Opening a hair salon is a steady and lucrative business with the right planning and industry knowledge. Having a niche, inviting culture and a strong vision are all keys to success. To break into the beauty industry, find out what do you need to start your own salon.
Understand Local Laws And Regulations
Opening a salon means learning the local laws and regulations and obtaining the proper permits. Different licenses are required depending on what the salon offers, for example only hair services or hair and beauty services. This research should be done during the business plan creation phase. Common permits required to open a salon include a business operation license, a certificate of occupancy, a retail sale license, a building permit, sanitation, and a state cosmetology license.
Find Prime Location and Equipment
Finding the right location is one of the biggest costs of opening a salon. Look for a space located in a well-populated area that is easily accessible and has plenty of parking. Avoid a space located close to other competing salons and keep the target clientele base in mind. An upscale salon targeting affluent clientele should be located in a downtown or upscale shopping area. If targeting younger clientele, look for a location in a trendy or up-and-coming neighborhood.
Running a salon requires equipment like chairs, hair tools, washing stations, mirrors, displays, cabinets, and furniture. If your chosen space doesn’t already come outfitted as a salon, comparison shop to find an equipment financing company that works with a budget. Other equipment to consider is outdoor signage, phones, reception desk, and sound system. Using digital signage for salons can be a great way to showcase before and afters, promotions and loyalty schemes. It’s a crucial, yet simple way to attract clients to your salon.
The first experience clients will have with a salon is the initial call to schedule an appointment. Zendesk call center integration from Bright Pattern is a unified agent desktop that offers search, identification, and screen pop functionalities. Bright Pattern’s call center solution integrates with Zendesk to give staff the ability to manage all forms of communication channels at once to give clients a personalized experience.
Explore Partnerships And Distributors
Look for local, wholesale, or national distributors with local agents to find the products and equipment needed to open a salon. Larger equipment like chairs and dryers should be obtained from a wholesale distributor, while smaller items like hairpins and brushes can be purchased from a local distributor or manufacturer. Consider partnering with a product company or line or reach out to brands that will appeal to the target clientele and discuss carrying their products in-house.
One way to save on equipment costs is to source second-hand. Cosmetic Laser Warehouse is an industry leader of aftermarket cosmetic and aesthetic laser equipment. They specialize in selling and buying high-quality used Palomar and Syneron cosmetic equipment. Additionally, Cosmetic Laser Warehouse offers repairs and maintenance of Palomar and Syneron equipment software and electrical components. Visit cosmeticlaserwarehouse.com for a full listing of their product and service offerings.
Determine The Target Customer Base
Research the local market to see what competition is around and find out what services they offer and what clientele they attract. Determining the target customer base and tailoring a salon around them will influence many decisions. With salons easily available, it’s important to enter the market with specialty or niche services that will draw clientele. Think about what will make the salon unique and build the brand around this niche. Know what are the client needs the salon will serve and create a vision to achieve these needs. A salon’s top priority should always be on giving clients a great experience that will encourage them to return.
Clients pay the most attention to the quality of service they receive from their stylists. A successful salon should employ licensed stylists knowledgeable about the latest trends in hair and makeup. Bellus Academy cosmetology school offers students comprehensive cosmetology programs tailored to meet state-specific requirements while teaching technique, artistry, and the latest trends.
