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Complete salonsBalancing a passion for the trade with the realities of running a business, this exciting project also presents a real challenge. Market research, business plan, legal status, choice of premises, equipment: setting up a business in the barbering sector follows a specific process. My Salon de Coiffure, a specialist wholesaler in hairdressing furniture, explains how to open a barber shop and turn your project into a successful launch. Follow the guide!
How to prepare your barber shop project?
A well-designed action plan lays the foundations for a sustainable business.
Market research is the first step. It enables you to assess local demand for a barber shop and identify your target customer base. Working men, young city dwellers, enthusiasts of traditional shaving: every neighbourhood has its own typical profile.
An analysis of the local competition rounds off this research. How many hairdressers or barbershops are there nearby? What services do they offer? What are their prices? This research helps you spot opportunities.
Finally, your barbershop needs to stand out. A successful concept requires a strong identity: a vintage theme, an industrial vibe, a masculine and premium feel… This will guide every future decision, from choosing the premises to the interior design.
How do you draw up a business plan and a budget for your barbershop?
The business plan formalises your project. It quantifies the investment and demonstrates the profitability of your future business.
The projected budget for opening a barbershop includes several items:
- renting or buying the premises;
- fit-out work;
- purchase of furniture and equipment;
- stocking up on products;
- marketing and promotion;
- start-up capital.
The business plan must also set out your services in detail. Haircuts, beard trimming and grooming, traditional straight-razor shaves, facials: these specialist services generate additional turnover. They set your salon apart from a generalist hairdressing salon.
Finally, estimate a realistic average spend per customer, the number of customers per day, and project your profitability for the first few months of operation. This analysis reassures banks and other financial partners when applying for a loan.
What are the administrative procedures for opening a barber shop?
Opening a barber’s shop is subject to specific regulations.
Qualifications and certifications
To practise as a barber, you generally need a CAP in Hairdressing and/or recognised professional experience. This prerequisite is essential for your registration.
Legal status
This is the second key decision. Micro-enterprise, sole trader, SASU or EURL: each legal structure offers advantages depending on the scale of your project and your ambitions. A micro-enterprise is suitable for small businesses, whilst a company facilitates growth to include several employees.
You must register your barbershop with the Centre de formalités des entreprises (Business Registration Centre), and be listed in the Répertoire des métiers (Trade Register).
Hygiene standards
These regulations protect your customers and safeguard your professional liability. As you might expect, they are particularly strict for a barbershop.
Shaving with a blade requires thorough disinfection of equipment, and some accessories must even be single-use only. As a barber, you must comply with the requirements for premises open to the public (ERP).
What funding options are available for opening a barbershop?
Financing often determines whether a project is feasible.
- Personal capital remains the primary source of funding. It reassures banks and demonstrates your commitment to the project.
- A business loan frequently supplements this contribution. A solid business plan makes it easier to negotiate with banks.
- Various start-up grants are also available: ACRE, interest-free loans, regional grants, etc. Find out more from trade chambers or start-up support networks, which provide effective guidance to entrepreneurs.
Key point: a balanced funding plan combining personal capital, borrowing and grants will ensure the successful launch of your barber’s business.
How do you choose and fit out premises for a barber shop?
Above all, the location must suit your target customer base: town centre, a vibrant residential neighbourhood, a busy shopping area… Visibility and ease of access are just as important as the rent.
The size of the premises depends on the number of stations you plan to have. A barber shop generally operates in a compact, optimised space, free from unnecessary elements.
The layout of the barber shop must reflect your concept. A distinctive salon stands out through its atmosphere, choice of materials and colours… From the moment a customer walks in until the service is complete, every detail contributes to the customer experience.
What is the essential equipment for a barber shop?
The equipment determines the quality of the services provided, as well as the comfort of the working environment for you and any staff members. Here are the essential items:
- sturdy, reclining barber’s chairs with footrests, suitable for both shaving and haircuts;
- styling stations with mirrors, storage shelves and suitable lighting;
- a washing area fitted with an ergonomic shampoo basin, comfortable for both the customer and the barber;
- reception furniture: a counter, seating and a coffee table for customers, all in a style consistent with the salon’s concept;
- storage: units for linen, products and small equipment;
- barber’s equipment: clippers, traditional razors, shaving brushes, hot towels, beard care products, etc.
Each item must be chosen with care, in line with your concept, the available space and your budget. My Salon de Coiffure offers professional guidance during this phase of your project. We fit out future barbershops with professional furniture available at all price points, in a wide range of colours and finishes.
How to successfully launch your barber’s shop?
Opening a barbershop isn’t something you can wing. Your visual identity needs to be strong right from day one: a prominent logo and sign, and a visual style that matches the salon’s atmosphere…
Local visibility depends on a presence on Google and in business directories, but also on word of mouth within the neighbourhood. Social media is also essential for a barbershop. Instagram, in particular, showcases the work carried out through before-and-after photos.
Online booking makes the customer experience smoother and gives your business a more professional image.
Finally, plan your initial customer loyalty initiatives in advance: a launch offer, a loyalty card, a beard care subscription… Your customer base is built up from the very first weeks of business.
Opening a barbershop requires thorough preparation. My Salon de Coiffure supports entrepreneurs in fitting out and equipping their barbershop, in line with their concept, premises and budget. Request a personalised quote and benefit from expert advice.