There are more than 48,000 hair and beauty businesses operating with an annual turnover of around £4.5bn.
To start a beauty salon and stay ahead of the competition, you will need thorough planning, creativity and business savvy for long-term success. In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps on how to start a beauty salon, providing you with the essential information to get your business up and running.
1. Do Market Research for Your Beauty Salon
Before setting up your beauty salon, make sure to understand the market landscape. Start by researching your local competition and look for gaps in the services offered. Determine who your target audience is and the type of treatments they might be looking for. Try to make your salon stand out from the others to attract more customers.
Key things to consider when doing market research:
- Competitor analysis
- Customer preferences and trends
- Treatment prices in local salons
- Unique selling proposition (USP)
2. Create a Detailed Beauty Salon Business Plan
A solid business plan will guide your salon's growth and set clear goals for progression. Your business plan should cover various aspects such as which beauty therapy treatments to focus on, salon services, pricing, marketing strategies, operational structure, and financial forecasts.
A comprehensive plan also helps if you need to secure funding from investors or lenders.
3. Choose the Right Location for Your Beauty Salon
The choice of location can make or break your business so it’s important to choose wisely. You must prioritise a location that is easy to access, has high foot traffic and is in an area frequented by your target market. Ideally, the salon should be situated in a visible spot such as a busy high street or shopping centre.
Key factors to consider when choosing your salon location:
- Proximity to competitors
- Parking availability
- Rent and utility costs
- Local foot traffic
4. Get the Necessary Licences and Permits
Before opening your beauty salon in the UK, you will need to obtain the required licences and permits to operate legally such as cosmetic treatment licences, health and safety inspections and public liability insurance. For the premises of your beauty salon, you will need to ensure fire safety and building regulations compliance.
5. Invest in Quality Salon Equipment and Products
Setting up a beauty salon can vary in price with start-up prices varying from as little as £5,000 to up to £50,000. When budgeting, one of your biggest initial investments will be the equipment and products.
Any equipment you buy should be durable, functional, and suited to the treatments you plan to offer. Additionally, the quality of the products you use—whether for hair, nails, or skincare—will directly impact client satisfaction. It might be worth paying more up front and being able to charge more money for treatments.
Key equipment to consider:
- Salon chairs, wash stations, mirrors
- Hairdryers, styling tools, nail stations
- Skincare treatment beds, facial steamers
- Eco-friendly or vegan products if targeting conscious consumers
6. Hire Skilled and Professional Staff
Your salon's success will largely depend on the expertise and professionalism of your staff. Take the time to hire skilled stylists, beauticians and reception staff who can deliver high-quality service. Look for individuals with relevant qualifications, experience, and a passion for beauty. Offering continuous training will help them stay updated with the latest industry trends.
7. Market Your Salon Strategically
To attract clients, you’ll need an effective marketing strategy. Establish an online presence through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You should also have a professional website with clear information on your services, prices, and booking options. Don’t forget to list your salon on Google My Business for increased local visibility.
8. Prioritise Excellent Customer Service
In a sector as competitive as the beauty industry, customer service can set your salon apart. Make your clients feel valued from the moment they walk in. Personalised consultations, high-quality treatments and follow-up communication will help build customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
9. Long-Term Financial Management
Financial management is crucial to ensure the profitability of your beauty salon. From the start, track your income, expenses, and profits and regularly review your pricing strategies to remain competitive. Using salon management software could help you to streamline bookings, employee scheduling and inventory control. Regularly analysing your salon’s performance will allow you to adjust and grow your business.
Summary
To start a beauty salon in the UK, you’ll need dedication, creativity and business sense. Following these clear steps - including market research, long term business planning, investment in good products and staff and financial management - can help you establish a thriving salon.