Are you interested in becoming a hairstylist and opening your own beauty salon business? Although each city has its own rules and guidelines for starting a business, getting your cosmetology degree is the first step in starting a salon. The diploma program takes as little as 12 months for those who attend full-time and offers everything you need to start working with clients in beauty and wellness.
Step #1: Earn a Diploma in Cosmetology
To open a beauty salon, make a beauty salon business plan, and begin cutting clients’ hair, obtaining a degree in cosmetology is necessary. This is the first requirement to obtain a cosmetology license. During a cosmetology program, you’ll learn everything you need to know to cut and style hair. You will also learn how to help clients with their skin and nails. This program is preparation for becoming a hairstylist with classroom lectures and hands-on experience.
You will learn how to stay safe in the classroom using proper sanitation and sterilization techniques. From keeping your area clean to sanitizing cutting tools between customers, it’s important to follow proper sanitation protocols to stop the spread of bacteria and other harmful substances. You’ll also learn about OSHA regulations that keep you safe while you work.
Part of the curriculum includes working with chemicals and other hairdressing products safely. Whether coloring a client’s hair, using a hair relaxer, or managing biohazardous materials, you’ll learn the right way to keep yourself and your clients safe.
The best part of attending a cosmetology program is the hands-on experience you’ll receive in the student lounge. You will have to work with real clients and practice what you have learned in the classroom.
Step #2: Obtain a cosmetology license and pass the exam
Once you have completed a cosmetology diploma program, you can apply for your cosmetology license and take the exam. The exam will test you on what you learned during your cosmetology program. This includes coloring and lightening, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, scalp and hair care, hair cutting and styling, and styling. You will also be tested on cosmetology theory, including general safety and sanitation procedures, customer services, facials, makeup and hair removal, manicures, pedicures, and legal and ethical standards. The passing score for the cosmetology licensing exam is seventy-five percent.
Step #3: Find a location or work on the go
The most important part of starting a new business is deciding on the location. You can open a shop and hire other stylists. You can also rent a space in someone else’s salon or move to your client’s location. In any case, it will be important to obtain the proper business licenses to comply with the rules and laws of the hairdressing business.
Choose a place with a lot of foot traffic, so you have free publicity for everyone who passes by. Also, try to situate your salon location with similar businesses so that your customers will visit your salon. Make sure you have enough space to serve your customers properly and create a welcoming atmosphere with colors, materials, and lighting. It’s important to note that you’ll likely have to sign a long-term rental agreement, so make sure the size and location are right before you commit to the venue.
Step #4: Obtain the proper licenses and permits for the business
Each city will have its business license procedure. Most cities will require you to pay a business license fee and file a fictitious business name filing to ensure the right to use your name in the jurisdiction. There are also zoning permits required to run a retail store, sales tax permits, health permits, and many other important licenses and permits that you may need to start a beauty salon. Make sure you comply with all laws, rules, and regulations to get off to a good start.
Step #5: Financing your business
To start any business, you will need financing. For example, if you rent premises or move to a client’s home, you will need a lower budget. However, to start a beauty salon of the traditional type, much more money will be needed. There are many ways to finance a business, from asking friends and family to invest to getting a bank loan or government grant. A good place to start looking for financing is the Small Business Administration (SBA).
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Step #6: Hire Employees
If you decide to open a traditional beauty salon, the next step is to hire employees. However, if you decide to rent a space or go to the client’s home to perform your beauty services, you can skip hiring employees.
When hiring employees, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for to create a job posting that attracts the right candidates. Looking for newly licensed barbers or industry veterans who have their clients? Take the time to interview all employees, from hairdressers and cashiers to shampooers and salon managers. Each employee in your salon will be a fundamental part of a team that will have to work for a common goal. When everyone can work together and have a friendly atmosphere, customers will enjoy their salon experience.
Step #7: Build a customer base
Now that you have all the licenses, secured financing, chosen a location, and hired the employees, it’s time to build a customer base. If you choose the right location, you will have a good traffic flow that will attract passers-by to your salon. You can also build your online presence with a website, local directories, and social media profiles.
Arguably, it’s easier to keep a customer than to get one, so good customer service is necessary. You have to offer a great experience so that customers tell their friends about it. The best advertising is word of mouth. Spend time taking care of your customers; they will take care of you, getting free customers.
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