To start a hair salon you need a cosmetology license, a salon location with styling stations, equipment, a booth rental or employee model, and a marketing strategy. Most salons open in 2–4 months with $30,000–$150,000.
Complete cosmetology school (1,000–1,500 hours) and pass your state licensing exam; most states require a separate salon license for the facility.
Decide between booth rental (stylists rent chairs, you collect rent) or commission (you employ stylists, keep 50%+); each has different revenue, control, and management needs.
Look for high-visibility retail space with parking, foot traffic, and the right demographics; salon build-out includes plumbing for washing stations and electrical for styling tools.
Invest in styling chairs, washing bowls, mirrors, dryers, color stations, tools, and retail products (shampoo, styling, color) for additional revenue.
Apply for a salon license from your state cosmetology board; the facility must meet health, safety, and sanitation requirements and pass inspection.
For booth rental, market chairs to licensed stylists with their own clientele. For commission, hire and train stylists, with a clear compensation and advancement structure.
Use salon software (Vagaro, Fresha, Mangomint) for online booking, POS, inventory, commission tracking, and client management.
Build a strong Instagram presence, offer new-client promotions, leverage stylists’ social media, and invest in local SEO and Google Business.
BizResCo connects you with verified professionals for every step of starting and growing your business.
Startup costs range from $30,000 for a small salon with used equipment to $150,000+ for a high-end salon with build-out, equipment, and retail inventory.
Our AI assesses your business and generates a custom 90-day action plan with tasks, provider matches, and growth insights.
Start my free assessmentTo start a nail salon you need a manicurist license, a salon facility license, ventilation that meets health codes, equipment, and a marketing strategy. Most nail salons open in 2–4 months with $30,000–$100,000.
To start a spa you need esthetician and massage therapy licenses, a salon or spa facility license, treatment rooms with equipment, and a client experience strategy. Most day spas open in 3–6 months with $80,000–$250,000.
To start a yoga studio you need a teaching certification (RYT 200/500), a studio space with proper flooring and props, a class scheduling system, and a membership model. Most studios open in 2–4 months with $20,000–$80,000.