Here are the most common expenses you’ll face when opening a salon, along with practical tips to help you prepare for them while you’re still in cosmetology school.
Before you can welcome your first client, you’ll need to meet all legal requirements. These include:
On average, licensing and permits for salon ownership can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on your state and local regulations.
Your physical space will likely be one of your biggest ongoing expenses, and it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Renting a chair can range from $300 to $1,000+, is often the most budget-friendly way to get started, and is ideal for those who want to keep overhead low while building a client base. Leasing a private suite can give you more privacy, brand control, and flexibility in services, while taking on a full salon lease opens the door to a complete business presence but comes with higher rent, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities.
When considering your options, think about your target clientele, desired location, and long-term business goals. A prime location might cost more up front, but it can also generate higher foot traffic and long-term profitability, making it a strategic part of your salon’s cost rather than just an expense.
The tools you use every day will directly affect the quality of service you provide, so investing wisely here is key. A fully equipped salon can require $10,000 to $50,000 or more in setup costs, depending on size and service offerings. Basic equipment includes styling chairs, shampoo stations, mirrors, and workstations, along with smaller essentials like dryers, clippers, scissors, and brushes. Then there’s your retail and service inventory: shampoos, conditioners, styling products, color, and treatment solutions, all of which will need to be replenished regularly.
These items add up quickly, and their quality plays a major role in your client experience. While it’s tempting to cut costs by purchasing lower-end products, higher-quality equipment often lasts longer, performs better, and elevates your salon’s image from the start. Factoring these purchases into your salon start-up cost helps you avoid scrambling for last-minute replacements once you’re open.
Even the most creative salon owners need solid systems to stay organized and make it easy for clients to book. Consider budgeting for:
While this category may seem small compared to equipment, an effective booking system can directly increase your revenue and reduce no-shows.
If you plan to work solo, you can skip this section for now. But if you’re hiring, staffing will be a significant ongoing salon start-up cost:
Remember, it’s not just about hiring people to fill roles, but also building a team that aligns with your salon’s brand and service standards.
If you’re serious about salon ownership, it’s just as important to understand the skills you’ll learn in cosmetology school as it is to plan your budget. Explore our blog on what to expect from your cosmetology school journey.
Your salon might have beautiful décor and talented stylists, but without marketing, it’s easy to go unnoticed. Essential investments include:
Even a small monthly marketing budget can make a big impact on getting your name out in the community.
Even with the most detailed budget, surprises happen. Maybe you’ll have a slow month where bookings drop, a piece of equipment breaks unexpectedly, or you need to make quick repairs to your salon space. These costs can cause financial stress if you haven’t planned for them. That’s why it’s wise to set aside an emergency fund as part of your overall start-up planning. This cushion keeps your business afloat in a pinch and gives you the peace of mind to focus on growing your salon rather than constantly worrying about what could go wrong.
The earlier you start preparing for salon ownership, the easier it will be. While you’re still in school:
1. Create a Separate Savings Fund: Even setting aside a small amount from each paycheck or tip can add up over time.
2. Track Your Expenses Now: Building good money habits before you open your salon will help you stay disciplined.
3. Research Financing Options: Look into small business loans or grants available to licensed cosmetologists.
These steps will make the transition from student to salon owner much smoother.
On top of technical skills, schools like Brillare Beauty Institute prepare students for the business side of beauty. While you’re here, you can take advantage of:
These resources are designed to help you build both your craft and your confidence as a future business owner.
It’s easy to focus on the immediate numbers when calculating your salon start-up cost, but it’s also important to think about your long-term return on investment. Your education at Brillare provides:
Every dollar you invest in your training and preparation now will pay off when your salon is thriving years down the line.
Opening your own salon is one of the most exciting steps you can take in your beauty career, but it’s also one of the most financially complex. By understanding your salon start-up cost categories, planning your budget, and using your time in school to prepare, you can make the leap into ownership with confidence.
Brillare Beauty Institute gives you the business know-how to make your dream a reality. If salon ownership is your ultimate goal, start planning today, and use every resource available to you. Schedule a tour at our Cleveland, Chattanooga, or St. Louis campuses to see how we can help you turn your vision into a thriving business.
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