Best Hair Salon Franchise Opportunities for 2025

The hair salon industry continues to thrive as one of the most reliable sectors for franchise investment. With beauty and grooming services in constant demand, this sector presents solid opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking a stable and rewarding business.

In this article, we explore the best hair salon franchises for 2025, guiding you through the top choices that combine market potential with proven success. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time business owner, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What is a hair salon franchise?

A hair salon franchise is a business model where an entrepreneur purchases the rights to open and operate a salon under an established brand. These franchises offer a variety of hair services, from cuts and styling to color treatments, and come with the advantage of brand recognition, operational support, and a loyal customer base.

Franchising within the hair salon industry has evolved significantly over the years. Early franchise models were simple, but today’s offerings include full-service salons, specialized hair care services, and even mobile salons. This diversification has made the industry more accessible and appealing to a broad range of investors.

How to open a hair salon franchise?

Opening a hair salon franchise means becoming a business owner under an established brand, benefiting from a proven system. The process typically involves researching franchise opportunities, applying to become a franchisee, securing financing, and completing training provided by the franchisor. For this process, resources like the Vetted Biz franchise opportunities tool can be incredibly helpful in providing clarity and identifying the best hair salon franchise opportunities. After securing a location, you’ll launch your salon with ongoing support from the brand. For more details on the steps, explore resources like the International Franchise Association.

Hair salon franchise market industry statistics

The hair salon industry is a robust sector, with consistent demand across various demographics. As of recent estimates, the U.S. hair salon market is valued at over $46 billion annually. With services ranging from basic haircuts to high-end styling and treatments, franchises within this sector offer a wide array of options for both investors and consumers.

In terms of franchise growth, the hair salon industry has seen an estimated average annual growth rate of around 2-3%. This reflects steady demand, particularly in markets focusing on affordable family services and premium, niche offerings. While some segments, like children’s salons and blowout bars, are expanding rapidly, more traditional salons continue to hold a significant share of the market.

On average, hair salon franchises tend to have lower operating costs compared to other franchise models like restaurants. Estimates suggest that franchisees can expect an average initial investment of $200K-$400K, depending on the location, franchise type, and build-out requirements. This relatively low capital requirement makes hair salon franchises an attractive option for first-time investors.

The typical payback period for a hair salon franchise is estimated to be between 3 to 5 years, though this varies based on factors such as location, brand recognition, and local competition. Many franchises see sales-to-investment ratios of around 1:1.5 to 1:2, depending on the specific business model and market conditions.

Metric – Average Estimate

• Payback Period: 3-5 years
• Sales-to-Investment Ratio: 1:1.5 to 1:2
• Franchise Cost: $200K-$400K

Hair salon franchise segments

• Full-Service Salons Offer a wide range of hair services, including cuts, coloring, styling, and treatments, catering to all age groups and genders.
• Blowout Bars Specialize in providing professional blow-dry and styling services without cuts or coloring, focusing on convenience and styling expertise.
• Barbershops Focus on men’s grooming services such as haircuts, shaves, and beard trims, often featuring a classic or retro atmosphere.
• Children’s Salons Tailored specifically for kids, these salons create a fun and engaging environment, offering haircuts and styling in themed settings.
• Niche Salons Provide specialized services like organic hair care, luxury treatments, or ethnic hair care, targeting specific customer needs or preferences.

10 best hair salon franchises

Vetted Biz has curated a list of the top 10 hair salon franchises, ranked by their 3-year growth and with more than 20 units. This list showcases a wide range of options, from full-service salons to niche, specialized services, offering unique investment opportunities tailored to various business goals and markets.

1. Drybar

Drybar is a premier blowout-only salon franchise, offering customers professional styling without cuts or color. With 159 U.S. locations, all franchised, Drybar has established itself as a leading name in luxury hair care, providing clients with a pampering experience focused solely on blowouts and styling.

The franchise has experienced remarkable growth, boasting a 200% unit growth rate over the past three years. This rapid expansion reflects its strong market demand. The initial franchise fee is $50,000, with a total estimated investment ranging from $551K to $870K, and an 8% royalty fee. Drybar offers comprehensive support and branding power, making it a high-end choice for investors.

2. Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is a specialized salon franchise that caters exclusively to children, offering haircuts in a fun and entertaining environment. With 143 U.S. locations, 142 of which are franchised, Sharkey’s provides a unique experience featuring themed chairs, games, and TV entertainment to keep kids engaged during their visit.

The franchise has seen an outstanding 106% unit growth over the past three years, making it one of the fastest-growing salon franchises in its niche. The initial franchise fee is $40,000, and the estimated total investment ranges from $189K to $299K, offering a well-supported entry point into the children’s grooming market.

3. Diesel Barbershop

Diesel Barbershop offers a unique, modern twist on the classic barbershop experience, combining grooming services with a retro vibe. With 31 U.S. locations, 27 of which are franchised, Diesel Barbershop caters to men looking for high-quality haircuts, beard trims, and shaves in a cool, casual setting.

Diesel Barbershop has seen impressive growth, with a 59% unit growth rate over the past three years. The franchise model includes comprehensive support, marketing, and operational guidance. The initial franchise fee is $40,000, with an estimated total investment ranging from $337K to $460K, and an 8% royalty fee.

4. Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is one of the leading blow-dry bar franchises in North America, offering professional blowouts and styling services without cuts or color. With 90 U.S. locations, 89 of which are franchised, the brand has positioned itself as a go-to destination for clients looking for quick, stylish results.

The franchise model offers comprehensive training, marketing support, and a proven business system. Over the past three years, Blo Blow Dry Bar has seen a 13% unit growth rate, showing steady expansion in the beauty industry. Financial requirements include an initial franchise fee of $45,000 and a total estimated investment of $297K-$377K, with a 6% royalty fee.

5. Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree is a full-service hair salon franchise that offers affordable hair care for the whole family. With 46 locations across the U.S., 34 of which are franchised, Lemon Tree focuses on providing quality haircuts, color, and styling services in a budget-friendly, family-oriented setting.

The franchise model is designed for simplicity and accessibility, making it an attractive choice for new franchisees. Over the past three years, Lemon Tree has experienced a 4% unit growth rate. The financial requirements include an initial franchise fee of $35,000, with a total estimated initial investment ranging from $179K-$271K.

6. Sport Clips

Sport Clips is a men’s hair salon franchise specializing in haircuts for men and boys, with a sports-themed environment that enhances the grooming experience. With 1,860 U.S. locations, 1,785 of which are franchised, Sport Clips offers its signature MVP experience, which includes a haircut, hot towel treatment, and massaging shampoo.

Over the past three years, Sport Clips has seen a steady 1% growth rate, maintaining its position as a leader in the men’s grooming sector. The franchise requires an initial fee of $49,750, with a total estimated investment ranging from $277K to $463K and a 6% royalty fee.

7. Great Clips

Great Clips is one of the largest hair salon franchises in the U.S., with a strong presence of 4,427 locations, all of which are franchised. Known for providing affordable and convenient haircuts, Great Clips has built a loyal customer base by offering walk-in services, online check-ins, and accessible pricing.

Despite its size, the franchise has seen a slight -1% decline in unit growth over the past three years. However, it remains a popular choice for franchisees due to its strong brand recognition and support system. The initial franchise fee is $27,500, with a total estimated investment ranging from $183K to $414K, and a 6% royalty fee. You can explore their business plan further by clicking here.

8. Snip-Its

Snip-its is a children’s hair salon franchise designed to make haircuts fun and stress-free for both kids and parents. With 42 U.S. locations, all of which are franchised, Snip-its offers a playful environment with interactive entertainment, making it a go-to choice for children’s grooming services.

Despite a -14% unit growth rate over the past three years, Snip-its remains a popular choice in its niche market. The franchise model offers extensive support and a proven system for success. The initial franchise fee is $50,000, with a total estimated investment between $200K and $357K, and a 6% royalty fee.

9. Supercuts

Supercuts is a well-established brand in the hair salon industry, offering affordable haircuts and styling services for busy individuals. With 2,077 locations across the U.S., and 2,070 of them being franchised, Supercuts has become a go-to option for consumers seeking quick and convenient hair care solutions.

Despite experiencing a -17% decline in unit growth over the last three years, Supercuts remains a strong franchise option thanks to its extensive franchisee support, training programs, and established brand recognition. The initial franchise fee is $39,500, with an estimated total investment between $185K and $318K, and a royalty fee of 6%.

10. Fantastic Sams

Fantastic Sams is a well-known full-service hair salon franchise offering a range of services, including haircuts, coloring, and styling for the whole family. With 565 U.S. locations, all of which are franchised, the brand has been a staple in the hair care industry for decades, providing accessible, affordable services.

Despite a -29% unit growth rate over the past three years, Fantastic Sams remains a trusted name due to its comprehensive franchise support, strong brand presence, and flexible salon models. The initial franchise fee is $30,000, with a total estimated investment ranging from $169K to $301K, and a royalty fee of 6%.

Conclusion

The hair salon industry continues to offer a wide range of investment opportunities, from full-service salons to specialized niches like children’s haircuts and blowout bars. With steady growth, strong brand recognition, and a diverse range of franchise models, this sector provides an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the beauty market. Whether you’re seeking a high-end salon experience or a family-friendly environment, the franchises listed in this article represent some of the best opportunities for 2025. With the right research and planning, you can find the perfect fit for your business goals.