How Do You Open a Beauty Salon?

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Salon owners enjoy the rarified air of professionals who control their own destinies. Opening a salon offers independence, opportunity for growth, and the ability to build a positive brand. However, opening a salon doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, talent, and deduction. And most salon owners start in the same place. The right training and education are needed to get the next generation of salon owners prepared to build their empires. So, how do you open a beauty salon?

How Do You Open a Beauty Salon?

Not everyone will take the same path to opening a beauty salon. While some salon owners start their careers as business owners, others become entrepreneurs following lengthy careers in the beauty industry. Either way, the first step is usually the same. Education precedes ownership.

Step #1: Complete a Cosmetology Program

The beauty industry is highly regulated. Anyone working as a hairdresser or cosmetologist must complete training at an accredited institution. Performing duties as a professional without proper licensure can come with serious repercussions. The good news for anyone seeking to become a trained, licensed cosmetologist is that the process is very accessible. Most programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.

A cosmetology degree should be looked at as much more than a requirement. Even a person with intense natural talent for hair, skin, and beauty can still benefit from completing a degree program. You are taught by instructors with years of experience working in salons and spas. These instructors can help you harness your raw talent and enthusiasm to use trusted techniques and standards. Programs also equip you to excel in the many aspects of working in, managing, or owning a beauty salon. Topics covered throughout cosmetology programs include:

  • Haircuts and styling.
  • Hair coloring and highlights.
  • Braids and extensions.
  • Skin care.
  • Nails.
  • Beauty product education.
  • OSHA and environmental compliance.
  • Customer management.
  • Vendor management.
  • Salon marketing.

In addition to learning in a traditional classroom setting, you will also get opportunities to work in real-world settings. You will work under the supervision of instructors to offer beauty services to real clients. Finally, you often complete a final exam that consists of both a written portion and hands-on demonstration. The well-rounded education offered by cosmetology programs puts an aspiring business owner in the position to open a beauty salon.

Step #2: Get a License to Practice Cosmetology

Graduation day isn’t the final step for cosmetology students. Upon successful completion of a cosmetology degree, you must complete the process for obtaining a state cosmetology license. This involves passing an exam. Once you receive a passing grade, you are able to submit your paperwork to be given a state cosmetology license that allows you to legally work as a cosmetologist.

Step #3: Obtain a Business License

A business license is separate from a cosmetology licensee. It is something that is required for all business owners seeking to operate establishments offering any type of product, service, or experience. The process of getting a business license will vary based on where you choose to set up your business. While not all states require a general business license, most towns, cities, and counties do. Salons generally need a salon retail seller permit, business operation license, and certificate of occupancy. In addition, the person listed as the business owner must possess a current and valid cosmetologist license.

Step #4: Find a Perfect Location

One of the biggest tasks associated with opening a salon is finding the right location. There are several different ways to choose a location for a beauty salon. A salon owner might decide to convert a portion of their own home into a beauty salon. Others might decide to purchase their own commercial buildings. When doing this, it is often possible to rent out other parts of a building to tenants. However, the most common way to find a good location for a beauty salon is to simply lease a commercial space. A long-term lease lasting five to 10 years can be a good choice for achieving peace of mind about the ability to remain in a single location while building up a business. The perfect property sometimes “pops up” at the right time. However, most new business owners work with real estate agents or leasing agents to identify properties in desirable areas that offer the features, square footage, building codes, and parking availability needed for success.

Step #5: Hire Employees

Bringing together a team of professionals is one of the most exciting aspects of opening a salon. Running a successful salon truly takes a team effort. While some beauty salon owners act as the day-to-day managers at their salons, others hire assistant managers to oversee management tasks. Beauty salons also need a roster of specialists capable of providing a wide range of salon services. When opening a new salon, a hiring list for staff should include:

  • Hairdressers.
  • Barbers.
  • Colorists
  • Shampooers.
  • Nail technicians.
  • Skin specialists.
  • Receptionists.

Some beauty salons also employ massage therapists. When creating an employee position list, salon owners should assemble a list of “contractors” to help everything run smoothly with a business. This can include a trusted waste removal company, repair expert, and technology expert. While these people aren’t employees, they are considered essential vendors.

Step #6: Purchase Supplies, Salon Products, and Salon Equipment

Beauty salon owners must focus on setting up their salon spaces as opening day approaches. One of the big decisions to make involves the types of products that will be used in the salon. It will be necessary to get in touch with an account manager from a beauty brand to learn the process for keeping specific products in stock. In some cases, it may be necessary to enter into a licensing agreement to be able to use a brand’s products in a salon.

Next, beauty salon owners must purchase equipment and supplies that will be used on a daily basis. Setting up salon equipment often requires help from plumbers and electricians. Here’s a look at the many things needed to create a fully operational salon:

  • Shears/blending shears.
  • Clippers.
  • Trimmers.
  • Blow dryers.
  • Curling irons and flat irons.
  • Razors and replacement blades.
  • Sectioning clips.
  • Aprons.
  • Capes.
  • Combs.
  • Styling brushes.
  • Spray bottles.
  • Disinfectant sprays and wipes.
  • Towels.
  • Duster brushes.
  • Tool holders.
  • Mirrors.
  • Utility trays.
  • Pedicure trays.
  • Pedicure chairs.
  • Nail technician stools.
  • Manicure tables and chairs.
  • Hair steamers.
  • Facial machines.
  • Massage beds.
  • Spray tan machines.
  • Trolleys, carts, shelves, and trays.
  • Wax warmers.
  • Outdoor signs.
  • Welcome matt.
  • Trash bins.
  • Reception desk with chair.
  • Reception desk supplies.
  • Reception phone and computer.
  • Cash register/payment tools.
  • Reception area seating and furniture.
  • Magazine racks.
  • Product displays.
  • Lighting fixtures.
  • Shampoo chairs.
  • Shampoo bowls.
  • Hair color bar.
  • Styling chairs.
  • Styling stations.

 

It’s important to have a business plan in place before ordering supplies and equipment for a beauty salon. A business plan makes it easier to know what’s needed, what can be skipped, and the quantity needed for each big-ticket item. Don’t forget about “extras” that might be needed to meet the needs of employees. For instance, a salon might require some basic kitchen appliances for the breakroom.

Step #7: Implement a Marketing Plan

It’s important to have a marketing plan in place during the period leading up to a salon’s grand opening. This is because it’s difficult to get foot traffic when the public doesn’t know a salon exists. While salon owners might be hesitant to pour money into marketing when so many other costs need to be handled, the truth is that marketing is a great investment that helps to boost a salon owner’s return on investment on the initial costs they are pouring into a beauty salon.

Salon owners should consider hiring a marketing firm to help spread the word. A local marketing firm is often a good fit simply because it can provide “hyperlocal” advertising services. If hiring a marketing firm is out of the question, a salon owner can create a social media presence that helps more people discover the new beauty salon. Finally, a salon owner can consider hosting an open house that invites potential clients into the salon for a tour, beauty demonstrations, and free samples.

The Path to Salon Ownership Starts With a Simple Decision

The universal rule of salon ownership is that all salon owners must possess current cosmetology licensing. The only way to become a licensed salon owner is to attend a beauty school to obtain a diploma in cosmetology. The sky is truly the limit after that. The good news is that there’s no need to jump into salon ownership immediately after graduation. It’s very common for newly minted cosmetologists to learn the ropes while working in salons owned by other people before making the entrepreneurial leap to opening their own businesses.

Want to Learn More?

Did you enjoy learning about opening up a beauty salon? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.

 

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.