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Complete salonsThis business operates according to specific guidelines: a distinctly masculine atmosphere, services centred on haircuts and beard styling, and a customer experience focused as much on expertise as on the ambience... From project planning and administrative procedures to financing, fitting out the premises and sourcing equipment, here are all the key steps to launching your business. Find out how to open a barbershop with Mysalon, a wholesaler of high-end hairdressing furniture.
Why carry out market research and define your barbershop concept?
Before setting up any business, the first step is to confirm the viability of the project in the chosen location. A thorough market research study enables you to assess local demand for a barbershop, identify your target customer profile and gauge the potential of your business.
Analysing the local competition is just as essential: how many barbershops and men’s hairdressing salons are already in the vicinity? What positioning do they adopt? This analysis helps you develop a strong, distinctive concept that reflects the barbershop’s unique identity. This could be a vintage theme, a raw industrial feel, a masculine and cosy atmosphere, or a premium positioning… This concept will then guide all your decisions, from the layout of the premises right through to your marketing.
How do you work out the investment needed to open your barbershop?
Once the concept has been defined, it’s time to draw up the business plan and the projected budget!
Business plan
This document, which is central to any business start-up, must detail the services you will offer:
- men’s haircuts;
- beard trimming and grooming;
- traditional blade shave;
- additional treatments (facials, beard colouring, etc.).
Provisional budget
It must include all expenditure items:
- initial investment (premises, building works, equipment);
- fixed costs (rent, wages, insurance);
- variable costs related to the business.
This costing exercise enables you to assess the break-even point and determine the number of services required each month to break even. Drawing up a provisional budget is an essential step before launching your business.
What are the administrative procedures and regulations specific to barbershops?
The business’s legal structure, required qualifications, hygiene standards to be met: opening a barber shop is a demanding undertaking.
Legal obligations
Opening a barber’s shop requires compliance with a specific regulatory framework. In terms of qualifications, a hairdressing qualification is required to practise. This should ideally be complemented by a specialisation in barbering, which demonstrates your technical mastery of beard trimming and traditional shaving.
Choosing a legal structure
Micro-enterprise, sole trader, single-member limited liability company (EURL), simplified single-member limited company (SASU): the legal structure depends on the scale of the project, the number of partners and the growth prospects for your barbershop. You must also register your business with the relevant authorities. This official step is a prerequisite for setting up the barbershop.
Hygiene standards
These are particularly strict in the barbering sector, especially regarding anything to do with blade shaving:
- systematic disinfection of equipment;
- use of single-use blades;
- a strict hygiene protocol after each customer.
The specific requirements for premises open to the public – safety, accessibility for people with reduced mobility – must also be taken into account from the very start of the premises’ design.
How can you finance the opening of your barber shop?
Funding generally comes from several complementary sources.
Personal capital contribution is often the starting point. This reassures financial partners and demonstrates the entrepreneur’s commitment.
A business loan, taken out with a bank, usually covers the bulk of the investment (premises, fitting-out, equipment).
Various business start-up grants may be available depending on your profile: social security contribution exemptions, regional support schemes, etc. These tools complement the overall funding plan for your future salon.
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How to choose premises and fit out your barber shop?
Location is a decisive factor for any business. Visibility on a high street, proximity to an urban, male clientele and ease of access are all key advantages to prioritise.
The floor area must be sized according to the number of stations planned. Also bear in mind the waiting area, an integral yet all too often overlooked part of the barbershop experience
The layout must effectively reflect the concept defined at the outset:
- raw materials, wood and metal for an industrial feel;
- leather and dark wood panelling for a vintage feel;
- meticulous finishes for a premium positioning…
A recognisable and consistent ambience plays a key role in the customer experience and in building customer loyalty.
What is the essential equipment for a barber’s shop?
Once you’ve found the premises, the furniture and equipment must meet the needs of your business.
- The barber’s chair is the centrepiece of the salon. Sturdy, height-adjustable and suitable for both shaving and haircuts, it embodies the venue’s visual identity.
- The styling station features mirrors, storage shelves and appropriate lighting. It contributes to the quality of the services and the overall atmosphere of the barber shop.
- The shampoo area features a comfortable wash basin, suitable for both standard services and beard care.
- The reception area must include at least a bench or waiting chairs, as well as a counter. Storage units for linen and products complete the layout.
- Finally, every salon must have the essential barber’s tools: clippers, straight razors and blades, shaving brushes, towel warmers, hot towels, aprons and protective capes…
This list forms the essential foundation for launching your barber’s business on the right footing.
How can you ensure the successful launch of your barber’s shop?
The quality of the services matters, but how you promote the launch is crucial. A strong visual identity (logo, sign, brand identity, etc.) must reflect the salon’s positioning at first glance.
Local visibility (signage, word of mouth, neighbourhood partnerships, etc.) remains essential for a community-based business. This is complemented by an active presence on social media, which is particularly effective with a male clientele who are conscious of their image and style.
Online booking simplifies the customer experience right from the start. As for customer loyalty schemes and launch offers, these help build a regular clientele from the very first months of operation.
What support does Mysalondecoiffure offer to help you set up your barbershop?
Setting up a barbershop from the ground up requires the right partners. Mysalondecoiffure supports future owners in choosing their furniture and equipment. Our advisers help you achieve a genuine balance between your concept, the available space and your budget.
Opening a barbershop is a demanding project that is built step by step. A successful launch depends above all on thorough preparation – from the business plan to the final fit-out – to lay the foundations for a sustainable business. Benefit from personalised advice from Mysalondecoiffure.