Q&A for How to Start a Beauty Salon

You'll need a great location and team of well-trained salon professionals that are open to learning and growing more. In terms of staff, you'll also want a receptionist and a neat, organized cleaning crew.

You'll need to factor in equipment, inventory, and the salon itself. You'll also need to think about business licensing, insurance, and other costs, like rent, utilities, salaries for your employees, and marketing costs.

Salon chair, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, barbacide, gloves, rollers (basic rollers for wet set, Flexi rods, perm rods, soft rollers), dryers, different stylers (depends if the client is natural or relaxed), shower caps, wet capes, styling capes, scissors, broom, dust pan, shampoo bowl, needles, thread, wig cap, mannequin head, hair clips, blow dryers, deep conditioners, rubber bands, hair ties, beads, and more.

Yes, in most jurisdictions or countries you would need a license. This is because of health and safety issues, business licensing requirements and maintaining appropriate standards that reassure clients that you know what you're doing. In some cases, you may need specific licenses if using particular machines or techniques, depending on the laws of your state/province or region. Most of all, having a license helps to reassure clients that you're professional.

Definitely. It's important to know your business well.

I need to first have enough money to have a location. Next, you need a license to be a cosmetologist.

A lot. You need to cover a place, rent, equipment, certificates, employees, water/power, makeup, etc. Look at an existing beauty salon, that's your competition. You have to be as well set up as them at least, in order to have clients.

Sure, anyone can.

If you are younger than age 18, no. If you are older than 18, yes.

It depends on what you buy. The cheapest solution would be to get everything you need (like a salon chair, hanging mirror, storage dresser, etc.) from somewhere like Amazon or Walmart. From there, you can find tons of DIY projects on places like YouTube or Pinterest to make your salon even better. The cost will vary depending on what you do and what supplies you use, but taking the DIY route can save you tons of money.

Yes. Many make house calls.

No, you're not legally old enough yet.

Yes, so that you still have some kind of income, but you could give them a discount if your income is steady.

There are too many variables to answer properly. Once your expenses and the value of your time are determined, set your prices accordingly. You should definitely make a profit, unless you're doing it for a hobby. Profit will be determined by the service provided, the salon policy (is the salon commission-based, etc.), space rental, salon prices, your experience, etc.

No, not at all, and even if it was, we're all beautiful in our own way. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, as long as you're nice to your clients. This will keep them coming back. It should be like visiting a friend you enjoy being around because of their personality.

No, not necessarily, although going through a cosmetology program would definitely benefit you.

You can check with the laws in your area, but I doubt a minor would be issued a beautician or cosmetologist's license.

Assuming the worst, I would say you should have about $100k to open any salon. That's more than you would likely need, but it's better than not having enough.

The costs would vary greatly with location, supplies, etc. Therefore, there is really no way to give a precise minimum amount. It generally will cost at least $100,000 to start most businesses.