Starting a Beauty Salon: Checklist, Costs, 101 Tips

Start a Beauty Salon the Smart Way: Owner’s Overview

This work is personal. You are close to people. You work with sharp tools, chemicals, and tight schedules. You deal with strong opinions about looks and style. Some people love that environment. Others find it draining.

Ask yourself if you enjoy working one-on-one with people most of the day. Ask if you can stay calm with a nervous client in the chair. Also ask if you are ready to trade a steady paycheck for weeks where income can go up and down.

Think about the flip side. You gain freedom but lose structure. You get control but also full responsibility. You may work more hours at first, not fewer. Talk with your family about the time, stress, and money involved. Make sure you have their support before you commit.

Get to Know the Beauty Salon Business

Next, learn how a salon actually works before you sign anything. You want facts, not guesses. Visit salons in other areas so you are not meeting direct competitors. Watch how busy they are at different times. Notice how they run appointments and payments.

A useful step is to speak with owners far enough away that you are not a threat. Many will give you honest insight if they know you will not compete with them. You can use this along with an inside look guide on how to find the right people to talk to about a business.

Once you understand the work, review what a salon usually offers and who it serves. That helps you decide if this is the right fit.

Common services: haircuts, styling, hair color, highlights, smoothing or texture services, conditioning treatments, blowouts, and special-event styling.
Extra services (if licensed): basic nail services, waxing, brow shaping, facials, and makeup.
Retail: shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatments, and sometimes tools.
Typical customers: local residents, families, working professionals, students, and clients looking for specialty services like color correction or bridal hair.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Beauty Salon

Every business idea has good points and hard points. You want to see both before you decide. A salon is no different.

On the positive side, many services repeat. People need trims, color touch-ups, and styling on a regular schedule. That can give more steady revenue than one-time project work. You can also add retail products to each visit.

On the flip side, this work is physical and regulated. You must deal with health rules, chemicals, and inspections. It is not just creativity and friendly chats.

Pros: recurring services, chance to build close client relationships, room to specialize, ability to add staff and chairs over time.
Cons: long hours on your feet, exposure to chemicals, strict sanitation and licensing rules, and high impact from local economic changes.

Decide on Your Salon Size and Business Model

A beauty salon can start small or large. You could open a compact shop with a few chairs and do much of the work yourself. You could also plan a larger space with many stylists, a nail area, and spa rooms.

Your model shapes everything else: funding, legal structure, and staffing.

Look at your skills, money, and risk tolerance. A simple owner-operated salon has lower fixed costs but depends heavily on you. A larger salon can bring in more revenue but needs more capital and staff from day one.

Think about the flip side of each choice. A lean shop gives more control but less backup when you are sick or away. A bigger salon spreads the work across more people but adds payroll, training, and management work.

Owner-operated salon: you provide services, manage bookings, and may have one or two assistants or part-time staff.
Employee-based salon: you employ stylists, pay wages or commissions, and the salon collects all service revenue.
Booth or chair rental: stylists rent space and run their own mini-businesses, while you focus on the facility.
Salon suites model: you lease enclosed suites to independent professionals and act more like a landlord.
Hybrid: a mix of staff and renters, if allowed in your state.

Research Demand, Competition, and Profit Potential

Now, confirm there is room for another salon. It is not enough to like the idea. You need enough clients and enough profit to pay your expenses and yourself.

Look at the balance between what people want and what is already offered. A practical guide to supply and demand can help you think this through. Focus on your specific neighborhood, not general national trends.

Visit nearby salons. Note their price points, service mix, and typical clients. See how busy they are on weekdays and weekends. Then look at income levels and growth in your area. You want to know if there is space for your concept at the price you need to charge.

List direct competitors within your target radius.
Note any gaps: early-morning hours, child-friendly services, texture-focused work, or higher-end color services.
Estimate how many services you would need to sell each week to cover rent, payroll, supplies, and your own pay.

Plan Your Services, Pricing, and Products

Once you know the market, decide exactly what you will offer at launch. Do not try to offer every possible service at first. Start with a clear list of core services you can deliver well and safely.

Then set prices. You need prices that clients will accept and that still cover your time, product cost, overhead, and profit. For a step-by-step approach, see this guide to pricing your products and services.

Think about the flip side of low and high prices. If you charge too little, you may fill your schedule but struggle to pay your bills. If you charge too much for your market, you may not build a steady client base. Aim for a balance that fits your concept and area.

Define your main service categories: cuts, color, treatments, styling, and any add-ons.
Decide which services need extra training or licenses before you include them.
Choose a small set of retail products that match your services and target clients.

Define Your Startup Budget and Funding

Now it is time to put numbers to your idea. Make a list of everything you need to open the doors: build-out, plumbing, furniture, equipment, inventory, licenses, deposits, and a cash cushion.

You can use a guide on estimating startup costs to structure your list. Include enough working capital to cover slow weeks at the start.

Then decide how you will pay for all of this. Will you use savings, money from partners, or a loan? There are detailed resources on how to get a business loan if you plan to borrow. In some cases you may also work with investors, especially for larger, full-service salons.

List one-time costs: furniture, equipment, build-out, licenses, initial stock, signage, and professional fees.
List early monthly costs: rent, utilities, insurance, loan payments, wages, and supplies.
Decide how much of your own money you can safely risk.
Review bank loans, lines of credit, and possible partners if the project is larger.

Choose a Business Name and Brand Basics

Your salon name and brand shape first impressions. Think about what you want people to feel when they hear or see your name. Keep it easy to spell and say.

Before you fall in love with a name, learn more about selecting a business name. Check if the name is already in use locally or in your state, and look for a matching domain name and social media handles.

Once you pick a name, build your basic identity. That includes colors, logo, and how you present your business across your sign, cards, and site. A helpful overview of corporate identity considerations can guide you.

Check name availability with your state and local offices.
Search online for similar salon names to avoid confusion.
Secure a domain name and social profiles that match your brand.
Plan a simple logo and style you can use on your sign, website, and print materials.

Pick the Right Location or Setup

Location is a major factor for a beauty salon. You want a place that is easy to reach and feels safe and welcoming for your target clients. At the same time, the cost must match your budget.

Think about where your ideal clients live, work, and shop. A guide on choosing a business location can help you think through foot traffic, parking, and nearby businesses.

Also consider the flip side of a perfect-looking space. A low rent can be offset by poor visibility or strict zoning rules. A nice area with high rent may feel impressive but leave little room for profit.

Check zoning rules to be sure a salon is allowed in the space.
Confirm there is enough room for stations, shampoo units, waiting area, and storage.
Look at parking, public transit, and how easy it is to find the entrance.
Ask who pays for plumbing, electrical, and renovation work in the lease.

Understand Legal Structure, Registration, and Licensing

Next, make your salon official. Start with your business structure. Many very small salons begin as a sole proprietorship by default. As the business grows, many owners form a limited liability company to add protection and structure.

If you are unsure which option is best, review a simple guide on how to register a business. You can also ask a legal or tax professional to explain how each structure affects your personal risk and taxes.

Rules vary from state to state and city to city. In all cases, you are responsible for confirming details with official offices such as your Secretary of State, state tax department, state cosmetology board, and local municipality.

Choose a business structure and, if needed, register it with your state.
Apply for a federal tax number if required for your structure or if you will hire staff.
Register for state and local tax accounts as needed.
Apply for any required salon or establishment licenses with your state cosmetology board.
Confirm that you and any staff hold the correct personal licenses for the services you will provide.
Check if your city or county requires a business license or registration.
Work with your landlord and local building department to secure a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for salon use.

Plan Insurance and Risk Protection

Insurance protects you from events that can damage your business. Think about what could go wrong: a client slip, equipment damage, or a fire in the building. You want to reduce risk where you can and insure against major events.

An overview of business insurance basics can help you understand common coverage types. For many salons this includes general liability and coverage for your furniture, equipment, and improvements.

On the flip side, too little coverage leaves you exposed. Too much coverage with the wrong limits can waste money. Work with a qualified insurance professional who understands salon risks.

Discuss general liability and property coverage for your salon.
Ask about coverage for theft, vandalism, and loss from events like fires.
If you plan events or work on location, ask about event or off-site coverage.
If you will have employees, confirm workers’ compensation requirements in your state.

List the Equipment, Furniture, and Software You Need

With your concept and space in mind, build a detailed equipment list. This is where many new owners under-budget. It helps to walk through a full client visit in your mind and note every item needed along the way.

The size of your salon sets how many of each item you need. A small owner-run shop may start with two or three stations, two shampoo units, and a shared dryer area. A larger operation will need more of each plus extra storage and waiting space.

Get firm prices for each item once your list is complete. That way you are basing your budget on real numbers, not guesses.

Service stations
- Hydraulic styling chairs.
- Station units with mirrors, shelves, and tool holders.
- Rolling trolleys for tools and products.
- Professional shears, razors where allowed, clippers, and trimmers.
- Combs, brushes, clips, and sectioning tools.
- Hand-held dryers and heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons.
Shampoo and treatment area
- Shampoo chairs and bowls with fixtures and sprayers.
- Shelves for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.
- Towels, towel storage, and neck supports.
Color and chemical area
- Color mixing counter and sink.
- Color bowls, brushes, and foils.
- Storage for color tubes, developers, and related products.
- Timers for processing time.
Drying and processing
- Hooded or bonnet dryers.
- Processing units, if used.
- Chairs for the drying area.
Nail and spa area (if offered)
- Manicure tables and stools.
- Pedicure chairs or foot spa units.
- Nail tools, lamps for gel products if used, and storage racks.
Sanitation and safety
- Closed containers for clean and used linens.
- Disinfectant jars and tool storage.
- Approved disinfectant products for tools and surfaces.
- Hand-washing sinks with soap and single-use towels.
- Trash bins with covers and sharps containers where razors are used.
- Personal protective gear such as gloves and aprons.
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher as required.
Front desk and client area
- Reception desk and chair.
- Waiting chairs or seating area.
- Retail display shelves or cases.
- Point-of-sale hardware such as terminal and card reader.
Back room and laundry
- Washer and dryer.
- Hampers and sorting bins.
- Shelving for supplies and back stock.
- Lockable cabinets for chemicals and records.
Facility systems
- Water heater sized for expected use.
- Ventilation or fans to manage fumes and heat.
- Emergency lighting and exit signs, as required by code.
Software and technology
- Scheduling and booking system.
- Point-of-sale and inventory software.
- Accounting software for income and expenses.
- Payroll software if you will have employees.
- Customer database and basic email or text marketing tools.

Plan Your Team, Skills, and Advisers

Running a salon needs more than styling skill. You also need business, compliance, and people skills. The good news is you do not have to be strong in every area on day one.

Be honest about where you are strong and where you are not. You can learn some skills over time and bring in help for others. A guide on how and when to hire can help you plan when to add staff.

Think about the flip side. Doing everything yourself can keep costs low but may limit growth and lead to burnout. Bringing in employees or contractors adds cost and management work, but it can free you to focus on the tasks you do best.

Core skills
- Licensed technical skills for each service you will offer.
- Sanitation and infection control procedures.
- Safe handling of chemicals and reading product labels.
- Basic scheduling, bookkeeping, and record keeping.
- Client communication and problem solving.
Advisers to consider
- An accountant or bookkeeper.
- A legal professional for contracts and structure.
- An insurance professional who understands salons.
- A mentor or advisory team, such as those described in building a team of professional advisors.

Design the Salon Layout and Customer Flow

A clear layout makes life easier for you and your clients. You want a smooth path from reception to stations, shampoo area, and exit. At the same time, you must follow safety, building, and cosmetology board rules.

Start with your floor plan. Place shampoo units where plumbing is most practical. Keep walkways open and clear. Make sure waiting clients can see the front desk and feel welcome.

Also think about how your layout supports your brand. Your sign, colors, and decor are part of your identity. A guide on business sign considerations can help you think through visibility and style.

Sketch traffic flow from entrance to reception, waiting, stations, shampoo, and restrooms.
Check spacing between chairs for comfort and safety.
Plan storage areas so supplies are handy but not cluttered.
Confirm your plan with your landlord, contractor, or designer before construction.

Set Up Banking, Accounting, and Basic Systems

Even a small salon needs a clean money system. Do not mix business and personal funds. Open a dedicated business account once you have your structure and tax number.

Set up simple bookkeeping from the beginning. This does not need to be complex. It does need to be accurate. You can use software or work with a bookkeeper. What matters is that you can see your income, expenses, taxes, and cash flow at a glance.

If this feels like too much, bring in help. You do not have to manage every detail alone. Focus on doing things correctly rather than trying to do everything yourself.

Open a business checking account and, if needed, a savings account for taxes.
Choose accounting software that fits your size and comfort level.
Set up a simple system to track cash, card payments, and sales tax.
Decide how you will store receipts and records for tax time.

Create Your Business Plan and Financial Projections

A business plan is not just for banks. It is a tool to help you think clearly. It brings your ideas, numbers, and timing into one place. Even if no one else reads it, it helps you stay on track.

You can follow a guide on how to write a business plan to structure your thinking. Keep it practical and direct. Focus on how you will start, not how you might grow in the distant future.

Think about the flip side. Writing a plan may feel like extra work. But skipping it can lead to surprises you could have avoided with a few hours of planning.

Describe your concept, services, and target clients.
Summarize local demand and competition.
Set sales goals and cost estimates that line up with your research.
Outline your funding plan and how you will use the money.
List key risks and how you plan to handle them.

Get Ready for Customers: Marketing and Pre-Launch Buzz

With the groundwork in place, think about how people will find you. You need clear, simple ways for clients to learn about your salon, see your work, and book an appointment.

Start with your website and online presence. A guide on how to build a website can help you plan a simple site that shows your services, prices, and booking link. You can also plan business cards and other basics using information on business card essentials.

If you have a walk-in location, think about how you will bring people through the door. A resource on getting customers through the door can spark ideas. You might also plan a grand opening using ideas from a guide on grand opening events.

Set up a simple website with your services, prices, and location.
Create business cards to hand out to contacts and early clients.
Plan basic online profiles on search and social platforms.
Collect photos of your work to show on your site and profiles.
Decide if you will run a grand opening event or soft launch first.

Pre-Opening Checklist for Your Beauty Salon

Before you open, run through a clear checklist. This reduces stress and catches small issues before they cause trouble. Think of it as a final walk-through of your plan.

You want your licenses, equipment, and systems ready. You also want a way to accept payments, a clear price list, and a simple set of client forms and policies.

It helps to do a soft opening with friends and family. That is your chance to test your process from booking to payment in a low-pressure way.

Confirm all state, city, and county registrations and licenses are active and posted.
Make sure your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and any inspections are complete.
Test all equipment, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Stock back-bar and retail products, towels, and sanitation supplies.
Set up your booking, payment, and receipt systems.
Create a simple price list and service menu you can hand to clients.
Prepare client forms such as new client details and consent forms as needed.
Run a soft opening day and adjust based on what you learn.

A Day in the Life of a Small Salon Owner (Preview)

Before you commit, picture a normal workday. You open the door, turn on the lights, and you are responsible for everything that follows. This preview is not to scare you, but to help you see the daily rhythm.

Morning often starts before the first client arrives. You check bookings, prepare stations, and handle messages. The main part of the day is filled with client work and short breaks to clean, reset stations, and handle small issues.

After the last client, you still have tasks. Cleaning, laundry, restocking, and closing out the day’s payments all sit on your list.

Morning: open the shop, check the day’s schedule, restock stations, and respond to messages.
Midday: move between services, supervise any staff, handle walk-ins, and solve small problems as they come up.
Evening: clean and disinfect tools and areas, run laundry, close out the register, and plan the next day.

Common Risks and Red Flags to Watch For

Every salon faces predictable risks. Knowing them early lets you plan around them. This is where good planning and advice can save you time and money.

Some risks come from outside, like a weak local economy or a bad location. Others come from inside, like poor record keeping or weak sanitation practices. You can avoid many of these with simple habits and a careful start.

For a wider look at issues that affect many new owners, see this guide on avoiding common mistakes when starting a small business.

Signing a long lease before you fully check zoning, build-out costs, and foot traffic.
Underestimating licensing, inspection, and insurance requirements.
Ignoring chemical safety and sanitation rules, which can lead to fines or health issues.
Setting prices too low to cover product costs, rent, and your own pay.
Skipping written agreements with partners, staff, or chair renters.
Trying to handle everything alone for too long instead of getting help where needed.

Final Thoughts Before You Commit

A beauty salon can be a rewarding business. You help people feel confident. You work in a creative field. You build relationships over time. At the same time, it demands effort, planning, and steady focus.

Take time to review broader considerations for starting a business, and think again about your passion for this kind of work. Then talk with owners in other areas and use an inside look approach to gather real-world insight.

You do not have to know everything or do everything on your own. You can learn, bring in professionals, and grow at your own pace. Your goal at the startup stage is simple: build a salon that is safe, legal, and ready for clients the day you open the door.

101 Tips for Running Your Beauty Salon

Running a beauty salon is more than styling hair and chatting with clients; it is a real business that must pay its bills and follow health and safety rules.

These tips are designed for first-time owners who want clear, practical steps, not theory. Use them to think through your choices, set up solid systems, and avoid costly problems before they start.

Work through each section slowly and apply what fits your situation. The goal is not perfection on day one, but a salon that is safe, professional, and built on habits that can grow with you.

What to Do Before Starting

Write down why you want to own a beauty salon and be honest about whether you enjoy serving people all day, handling pressure, and taking financial responsibility for the business.
Talk with salon owners in other areas to learn how they spend their days, what challenges they face, and what they wish they had known before opening.
Define your target client clearly, including age range, income level, style preferences, and typical schedule, so you can design services and hours that match real demand.
Choose your core services for launch, such as cuts, color, styling, or basic nail services, and delay specialty or advanced services until you have the skills, licensing, and demand to support them.
Walk your local area and list competing salons, their price ranges, and service mix so you can see where there is room for your concept instead of guessing.
Create a list of expected startup and monthly costs, then confirm them with real quotes from landlords, equipment vendors, and service providers instead of relying on rough guesses.
Decide whether you will start as a very small owner-operated space, a larger multi-chair salon, or a suite or booth rental model, because this choice affects your funding, staffing, and legal structure.
Review basic business structures such as sole proprietorship, limited liability company, and corporation, and speak with a qualified professional if you are unsure which structure fits your risk tolerance and growth plans.
Check your state cosmetology board website to understand requirements for salon licenses, individual licenses, inspections, and physical layout before you sign a lease.
Confirm that the location you want allows a salon use under local zoning rules and that you can meet building and safety requirements for a personal services business.
Prepare a simple financial projection showing how many clients per day and per week you need at your planned prices to cover rent, wages, supplies, taxes, and your own pay.
List the skills you already have and those you will need to learn or hire for, including technical skills, sanitation, scheduling, bookkeeping, and basic marketing.

What Successful Beauty Salon Owners Do

Successful salon owners treat their books and reports as seriously as their client work, reviewing income, expenses, and service counts regularly so they can correct problems early.
They set clear, written standards for service quality, cleanliness, and timing, and they follow those standards themselves so staff see that the rules apply to everyone.
They build time and budget for education, sending themselves and staff to classes that keep techniques current and introduce safer or more efficient ways to work.
They maintain strict sanitation routines that go beyond the minimum rules, protecting clients and staff and making inspections far less stressful.
They cultivate strong relationships with product distributors and equipment suppliers, which can help in negotiating terms, getting training, and solving supply problems quickly.
They document how the salon should be opened, run during the day, and closed, so the business does not fall apart when they are off-site.
They track a few key numbers such as average ticket, retail sales per client, and rebooking rate and use these to guide training and promotions.
They build a professional network of accountants, legal advisers, and insurance contacts they can call before making major decisions.
They keep an emergency fund or line of credit ready so an equipment failure or short-term slowdown does not push the salon into crisis.
They schedule time away from the chair to work on the business itself, such as planning, reviewing systems, and meeting with advisers.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Write a short operations manual that explains how to open the salon, handle service flow, manage cash, and close each night so any trained staff member can follow it.
Create written sanitation procedures for tools, chairs, shampoo bowls, and restrooms, and post them where staff can see and follow them every day.
Choose an appointment system that records client data, formulas, and no-shows as well as times, so you can manage both bookings and behavior.
Set standard service times for each service type and train staff to stay close to those times without rushing quality.
Establish a clear inventory process for color, treatments, and retail products, including who counts stock, how shortages are reported, and when orders are placed.
Define how cash and card payments are handled, who can issue refunds, and how daily totals are checked so you reduce errors and disputes.
Prepare a simple employee handbook that covers expectations, dress code, safety rules, social media behavior at work, and how performance is reviewed.
Verify every employee’s professional license with the state board before they start and keep copies of licenses and renewal dates in one secure file.
Set a schedule that matches staffing levels to busy and slow periods, adjusting as you collect data on your actual traffic patterns.
Plan a basic maintenance calendar for chairs, dryers, shampoo units, and electrical equipment to prevent avoidable breakdowns.
Keep a binder or digital folder of Safety Data Sheets for every chemical product used in the salon and make sure staff know where it is and how to read it.
Train staff on safe handling of hair smoothing and color products, including ventilation, gloves where appropriate, and what to do if a spill or exposure occurs.
Set up payroll and tax systems correctly from the start, including proper classification of employees versus independent contractors, and seek professional help if you are not sure.
Cross-train staff in basic reception and cleaning tasks so the salon can keep running if someone is suddenly away.
Maintain an up-to-date contact list for key vendors, landlords, and service providers so anyone can call for help in an urgent situation.
Review your procedures at least once a year and update them based on what you have learned, new products you use, and any changes in regulations.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Beauty salons are regulated at the state level through cosmetology boards, which set rules for licensing, sanitation, inspections, and in some cases physical layout, so you must know your state’s specific requirements.
Some hair smoothing and straightening products can release formaldehyde when heated, so you need to understand the associated health risks and follow guidance on ventilation and protection.
If you offer nail services, be aware that workers can be exposed to many chemicals, dust, and repetitive motion, which increase health risks if you do not manage ventilation and posture carefully.
Cosmetic products, including many items used and sold in salons, fall under federal cosmetic rules, so you must avoid making medical claims and use products that are properly labeled.
Business can be highly seasonal, with spikes around weddings, holidays, and school events and slower periods after major spending seasons, so plan staffing and promotions accordingly.
The industry often sees frequent product launches and trends, which can be an opportunity but also pressure you to buy products that do not fit your clients or budget.
Revenue typically comes from both services and retail products, and healthy salons track both areas so they can spot when one is underperforming.
Because salon spending is often discretionary, downturns in the local economy or job losses in your area can affect bookings, so planning for slowdowns is part of risk management.
Professional associations offer education, advocacy, and business resources that can help you stay informed and improve operations.
The industry can involve exposure to chemicals and physical strain, so understanding occupational health guidance from government and nonprofit sources is as important as knowing style trends.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Decide how you want your salon to be seen in the market, whether as a neighborhood family spot, a color-focused boutique, or a premium experience, and make sure every message supports that position.
Build a simple website that clearly shows your services, prices, location, and booking options so new clients can quickly see if you are a good fit.
Offer online booking that syncs with your schedule and reminds clients of their appointments, reducing no-shows and freeing your staff from constant phone management.
Claim your business listings on major search and navigation platforms and keep your hours, address, and phone number accurate so clients can find you without confusion.
Use high-quality before-and-after photos of real clients, with their permission, to show your work in a way that feels authentic rather than staged.
Design a referral program that rewards both the client who refers and the new client, and track which referrals turn into regulars.
Partner with nearby businesses such as clothing shops, fitness centers, or wedding planners to cross-refer clients in ways that benefit both sides.
Collect client email addresses or phone numbers with consent and send helpful updates, seasonal reminders, and occasional offers instead of constant sales messages.
Use introductory offers in a focused way to encourage new clients to try you, but avoid discounting your core services so heavily that you cannot sustain the pricing long-term.
Participate in community events such as fairs, charity galas, or school fundraisers by offering mini services, demonstrations, or giveaways that showcase your skills.
Track how each new client heard about you so you can see which marketing channels actually bring in business and adjust your efforts based on real numbers.
Encourage satisfied clients to leave honest online reviews and make it easy for them by providing clear instructions at checkout or in follow-up messages.
Respond politely and constructively to online reviews, thanking people for positive feedback and addressing negative comments calmly and factually.
Plan a simple annual marketing calendar that highlights key dates such as holidays, prom season, and back-to-school time so you are ready with offers and content instead of reacting at the last minute.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Start every new service with a short consultation that covers past hair history, expectations, allergies, and budget so you can avoid misunderstandings and unsafe combinations.
Repeat a client’s main goal in your own words before you begin and ask for confirmation, which shows you are listening and lets you correct any confusion before you pick up tools.
Explain what is realistic for this visit and what may require multiple appointments, especially for drastic color changes, so clients understand the process and cost ahead of time.
Keep basic notes on client preferences, formulas, sensitivities, and personal details so the next visit feels remembered and tailored instead of starting from zero every time.
Walk clients through how to maintain their look at home, including realistic product suggestions and how often they should return, so they see you as a long-term partner rather than a one-time provider.
Set a clear re-do policy that explains under what conditions you will adjust a service at reduced or no charge and share it before issues arise.
When you see a regular client starting to stretch visits longer or skip appointments, reach out with a friendly check-in rather than waiting for them to disappear completely.
When a client is unhappy, listen fully without interrupting, restate what you heard, and suggest specific solutions instead of becoming defensive or dismissing their feelings.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Write simple customer service standards that describe how clients should be greeted, how phones should be answered, and how clients are thanked when they leave.
Establish a clear cancellation and late policy that balances respect for your time with understanding for genuine emergencies, and share it at booking and in reminders.
Decide how you will handle complaints and service problems, including who can authorize adjustments, refunds, or complimentary visits, so staff are not guessing in the moment.
Train staff to apologize when something goes wrong, explain what will be done to fix it, and follow through quickly so clients feel heard and respected.
Create a simple follow-up process for first-time clients, such as a short message asking how their service worked out and inviting honest feedback.
Offer more than one way for clients to share suggestions, such as a brief survey link, a comment card, or a note in your confirmation messages.
Review client feedback and complaints monthly, looking for patterns that point to deeper problems in services, booking, or communication.
Share positive feedback with your team so they see which behaviors clients appreciate and so you can recognize staff for good work.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Identify where your salon produces the most waste, such as excess color, single-use items, or disposable cups, and target those areas first for reduction.
Use scales and mixing systems to measure color more accurately, which reduces waste, saves money, and keeps results more consistent across visits.
Consider concentrated products and refill systems where they meet safety and labeling rules, reducing packaging and storage needs over time.
Set up separate bins for recyclable items such as cardboard and some plastic bottles, following local rules, and train staff to use them correctly.
Choose products and processes that reduce exposure to harsh chemicals when possible and ensure good ventilation when you must use stronger products.
Develop written procedures for disposing of leftover chemicals and contaminated materials and follow local and federal guidance on hazardous and cosmetic waste.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Schedule regular time each month to read trusted salon trade publications and business resources instead of relying only on social media for industry news.
Follow updates from national health and safety agencies on workplace health, chemical exposure, and infection control relevant to salons.
Bookmark federal cosmetic resources so you can check the regulatory status of new product types or ingredients you are considering.
Join at least one professional organization or education platform that offers webinars, conferences, or newsletters focused on salon business and technical education.
Encourage staff to share what they learn from courses or events at short team meetings so new knowledge spreads across the whole salon.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Build and protect a basic cash reserve so that a slow season, sudden rent increase, or equipment failure does not threaten the survival of your salon.
Use booking and sales data to see how your demand changes by month and day of week, then adjust hours, staffing, and promotions instead of keeping the same schedule year-round.
When new competitors open nearby, analyze what they offer and decide how you will differentiate yourself through service mix, experience, or specialization instead of fighting only on price.
Introduce new technology such as updated point-of-sale systems or digital forms in small, planned steps so staff and clients can adapt without confusion.
Develop a simple written plan for how you would operate during major disruptions such as extended illness, building repairs, or public health emergencies, including how you will communicate with clients.
Use quieter periods to review expenses, update branding, and improve systems so you emerge stronger instead of waiting for busy times to return on their own.

What Not to Do

Do not open your doors without understanding your state’s cosmetology and salon establishment rules, including licensing, inspections, and required postings.
Do not ignore safety data sheets or ventilation needs when using strong hair smoothing or color products, because chemical exposure can harm both staff and clients over time.
Do not assume you can classify everyone as independent contractors or pay staff informally without understanding payroll, tax, and labor law obligations.
Do not rely only on walk-ins and word of mouth; failing to invest in even basic marketing channels makes you vulnerable when traffic slows.
Do not hide service problems from clients; avoiding difficult conversations usually makes complaints worse and damages long-term trust.
Do not skip renewals of licenses, permits, or insurance to save money, because a single incident, inspection, or claim can cost far more than the savings.

Sources:
U.S. Small Business Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Professional Beauty Association,
BusinessNewsDaily, Internal Revenue Service, Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (via pa.gov), Wisconsin Dept. of Safety and Professional Services