Hairdressing furniture
Barber’s furniture
Beauty
Accessories
Complete salonsSetting up your own hairdressing business is an ambitious project, but one that is achievable provided you are well prepared. From market research to fitting out your premises, every step counts in ensuring you get off to a good start. MySalondeCoiffure guides you step by step through the process of setting up your business and explains in detail how to open a hairdressing salon.
How can you prepare your business properly before opening a hairdressing salon?
Before looking for premises or buying equipment, lay the foundations for your business. Thorough preparation in advance helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
Start by carrying out thorough market research:
- Identify your catchment area. Who are your future customers? What are their needs, habits and purchasing power? An in-depth analysis of your local area will give you a clear picture of the potential of your future hairdressing salon.
- Analyse the local competition. How many salons are already established in your area? What services do they offer? At what prices? This analysis will help you identify opportunities and avoid saturated markets.
- Define your positioning. This decision will shape your entire future strategy. Do you want to open a versatile unisex salon? A men’s salon or a trendy barber shop? A premium venue offering high-end services? Your positioning determines your target clientele, your pricing policy and the atmosphere of your salon.
How do you draw up a solid business plan for your hairdressing salon?
Acting as a compass, the business plan guides your project and wins over your future financial partners.
Introduction
Write a clear overview of your project: who are you, what is your vision, and what type of salon do you want to open? This narrative section sets out the framework for your business.
Provisional budget
Here are the main items to factor in:
- fit-out work: between 10,000 and 50,000 euros depending on the condition of the premises and your ambitions;
- hairdressing furniture and equipment: between 15,000 and 40,000 euros for a well-equipped salon;
- stock of products: €3,000 to €8,000 to get started;
- security deposit and rent: varies depending on the location;
- business set-up costs: a few hundred euros;
- start-up capital (essential for the first few months).
Expected profitability
Estimate your potential turnover. How many customers can you serve per day? What is your average spend per customer? Project your revenue over three years using realistic assumptions and based on a low, medium and high-end scenario.
Calculate your break-even point: at what level of business activity will your salon cover its running costs? This calculation is fundamental to assessing the viability of a hairdressing salon project.
What administrative procedures are involved in opening a hairdressing salon?
Opening a hairdressing salon is governed by specific regulations.
Qualifications required
To practise hairdressing professionally, you must hold at least a CAP in Hairdressing. The Brevet Professionnel (BP) in Hairdressing is strongly recommended if you wish to manage a salon. If you do not hold a qualification yourself, you can employ a qualified hairdresser as manager.
Choosing a legal structure
There are several options available to you: auto-entrepreneur, EURL, SARL, SAS… Each legal structure offers tax, social security and asset-related advantages. Seek advice from a chartered accountant to choose the legal structure best suited to your situation.
Registering your business
Your hairdressing salon must be registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) or the National Business Register (RNE), depending on your legal status. This formalises the establishment of your business.
Health and safety standards
Your salon is a public access premises (ERP). As such, it is subject to strict requirements: accessibility for people with disabilities, fire safety, ventilation, hygiene, etc. Check with your local council and have your premises inspected before opening.
How to finance your hairdressing salon project?
Funding is the key to success. You can combine various options:
- Personal contribution: banks generally require a contribution of 20% to 30% of the project’s cost. A solid financial profile reassures lenders.
- Business loan from a bank: this remains the main way to finance your project. Present a convincing business plan, with realistic projections and solid guarantees.
- Start-up grants: there are numerous options available, including the ACRE scheme (support for business founders and buyers), which reduces your social security contributions when you first start trading. Interest-free loans via support networks (Initiative France, Réseau Entreprendre) and regional and local grants are also available.
- Microcredit: this scheme is an option for entrepreneurs who do not have access to traditional banking channels.
The Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) and business start-up networks can support your plan to set up a hairdressing salon: get in touch with them.
How do you choose premises and fit out your hairdressing salon?
The location will determine your visibility, your working comfort and your customers’ experience.
Size and location
Setting up a hairdressing business requires at least 30 to 40 m². Opt for premises in the town centre, in a busy shopping area or a residential neighbourhood with a high population density.
Layout of the space
A well-organised salon is key to your efficiency at work. Here are the main areas to set up:
- Reception area: this sets the tone and reflects your brand identity.
- Waiting area: this should be welcoming and must not obstruct movement or interfere with work.
- Shampoo area: position this away from the main area to ensure clients’ privacy.
- Styling stations: arrange them to maximise stylists’ comfort and make the most of natural light.
- Storage and toilets.
Layout
Every area must be easily accessible. The aisles between stations must be wide enough to allow for comfortable movement. Remember to allow sufficient space for people with reduced mobility.
What equipment do you need to open your hairdressing salon?
Here is the essential hairdressing furniture you’ll need to get your business up and running:
- styling stations with mirrors, worktops and shelves, electrical sockets and LED lighting;
- height-adjustable, swivel hairdressing chairs to make the hairdresser’s work easier;
- shampoo basins with professional taps and padded chairs with reclining backrests;
- reception, till and waiting area furniture;
- product display stands;
- storage solutions: units for towels and products, trolleys and serving trolleys;
- small equipment: professional hairdryers, heated hoods, straightening and curling irons, clippers, etc.
MySalondeCoiffure supports future salon owners in choosing and arranging their hairdressing furniture. Whether you’re starting out on a tight budget or aiming for a premium fit-out, we offer tailored solutions and personalised advice to help you create a functional, attractive and cohesive salon from day one.
How can you ensure a successful salon launch and professional marketing?
Here are a few tips to help you get your business off to a flying start with a full appointment book:
- Create a strong visual identity. Use your logo, colour scheme, typography and salon name on your shopfront, business cards, social media and all your marketing materials.
- Boost your local visibility via Google Business Profile. Customers look for a hairdresser near them, often using their smartphone. A well-populated Google listing (with photos, opening hours and reviews) is your best online calling card.
- Set up online booking. Tools such as Planity, Wavy or Reservio allow you to automate your diary and minimise gaps in your schedule. Customers appreciate this flexible service.
- Launch your first customer loyalty initiatives as soon as you open: a welcome offer, handing out leaflets, an opening event…
- Be active on social media. Instagram and TikTok are the natural showcases for a hair salon. Post your work, give a behind-the-scenes look, and share your world. Authenticity is your greatest asset.
Opening a hair salon is like planning a project from start to finish. Thorough preparation at every stage is the key to a successful launch.
By surrounding yourself with the right partners for your salon’s equipment and fit-out, you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of success. MySalondeCoiffure supports you throughout all your projects.