Please Note: <\/strong>This post is for informational purposes. If you have any questions regarding your business, we strongly encourage you to consult a legal professional or business advisor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Download our interactive checklist, save to your computer and check items off as you go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Opening a salon is no easy feat, and we know there\u2019s a lot to get done before the big opening day. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve created an easy-to-follow salon opening checklist. It includes all the steps you\u2019ll need to take, plus a list of equipment you\u2019ll need to purchase for your salon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our printable guide provides a detailed look at tasks you\u2019ll need to accomplish before opening your salon. The steps below will provide more insight and lead you through the checklist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to opening a salon is building a business plan<\/a>. This is the foundation of your salon and will help ensure that your business will be profitable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next on your list is to register your business with the IRS<\/a>. When doing so, you\u2019ll receive an Employer Identification Number, which you\u2019ll use when filing taxes<\/a>. This is a good time to also trademark your business name<\/a> to prohibit others from using your salon\u2019s name<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your salon’s location can have a major impact on the success of your business and profits. You\u2019ll want to choose a place that\u2019s accessible and visible to your community. An ideal location would likely be on a popular street with plenty of foot traffic. On the other hand, a location you may want to avoid is a building that\u2019s tucked away on a quiet street and difficult to access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the things you should also consider when selecting a location are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have a salon location and generally know what you want it to be, the next steps are making it come to life. This starts with purchasing all the necessary equipment and items you\u2019ll need for a functional salon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that you should give yourself 8-12 weeks to order and receive all of your items before opening your salon. You should also check your permit\/license to see how many stations, sinks, and similar items you\u2019re permitted to install in your space. The lists below and the printable checklist primarily focus on hair salons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ashley Mecham, a StyleSeat hair stylist, says that the most important equipment to have in your salon is a booking and payment system that keeps records of earnings and inventory to keep your team organized and on-schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Your talents and level of service will take you very far, it\u2019s about staying organized that makes all the difference.\u201d<\/p>Ashley MechaM, Hair Stylist<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s finally time for the fun stuff. Before the grand opening, you\u2019ll need to renovate and decorate the space to not only fit your needs, but also match the overall aesthetic of your business. Some of the renovations and installation work may require professional help, so be sure to hire individuals who have commercial building experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After remodels and installation are complete, you\u2019ll need to complete inspections. Your state\u2019s cosmetology board will require you to have your business license, salon license, beauty service license, as well as meet sanitation standards. These standards and required paperwork vary by state, so it\u2019s crucial for you to get in touch with your state board to determine what you need to do before opening your salon. If you follow your state regulations closely, you should be able to pass inspections with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring your dream team isn\u2019t only important for the success of your salon, but the overall dynamic of the workplace. Take your time in the hiring process and really vet potential stylists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you begin prepping your salon for opening, you should also be establishing your digital presence. Here are a couple things you should focus on when advertising your new business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s time to finally celebrate and plan your big opening day! Here are a few ideas you can use when planning your opening day events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n StyleSeat stylist Ashley Mecham has an Aveda background and after being 10+ years in the industry as an employee, she wanted more control over offering a more customizable client experience and executing her expectation of service. She found her success in innovation and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn an industry that is always evolving, you never want to get complacent or stale. I have created international relationships within the industry that have opened doors of education, formulating color lines, working with chemists, and experiencing new haircare!\u201d<\/p>Ashley MechaM, Hair Stylist<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n For those interested in opening their own salon, Mecham says it\u2019s important to create a cohesive culture amongst your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are more commonly asked questions on opening a salon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing a business is no easy feat, but having the proper management tools and structure will set you up for success. Ashley Mecham recommends having a user-friendly booking platform that has clear reports. Understand profit and loss, overhead expenses, and a strong formula for pricing. Structure is key! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAlways show up as a professional and never forget that you can do this! Push beyond your comforts, put yourself out there and be a leader and an inspiration to others.\u201d<\/p>Ashley MechaM, Hair Stylist<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The cost of opening up a salon can be anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000<\/a> on average. This number will vary depending on your salon\u2019s location, size, renovations, and other factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to open your own salon? We\u2019re here to help you every step of the way. Connect with our community of hairstylists<\/a> to learn more about running a successful salon. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSalon opening checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to open a salon in 9 steps <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Create a business plan<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Register your business<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Location setup <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Purchase equipment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Remodel and install<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Pass inspections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Recruit stylists <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Advertise your salon <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9. Opening day<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Salon success story<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQ <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are some management tips for new salon owners? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the startup cost of opening a salon?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n