Beauty Salon Opening Guide

Prepared by BE’Academy as a comprehensive guide for our trainees who wish to start their own beauty salon.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Opening your own beauty salon is the dream of many entrepreneurs. However, running this business successfully requires careful planning and knowledge. The key to success often lies in choosing the right location.

• The location of your salon can determine “success or failure.” Therefore, choosing the right place from the very beginning is crucial.
• Select a place you are familiar with, that has heavy foot traffic, is easily accessible, and has nearby parking.
• Having other retail businesses nearby can increase your customer potential.
• Consider areas with high weekend traffic, such as shopping malls or ground floors of office buildings in city centers.
• It is very important that the chosen space receives natural light and offers a spacious atmosphere. A place that feels positive energetically benefits both employees and customers.
• The size of the space should meet your needs: How many treatment rooms, reception area, sales section, storage, and staff rooms will there be?
• If the building has not been used as a salon before, plan in advance for changes such as plumbing, ventilation, electrical infrastructure, and lighting. Consider permits and costs according to the lease agreement or ownership status.

2. Develop a Strong Salon Brand

The strength of a brand can be decisive in the success of your salon. A brand is the outward face of your business and influences how people perceive you.

• First, define a clear vision for your business: What should people say about your salon? Which values will you represent?
• A brand is not just a logo; it’s also a feeling. Think of your brand as a personality: If it were a person, what kind of person would it be?
• Are you influenced by a particular culture, style, or value system? How can your brand make the world a better place?
• When defining your brand, highlight the unique qualities that set you apart from others. Creating a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP) makes you stand out.
• Develop a visual identity that matches your brand message and consistently apply this identity across all platforms such as social media, brochures, signage, and uniforms.

3. Consider Regulations and Legal Requirements

In addition to the diplomas, licenses, and insurance required for the services you offer, there are legal regulations that beauty salons must comply with.

• Obtain detailed information about licensing and regulatory requirements from your local municipality and the Ministry of National Education.
• If you plan to renovate the space, make sure to check whether you need zoning or renovation permits.
• Regulations can change frequently, so it is recommended to review them every six months.
• All your employees should be familiar with standard procedures regarding hygiene rules, cleaning practices, and material usage.
• Some chemicals used may be hazardous; spills should be cleaned immediately, and waste must be disposed of according to local government regulations.

4. Find and Train the Best Staff

One of the biggest challenges when opening a beauty salon is finding the right personnel. Quality service requires skilled staff.

• If your brand is strong, it will be attractive to both customers and employees.
• From the very first hires, turn your employees into brand ambassadors. You can set up a referral bonus system to encourage them to bring in people they know.
• Connect with local vocational schools, MEB-approved courses, and academies. Offer internship programs to reach potential talents.
• Prepare an attractive job package that offers not only competitive salaries but also opportunities for growth, flexibility, and social benefits.
• Continuously run recruitment campaigns on your social media and website.

5. Deliver Excellent Customer Service

No matter how beautiful your salon environment is, sustainable success cannot be achieved without strong customer service.

• Provide ongoing professional training for your staff to improve product knowledge, sales support, and consulting skills.
• Encourage participation in demos and certifications offered by training organizations.
• For example, Lydia Sarfati emphasizes: “The front desk staff creates the first impression. They need to know the services and be able to make proper appointments and recommendations.”
• Such training not only supports professional development but also boosts team motivation and loyalty.

6. Establish Business Systems

You can lead your salon to success not only through beauty services but also with systematic management.

• Business Plan: Define your current status and goals with a timeline. Set monthly targets and KPIs.
• Staff Scheduling and Training Planning: Use software that facilitates employee rotation.
• Appointment System: Prefer online reservation platforms accessible 24/7.
• Inventory Management: Set up a system that provides real-time stock visibility. Define material check-in and check-out procedures.
• Accounting: Implement digital systems for budgeting, invoicing, payment, and collection tracking.
• Marketing: Activate automations such as email/SMS campaigns, loyalty programs, and CRM integrations.

7. Allocate a Marketing Budget and Develop a Strategy

Even if you offer the best service, success may not come without adequate promotion.

• Define an annual marketing budget in your business plan. Create low-cost, creative solutions.
• Collaborate with local community groups such as mothers’ groups and school parent-teacher associations. Offer complimentary services at events.
• Provide special offers to nearby businesses and leave brochures in libraries or cafes.
• Keep your social media accounts active. Share not only sales but also information and experiences with your followers.
• Share your new services with local media for free publicity.
• Encourage happy customers to leave online reviews.
• Create educational videos on channels like YouTube or Instagram; become your own beauty influencer.

8. Manage Cash Flow

Cash flow is the lifeblood of a beauty salon. Keep daily track of your income and expenses balance.

• Prepare monthly income-expense statements on an annual basis.
• Develop packages and membership systems that encourage customers to pay in advance.
• Set your credit limits in advance for large expenses; consider leasing equipment as an option.
• Avoid unnecessary expenses; every expense should move the business forward.
• The three key factors that increase your cash flow are customer retention, employee loyalty, and product sales.

9. Your Role as a Business Owner

As a business owner, you are responsible not only for daily operations but also for planning the future.

• In the beginning, you might handle every task yourself; however, leadership and vision are essential for long-term success.
• Manage your time effectively by delegating tasks. Empowerment enables efficient growth.
• Maintain communication with your team through weekly and monthly meetings, and listen to their feedback.

Create your own brand in beauty with BE’Academy!

You can achieve success by following this guide step by step to create the beauty salon of your dreams. For professional setup and process consultancy, you can contact BE’Academy. We are here to support you on this important journey.