The beauty industry is growing each year (3.33% CAGR from 2024-2028, to be exact). Within the industry, hair care services are often franchised, and the IFA reports it as one of the fastest growing sectors in franchising, with a projected revenue exceeding $100B (USD) by 2027. The United States’ hair care market is currently projected to generate an annual revenue of $13.60B (USD) in 2024. Salons are no longer just for haircuts; they offer a range of hair care and cosmetics, making them a one-stop shop for various services and quite the investment. 

If you’re considering entering the beauty industry, exploring the major hair salon chains can be a great starting point. These franchises are not only prominent in the industry but are continuously setting and updating hair care standards.

You don’t have to be a professional stylist to own a hair salon, but having a passion for the industry will help you along the path to success. This allows for a stable business with a strong customer base. It’s also an opportunity to deliver exceptional customer experiences that build loyalty and encourage repeat visits.

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.

Setting the Tone for a Successful Hair Salon 

If you’re considering opening a hair salon, modeling your business after successful chains like Fantastic Sams and Sport Clips can be beneficial. These chains have excelled in the market through:

• Diverse Services: Offering a range from basic haircuts to advanced treatments and hair care products. This diversity attracts a wide range of customers.
• Targeted Niches: For example, Sport Clips targets men and boys with a sports-themed environment, while Camile Albane Paris offers a more upscale salon suite experience. Identifying and catering to specific customer segments can enhance customer loyalty.
• Affordability and Luxury: Balancing cost-effective services with a sense of luxury can appeal to both budget-conscious and upscale customers.
• Strong Customer Service: Consistently providing excellent customer service ensures customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Comfortable Environments: Creating a welcoming atmosphere and, often, a kid-friendly environment, makes customers more likely to enjoy their visits and return.
• Support for Franchisees: Ongoing support and training from the franchisor can help maintain service standards and business success.

By focusing on these aspects, you can not only meet diverse customer needs but also create a business model that supports sustainable growth and profitability.

The Largest Hair Salon Chains with the IFA

Powerful brand recognition and impressive growth trajectories have made haircare services the go-to option for anyone seeking a lavish salon experience at an affordable price. If you’re a potential franchisee thinking of investing in a salon business, check out these businesses ready for the rush of makeovers:

Camille Albane Paris

Founded and franchised 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 Magazine’s Franchise 500, 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.   

Great Clips, Inc. 

Franchising since 1983, Great Clips, Inc. has grown to a massive 4,400 salons throughout North America, making it the world‘s largest hair salon chain. 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. hair salon franchise start at $75,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Great Clips, Inc., 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. 

Lemon Tree Hair Salons

Franchising for over 45 years, Lemon Tree has amassed over 40 salons throughout the United States, many of which reside on the east coast, specifically New York. They don’t just focus on hair cutting, but they also provide professional grade services and products for clients of all ages. The initial investment for a Lemon Tree hair salon franchise starts at ~$160,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Lemon Tree Hair Salons, click here. 

Diesel Barbershop

What started with a 20+ year journey to craft the updated corner barbershop, Diesel Barbershops has been franchising for nearly decade. Part salon, part record store, part tattoo shop, and part vintage arcade equals  the dream “man-cave” barbershop franchise. Start up costs for Diesel Barbershop start at $100K. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with Diesel Barbershops, click here.

Locks Can Lead to Gold

Ultimately, salon franchises can be a lucrative investment, but it takes hard work and a passion for the industry to get there. Salon franchising is more than just a business venture; it’s a blonded opportunity to work in an industry that blends style with functionality. Whether it’s the familial warmth of Lemon Tree, the bold essence of Diesel Barbershop, or the sophisticated allure of Camille Albane Paris, salon franchises are not just businesses—they’re experiences waiting to be created.

If your goals align with transforming ordinary cuts into intentional care, a hair salon franchise could be your pathway to creating a legacy of style and service. Cut a path to your future and contact the IFA to learn more about salon franchising opportunities.