Five Top Salon Franchises Worth a Cut of Your Investment

Not too long ago, most people were putting off haircuts or doing them at home, but as people return to a normal summer in 2021, they'll want to look their best. And their demand will drive a rebound in salon franchises that makes the business model a hot investment. 

Experts estimate that the hair salon market lost nearly $19 billion – nearly a third of its overall value - in 2020. Prior to this steep decline, the category had seen annual growth of $1.1 billion in from 2013 to 2019. Sales have rebounded 28.7 percent so far in 2021, a $9 billion increase, as restrictions for hair salon operation and capacity return to normal. This means that many franchises are likely available for a discount that can capitalize on a bright future. A study by Kansas State University predicts that the global spa and salon market will grow at a CAGR of 4.7 percent through at least 2025. 

Other analysts are even more bullish on salon investments that include spa service. Mordor Intelligence expects the spa and salon software market to register a CAGR of 7.11% through 2026, finding that rising demand for healthy lifestyles, stress relief from busy lifestyles, and an increase in male self-image care are driving strong growth. In fact, the biggest challenge Mordor found in the market was a need for improved client management organization as clientele volume increases.  

If you’re thinking of purchasing a salon franchise, check out these businesses ready for the rush of summer makeovers: 

Camille Albane Paris 

Founded and franchising since 1994 in Paris, France, Camille Albane Paris has grown to over 300 locations with expansion into the US. The franchise’s upscale beauty salon model has been recognized and awarded by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 in 2017, Yelp, The Boston Globe’s Best of the New, and Vet Fran. Startup costs for a Camille Albane Paris franchise begin at $125,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Camille Albane Paris, click here.  

DynFly 

Founded in 2014 and franchising since 2018, DynFly now operates 22 locations specializing in the hair coloring franchise market. The franchise plans to capitalize on the large majority (75 percent) of women who color their hair with a “pop-in, pop-out" model tailored for busy women and mothers who need quick appointments. Startup costs for a DynFly franchise start at $188,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with DynFly, click here. 

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons 

As the oldest full-service salon franchise in the US with 47 years of experience, Fantastic Sams Hair Salons have grown to over 800 locations across the U.S. The franchise’s strong success was noticed by Dessange International, the luxury European beauty salon chain which acquired Fantastic Sams Hair Salons in 2012. Startup costs for a Fantastic Sams Hair Salons franchise start at $75,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, click here. 

Great Clips, Inc. 

Franchising since 1983, Great Clips, Inc. has grown to a massive 4,400 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world‘s largest salon brand. In convenient locations like strip malls and accepting walk-ins with no appointments required, Great Clips, Inc. focuses on delivering a frictionless customer experience. Great Clips, Inc. was ranked #1 in Category and 13th overall in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500. Startup costs for a Great Clips, Inc. franchise start at $75,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Great Clips, Inc., click here. 

Salons By JC 

Founded in 1999 and franchising since 2011, Salons By JC has grown to 100 locations. The franchise’s  success has been recognized with awards from Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 in 2018, 2019,and 2021. Startup costs for a Salons By JC franchise start at $600,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Salons By JC, click here.