How to Start a Barbershop: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Start a Barbershop: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to open a barbershop
Starting a barbershop is an exciting venture that combines creativity, technical skills, and business expertise. To succeed, you need a solid plan and understanding of every step, from research and legalities to financing and marketing. This guide provides a clear path to help you launch and grow a thriving barbershop.
1. Perform thorough market research
Understanding your target customers and local competitors forms the foundation of your barbershop’s success. Identify your key audience (men, women, children, or families) and tailor your services accordingly.
Research existing barbershops in your area to learn about their pricing, services, and locations. Look for gaps or underserved niches, such as high-end grooming or family-friendly cuts, to set yourself apart.
2. Create a detailed business plan
A comprehensive barbershop business plan acts as a roadmap for your business. It will help you secure funding and guide daily operations. Your business plan should include these details:
Executive summary: Outline your mission, services, leadership, and growth plans.
Company description: Detail your shop’s name, location, ownership, and target market.
Market analysis: Analyze local demand, competition, and industry trends.
Marketing and sales strategies: Describe how you will attract and retain clients.
Financial projections: Estimate startup costs, revenues, and ongoing expenses.
3. Choose the legal structure and register your business
Select a legal structure that fits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership. Consult with a small business lawyer or accountant to ensure you understand the tax implications and liability protection offered by each legal structure.
After choosing your structure, register your business with the relevant authorities and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. Secure all required business licenses, permits, and insurance before opening.
4. Plan your finances and secure funding
Barbershops can be profitable with careful planning and management. Determine your startup and ongoing costs carefully. Typical expenses include:
Property: Rent or purchase your barbershop space.
Licenses and permits: Cover all regulatory fees.
Equipment and supplies: Barber chairs, clippers, scissors, razors, hair products, and cleaning supplies.
Marketing: Invest in branding, online presence, and promotions.
Operating costs: Utilities, insurance, payroll, and marketing.
Startup costs can range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the shop size and location. Explore funding options such as personal savings, loans, equity financing, or grants. Maintain separate business bank accounts to manage finances cleanly.
Many states and cities offer grants for small businesses, especially for women- or minority-owned businesses. Ask your state economic development office about local opportunities. Grants like the NASE Growth Grant, the Amber Grant, or the Beauty Changes Lives Relief Grant also offer financial aid.
5. Find a strategic location
The right location attracts walk-in clients and supports your brand. Look for areas with high foot traffic, visibility, accessible parking, and a safe neighborhood. Consider proximity to your target customer base and existing competition. The space should meet state regulatory requirements (e.g., plumbing, sanitation, square footage).
6. Purchase equipment needed to start a barbershop
Starting a barbershop requires the right supplies to ensure smooth operations and high-quality service. Use the following list of barbershop equipment to get started:
Barber chairs
Hair clippers and trimmers
Scissors and shears
Combs and brushes
Barber capes and neck strips
Mirrors (large wall and handheld)
Sanitization and sterilization supplies
Shampoo bowls or wash stations
Towels
Hair dryers
Shaving razors and blades
Disinfectant jars
Reception desk and waiting area seating
Storage cabinets and shelves
Cash register or POS system
7. Build your brand
Build a memorable brand through your shop’s name, logo design, and atmosphere. Use visuals and décor that resonate with your target demographic. Invest in high-quality tools and a clean, welcoming environment. Provide excellent customer service to build loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.
8. Recruit and manage your team
Assemble a team of skilled barbers who share your vision. You may choose to hire employees or rent chair space to independent barbers. Consider adding support staff such as receptionists or accountants. Incentivize your team with commission plans and use management tools to schedule, track sales, and manage payroll efficiently.
9. Set up essential systems
Implement booking and point-of-sale (POS) systems to streamline client appointments and transactions. Online booking tools with automated reminders reduce no-shows. Fash offers a free online booking system with built-in automated reminders, payment processing, social media integration, customer reviews, and more.
Accounting software like QuickBooks can help you track your income and expenses accurately. Use marketing platforms to engage customers and analyze your shop's performance.
10. Market your barbershop
Next, you'll have to promote your business to reach clients. Wondering how to market a barbershop? There are multiple avenues:
Social media: Focus on platforms popular with your target audience. Engage customers with posts, hashtags, and booking links.
Fash: Join Fash to create a free profile that'll allow you to reach more local customers!
Google Business Profile: Enhance visibility on search and maps, collect reviews.
Local advertising: Use flyers, partnerships, and promotions.
Referral programs: Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word.
Consistent marketing combined with outstanding customer experiences fosters growth and brand recognition.
How to increase your barbershop's revenue
By combining smart pricing, broader service offerings, effective marketing, and excellent customer care, you can create opportunities to increase your barbershop revenue and achieve lasting growth.
Consider these revenue-improving strategies:
Add new services like beard trims, facials, and kids’ cuts.
Adjust pricing regularly and consider memberships or tiered pricing.
Build client loyalty with consistent service and rewards for referrals.
Sell hair and grooming products to increase revenue.
Keep your schedule full with effective booking and special rate offers.
Promote your shop locally and partner with nearby businesses.
Suggest "upsells" of extra services or product upgrades during appointments.
FAQs about opening a barbershop
What do you need to open a barbershop?
To open a barbershop, you need a business plan, a suitable location complying with health and safety regulations, and the necessary equipment, like barber chairs and tools. You must obtain proper business licenses, barber licenses for all barbers, insurance, and financial systems.
Can you open a barbershop without a license?
No, opening a barbershop without the required business and barber licenses is illegal. Barbers must be licensed professionals who have completed state-mandated training and passed exams. Operating without licenses risks fines, closure, and legal trouble. Licensing ensures compliance with health and safety standards and protects the public.
What time does a barbershop open?
Most barbershops open between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Some shops start earlier, around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, especially on weekends or in high-traffic locations. Opening times depend on customer demand and staff schedules, so hours may vary by shop and day of the week.
Are barbershops open on Sundays?
Many barbershops are closed on Sundays, although some open with limited hours, such as 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours depend on location and local demand. Urban shops may offer Sunday services, while others close for the day.
Questions to ask yourself
Before opening a barbershop, you should ask yourself these important questions to ensure readiness and a clear path to success:
Who is my target market, and what specific needs or gaps can I serve better than competitors?
Do I have the necessary barbering skills or a team of licensed barbers ready to deliver quality service?
What legal structure best fits my business goals?
Have I obtained all required licenses and permits?
What is my startup budget?
How will I secure funding to cover rent, equipment, staffing, and marketing?
Where should I locate my barbershop to maximize accessibility, foot traffic, and customer convenience?
What range of services and products will I offer to diversify revenue and attract a broad clientele?
How will I brand my business and create an inviting atmosphere that fosters customer loyalty?
What systems will I use for booking, payments, inventory, and marketing to run operations efficiently?
How will I attract clients and retain them through marketing, promotions, and excellent service?
What are my short- and long-term goals, and what metrics will I use to measure my success?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.