Startup

How much does a hair salon cost?

The price of a hair salon depends on several factors, including location, size, equipment, and furniture. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that can affect the cost of starting or buying a hair salon.

15. January 2024

Location

The price of commercial premises varies greatly depending on the area. Salons in city centres or busy shopping areas can be fantastic for attracting new customers and making money, but the rent is priced accordingly. For a new hairdresser, it will often make the most sense to start your salon at home, in a room you do not use, or perhaps in a garage that you can convert.

Location - a useful tip

There are salons where you can rent a single station and therefore only pay part of the rent, making it possible to afford a location in a city centre or a busy shopping area. You can find most salons of this type through Facebook groups or Google.

Equipment and furnishings

The cost of purchasing styling chairs, backwash units, mirrors and other equipment will vary depending on the brand, quality and number of client stations you need. I recommend setting aside a budget of DKK 20,000 for furniture and equipment. Brands such as Comfortel Furniture are an obvious choice if keeping costs low is important to you, but you do not want to compromise on quality.

Cash payment vs. financing

Many people choose to finance their furniture so they do not have to pay for everything out of pocket from the start. You can read more about financing here.

Branding and marketing

The costs of setting up and marketing your salon, including signage, promotional materials and building an online presence, should also be taken into account. Being active on social media, putting up a simple roadside sign and getting your family and friends to spread the word will take you a long way. A good tip is to offer your existing customers 10% off every time they refer a new customer to you.

Staff costs

If you plan to hire staff, you need to consider wages, insurance and other staff-related costs. If you have a good network of hairdressers, you can help each other share the costs. Most people start out alone to try their hand at being self-employed.

Support

If you would like some help, completely free of charge, you can contact me below. I would love to help you fulfil your salon dreams and perhaps work out how much your dream salon will cost.

Final thoughts

It is nearly impossible to say how much a salon costs. It is a bit like asking which car is best: it completely depends on your plans. A Mini Cooper is great fun to drive, but not very practical if you are taking the whole family to Italy.

Written by Rasmus Østergaard

Author at Just Add People

Meet the author

Rasmus Østergaard is editor and journalist at Just Add People. Rasmus is responsible for making useful information about the hairdressing profession and the beauty industry accessible to everyone.

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