)
• Business structure (What is the legal business structure of your business? Sole proprietor,  LLC, or something else?)

Business Goals 

You’ll also want to mention the key objectives you want to hit by the first 1, 3, or 5 years that you’re in business.

Some examples include:

• Grow our client base to 100 customers by 2021
• Capture 35% of the market by year 1
• Become cash-flow positive by the year 2022

Every business is different, so take some time to figure out your goals and timeline, and then map your objectives from there.

2. Service and Product Offerings

The next chapter of your salon business plan is all about your services and products.

As a salon, you’ll likely want to include services like:

• Hair services – shampoo, blowout, haircuts, hair styling, straightening, coloring, etc. 
• Skincare and beauty – facials, hair removal, beauty consultation, makeup application, eyebrow shaping, etc.

The vast majority of salons also sell products . If you’re planning to do the same, specify the items and merchandise you’re planning to sell.

Common examples for salons and spas include:

• Haircare – shampoo, conditioner, leave-on products, etc.
• Skincare – facial wash, toner, moisturizer, serum, facial oil, etc.

If possible, discuss how you plan to source your products and how you much you’ll sell them for.

SLEEK HAIR AND BEAUTY, for example, can talk about their focus on selling sustainable products from women-owned companies. From there, they can list out potential vendors and product lines, along with pricing information.

3. Market Analysis

Diving into business without doing market research is like going into battle without any idea of who you’re up against and what the battle conditions are like.

You’ll end up losing if you don’t take time to analyze what’s ahead of you.

The same thing goes for salon business planning. You need to research your target market, the state of your industry , as well as your competitors.

Then once you’ve done that, summarize all your findings in the “Market Analysis” chapter of your business plan.

Here’s an overview of what this section entails.

State of Your Industry

This section should outline the size of the market, its growth potential, and any other details that would give readers a better understanding of your industry. The more localized your data is, the better.

SLEEK HAIR & BEAUTY, for example, which is located in Emerald City, can look into the beauty and wellness industry within their location, and include data points like:

• The number of hair and beauty salons in Emerald City
• The growth rate of these businesses
• How much the businesses are worth
• How much residents spend on hair and beauty services on a given month or year

Target Client Profile

This section dives into who your target clients are. There are two main things that you should touch on in this chapter:

Client Demographics

• Income level
• Where they live and work

Client Psychographics

• Motivators and drivers
• Beliefs and behaviors
• Likes and dislikes
• Aspirations
• Brands or people they identify with

Competitive Analysis

It’s time to do research on the other hair salons in your area.

Map out where they’re located. Visit them to see their businesses in person. Look into their products, services, and pricing.

The data and insights you gather will help you figure out the best way to position your salon, so you can set yourself apart from your competitors.

Conducting a competitive analysis will also give you ideas on how to market your salon.

Which brings us to our next point…

4. Sales and Marketing Strategy

Your business plan should talk about how you intend to acquire customers . This chapter should shed light on:

The Marketing Channels You’ll Use

Talk about the salon marketing platforms that you’ll utilize in your business. What websites or platforms will you use to get the word out?

The answer to that depends on your target audience and market position.

A business like SLEEK, which targets millennials, would utilize channels like organic search and social media (particularly Instagram marketing), because their target audience spends a lot of time online.

Your marketing channels may be different. The key is to get to know your audience and figure out the best way to engage them.

Sales and Promotions

Another thing to touch on is your sales and promotional strategy. How are you going to hook people into your salon? What tactics will you implement? In the salon industry, some of the most common sales and promotions include:

• First-time client promotions
• Referral programs
• Loyalty programs
• Gift certificates

Have a think about which tactics would work for your salon, then add them to your plan.

5. Management and Organization Summary

This section of the plan will iron out the details of your salon’s management , operations and staffing. Typically, this chapter includes:

Organizational Structure

Detail the hierarchy of your organization. Who will oversee the company? Who reports to whom? What will be your role?

You’ll want to create an org chart to illustrate your company structure. This will make it easier for readers to understand how your business would operate.

Staffing Requirements

This part answers the question of who you need to hire in your salon to get your business up and running. Be sure to list the number of people you need for each position.

You could create a list along the lines of:

• Senior Stylist (2)
• Junior Stylist (1)
• Aesthetician (1)
• Receptionist (1)

You could also include a job description for each role, to give people a clear idea of the tasks they’ll be performing at your salon. 

6. Financials

It’s time to talk numbers.

Here are some of the things to include in the financial chapter of your business plan:

Itemize the costs that you’ll incur to start and run your salon. These would typically include:

• Location expenses (lease, utility insurance, etc.)
• Staffing costs (wages, health coverage, etc.)
• Equipment (styling chairs, shampoo lounge, etc.)
• Software (appointment scheduling software, payment processor, etc.)
• Supplies (shampoo, conditioner, brushes, etc.)
• Marketing (advertising budget, flyers, business cards, etc.)
• Inventory (haircare products, skincare products, etc.)

Financial Forecasts

Business finances will vary from one company to the next, so the data in this section will be completely up to you.

Generally speaking, though, this chapter would contain your:

• Projected revenue . How much do you think you’ll earn in the first month? What about in months 2, 3, etc? How much do you plan to earn in your first year of business?
• Break-even analysis . Based on your anticipated revenues and expenses, at what point will your break-even? Six months? A year or two? Plot out the analysis for your readers. 

If you’re writing a business plan to secure funding, the financial chapter will be the most closely-scrutinized section of the document. That’s why it’s critical to have your numbers in order.

When in doubt, get help from a financial pro when you’re tackling this chapter.

What to Do After You’ve Written Your Business Plan

So, you’ve written business for your upcoming salon… what’s next?

Here are some suggestions on what you should do after completing your salon business plan .

Have Someone Else Read It

One of the first things you should do is to have a colleague, advisor, or stakeholder review the document. Ask them to go over the plan and get their feedback.

Is the business plan easy to understand? How would they improve it? If they were an investor, would they want a piece of your company?

The answers to these questions will help you fine-tune your biz plan.

Take It to the Bank

If you intend to secure capital for your business, it’s time to take your plan to the bank (or to potential investors).

Schedule meetings with the necessary parties and start talking about how to get your business off the ground.

Use It in Your Business

A business plan isn’t a document that you should just file away.

Remember, it’s a key component that can keep you on track as you start and run your business

Let your business plan serve as a reference doc that tells you how you’re doing. Are you meeting your projections? Are your sales and marketing strategies going according to plan?

The best way to answer these questions is to have your salon business plan handy.

So, have it in your place of business so you can refer to it whenever you need to.

Ready to Kick Off Your Salon Business?

Starting a salon takes work, but with the right plan, people, and tools, you can get your business up and running smoothly.

Speaking of salon tools, check out Booksy, an online scheduling software that enables your clients to book through your website, on social media, or even on Google.

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Salon Software

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Showing 1 - 20 of 184 products

FrontRunners 2024

Vagaro is a cloud-based salon, spa and fitness business management solution that allows professionals to book appointments and manage various facility roles. It offers an integrated solution to manage bookkeeping, payroll, client ... Read more about Vagaro

4.7 ( 3363 reviews )

FOR 5+ SERVICE PROVIDERS: The smartest software for independent salons and spas. Automate day-to-day operations and keep clients happy with the booking and POS software that salons and spas love. Mangomint is designed to save tim... Read more about Mangomint

5.0 ( 129 reviews )

Phorest is a salon management software solution designed for small and midsize businesses that features appointment bookings, point-of-sale, inventory management and reporting. The software offers cloud-based deployment and a salo... Read more about Phorest

4.8 ( 363 reviews )

DaySmart Salon

DaySmart Salon (formerly Salon Iris) offers packages designed to fit the needs of beauty businesses of all sizes. Simple subscription plans enable savvy salon managers to optimize their day-to-day operations and expand their br... Read more about DaySmart Salon

4.4 ( 354 reviews )

GlossGenius

Ready to stand out? Give your business the ultimate glow-up with GlossGenius. The only smart, stylish booking app made to help beauty and wellness pros shine, GlossGenius is the industry’s #1 all-in-one solution. It’s built from... Read more about GlossGenius

4.6 ( 55 reviews )

Meevo is the award-winning salon and spa software powered by Millennium built specifically for the beauty industry to simplify client management, improve business operations, and enhance your marketing strategies. Crush your goa... Read more about Meevo

4.4 ( 253 reviews )

Acuity Scheduling

Squarespace Scheduling is a cloud-based appointment scheduling software solution that enables business owners to manage their appointments online. The product caters to the needs of small and midsize businesses as well as individu... Read more about Acuity Scheduling

4.8 ( 5590 reviews )

Mindbody is a cloud-based club management and appointment scheduling solution designed for the needs of small to midsize businesses. The product is primarily used by gyms, fitness and personal training centers, salons, spas and ma... Read more about Mindbody

4.0 ( 2794 reviews )

Schedule Anyone

Schedule Anyone is an intelligent time management system designed specifically for beauty professionals. It comes with a variety of features that help businesses run more efficiently, including secure payments, intelligent schedul... Read more about Schedule Anyone

4.6 ( 9 reviews )

WellnessLiving

WellnessLiving is a cloud-based business management solution for wellness studios of all sizes. The key features of the solution include online booking, payments, class scheduling and marketing management. WellnessLiving feature... Read more about WellnessLiving

4.3 ( 465 reviews )

Boulevard is transforming business management for appointment-based self-care businesses with the industry's first and only Client Experience Platform. From initial booking to final payment, get everything you need to optimize you... Read more about Boulevard

4.6 ( 277 reviews )

ProSolutions Software

ProSolutions Software (formerly Transcend) is a cloud-based suite of applications from ProSolutions Software that is suitable for spas, salons and resorts of all sizes. It offers modules for client management, appointment booking,... Read more about ProSolutions Software

4.4 ( 110 reviews )

SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is one of the world´s leading appointment scheduling solutions with tens of thousands of paying customers around the globe. SimplyBook.me offers a booking solution for smaller service based businesses as well as ente... Read more about SimplyBook.me

4.6 ( 1154 reviews )

BookingTimes

BookingTimes is a cloud-based solution that manages small massage clinics via the clinic’s own websites. Key features include appointment and employee management, email marketing, invoicing and payments. The solution helps us... Read more about BookingTimes

5.0 ( 21 reviews )

Goldie (formerly Appointfix) is the best appointment scheduling app to manage and grow your business. Easily schedule appointments, send automatic appointment reminders, get a free stunning online booking website, take deposits an... Read more about Goldie

4.8 ( 905 reviews )

Whether you are a one-person operation or part of a franchise, Bookeo is perfect for your business. Bookeo is an easy-to-use and powerful platform that provides all the necessary features to manage and grow your business: online b... Read more about Bookeo

4.3 ( 93 reviews )

Pabau's all-in-one software is built to handle everything that clinics (both large and small) need to run smoothly. Forget spreadsheets, integrations, paper notes and scanning — do it all from one easy to use tool. - Save 12+ ... Read more about Pabau

4.6 ( 388 reviews )

Yocale’s software is beautifully designed and engineered to create structure within your day-to-day operations. Whether you are running a busy hair salon or a physical therapy clinic, you can benefit from innovative resources incl... Read more about Yocale

4.7 ( 43 reviews )

Shortcuts is a cloud-based software suite that offers groups of modules configured for salons, barbershops, spas and schools. It is suitable for single locations and large chains and offers tools for appointment scheduling, custom... Read more about Shortcuts

4.1 ( 126 reviews )

Booker by MINDBODY is a cloud-based booking solution that provides businesses in cosmetics and wellness industry such as spas and salons, tools, which help them to manage their booking routines, payments, customer interactions and... Read more about Booker

4.1 ( 973 reviews )

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What is salon software?

Salon software is a digital tool that helps automate and streamline operations, including appointment scheduling, customer management, employee shift handling, and payment processing, at hair salons, beauty parlors, and spas. It sends automated reminders about upcoming appointments to clients. It often includes inventory management capabilities to ensure adequate supplies are always in stock. It also integrates with cash registers, barcode readers, and point of sale (POS) hardware to track sales and provide secure checkouts to clients.

Some salon management solutions provide marketing tools such as email campaigns and loyalty programs to attract and retain clients. Others assist with more specific needs, such as collecting client preferences for services or products used during their previous visits to provide personalized care.

What are the core features of salon software?

Appointment scheduling: Allow clients to book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online. The software sends automated reminders and confirmations via SMS or email about upcoming or canceled appointments.

Client database: Store and organize client information, including their contact details, appointment history, and service preferences. The client database helps track customer interactions, manage feedback, and provide personalized services based on past interactions.

What are the benefits of salon software?

Facilitates online booking: Salon software allows clients to schedule appointments online at any time, from anywhere. This feature shows available slots in real time and lets customers book services directly into the calendar, reducing the chances of double booking or overbooking. It also sends automated reminders to reduce no-shows.

Tracks inventory levels: Salon software automatically tracks product usage and sends alerts when stock levels are running low to prevent potential loss of business due to unavailable items. It maintains a record of all products sold or used to ensure popular items are always available for customers. It also reduces wastage by preventing overstocking of perishable goods.

Improves employee management: Salon software offers a unified dashboard to create staff schedules, assign tasks, track performance metrics (e.g., client satisfaction scores, commissions earned), and manage attendance and time off. This organized approach simplifies routine operations, reduces administrative burdens, and helps optimize workforce productivity.

Enables personalized client experience: Salon management software allows you to maintain detailed client profiles with details such as service preferences, past treatments or services, products bought, and preferred staff members. This information can assist your stylists and staff in providing personalized recommendations and services, creating a more tailored and satisfying experience for clients.

What are the potential issues with salon software?

Payment processing errors: Technical glitches or connectivity issues can lead to transactional errors such as double charges, failed transactions, or refund complications. These issues can impact clients’ experience, leading them to seek services elsewhere. To minimize these risks, ensure the availability of reliable payment gateways.

Scheduling conflicts: If the system isn’t properly set up or managed, it could lead to double bookings, missed appointments, or miscommunication between staff and clients. All these issues can disrupt your salon’s daily workflow and affect customer experience. A consolidated scheduling dashboard that offers a real-time overview of scheduled and canceled appointments can mitigate these conflicts by keeping everyone updated.

Limited customization options: Your salon business may have specific needs or guidelines to adhere to. For instance, you may want to capture clients’ product preferences or budget ranges. Limited customization may hinder the software platform’s adaptability to the unique needs of your salon, potentially resulting in irrelevant or insufficient data collection, compromising the service quality, and affecting your sales outcomes. Similarly, limited booking or billing customizations may not fully accommodate the specific services or pricing structures of individual salons.

How much does salon software cost?

Most salon software products on the market are priced on a “per month, per user” basis, and their entry-level pricing plans range from $1.05 to $248+ . * An enterprise tool that’s priced higher may include additional features such as multi-location appointment management, advanced inventory management, reputation management, and robust marketing automation tools.

*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offerings found on vendor websites as of Jan. 31, 2024.

What is salon software used for?

The use of salon management software goes beyond simply taking appointments and managing calendars. It’s a central hub for standardizing salon operations and fostering client relationships. The software can have multiple use cases based on the data you feed into it and the available features. 

POS system: Salon software can be used as a POS system, allowing your stylists to collect and process payments, invoices, and receipts for services availed. This can help speed up the checkout process, improve cash flow, and maintain financial records.

Staff scheduling: Salon software can be used to create and manage employee schedules, ensuring optimal coverage during peak hours and effective utilization of staff resources. This feature aids in minimizing scheduling conflicts and maintaining smooth workflows within your salon.

Marketing and promotions: Salon software can be used to create and send email marketing campaigns, track the results of social media campaigns, and manage loyalty programs. This capability can help attract new clients and retain existing ones.

Considerations when purchasing salon software

Assess client relationship management functionality. The salon software you shortlist should let you manage client information, preferences, and service history from a centralized location. You can use this data to create tailored services and personalized experiences to improve client satisfaction. The software should also help segment your client base based on demographics, preferences, or purchase behavior for targeted marketing campaigns. Additionally, it should automate customer communication, including reminders or promotional messages, to save time and improve overall business efficiency.

Check integrations with payment processing systems. Ensure the software integrates with your preferred payment processor for credit card transactions, gift cards, and other digital payment methods. This integration improves customer experience by offering multiple payment methods and simplifying the checkout process.

Examine the reporting and analytics capabilities. Your shortlisted software should generate detailed reports on appointment schedules, revenue trends, client behavior, staff performance, and product sales. These reports provide insights into business performance and help make informed decisions to streamline salon operations or enhance marketing strategies for better growth prospects. You should also consider customizable reports and real-time analytics to stay agile in response to changing business needs.

Products evaluated for the pricing calculation were taken from Software Advice’s salon software directory . The pricing ranges exclude freemium versions of the products. The features highlighted were identified based on their relevance and the percentage of products in Software Advice’s directory that offer them.

Disclaimer: This salon management software buyers guide was authored by Software Advice’s content team. We develop our guides using the author’s expertise, insights from 2M+ unique user reviews, and our proprietary data science algorithms to identify trends in user sentiment, preferences, and priorities. Some text was generated with assistance from AI tools.

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