How to Set Up a Barbershop

11 January 2023

You want to open a barbershop. Whether it has always been a dream that you are finally able to realise or a new passion or idea you want to explore, this article covers all the basic requirements when opening a hair salon or barber shop in the UK.

Consider your costs for opening a barbershop

As part of your business plan, you need to have a realistic idea of the costs involved in a barber shop set-up.

You will need to do extensive research on the costs for your particular needs. Depending on the type of barbershop you want to have the set-up costs can range from £5,000 for a home-based hair salon or barbershop to £50,000 or more for a luxury or modern barbershop.

A few of the costs you should research include:

Qualifications and training.
Business Insurance.
Premises.
Construction/additions to premises.
Furniture and fittings.
Barbering equipment.
Website and marketing.
Signage.
Staff salaries.
Franchise costs.

Define your goals

Your barbershop business goals need to be included in your business plan. Having clear goals will help you to move forward, maintain momentum and ultimately set up and run a successful barbershop or hairdressing business.

A useful acronym to remember when setting your business goals is SMART. SMART goals are:

Specific.
Measurable.
Achievable.
Realistic.
Timely.

Select your location and name

When it comes to choosing the location and name for your barbershop there are a few things you should think about.

If using your home as your salon or barbershop location, take a look at our blog post on setting up a home salon here.
Choosing premises that can be found easily will help your business.
Consider accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Check out the competition - setting up a barbershop next door to an already successful competitor might not work well for you.
Near a well-known local landmark? Think carefully about using it in your barbershop name. It might help draw in customers and enable them to find you, but should you need or choose to relocate it might cause difficulties and extra costs.
Cheap premises and areas are often cheap for a reason. Check out the area and ask locals and other business owners what it is like before deciding on an area you don't know.
When thinking about your barbershop name take a look at our helpful guide here.

Consider your theme and branding

Part of your business plan should include your barbershop theme and business branding. To get these right you need to have a clear idea of who your ideal customers are. Once you know who your target audience is, you can match your branding, your theme and your decor to match what they would like.

What would encourage them to want to spend time in your barbershop? What will make it feel like a relaxing space, an exciting space, or a place for chat and a chance to bond? Think about your customer needs and create a theme around that. Examples of barbershop themes that would suit different customer bases include:

Vintage.
Modern.
Industrial.
Luxurious.
Classic.

Choice of furniture and fittings

One aspect of the theme and branding of your barbershop that needs special mention is the furniture and fittings.

This is one area where you can't afford to go for style over substance. For the best customer experience which will keep your customers coming back, they need to be comfortable while they are getting their haircut, shave, or other services that you offer.

To get a perfect blend of style and comfort that won't put you over budget you need a great salon furniture supplier. Concept Salon Furniture not only knows the salon furniture business inside out but also offers barbershop furniture leasing, giving you an affordable opportunity to get the very best barbershop chairs, wash units and other barbershop furniture.

Get started

Now you know the basics of setting up a barbershop the exciting bit starts; actualising your dream. From all of us at Concept Salon Furniture, we wish you all the best with your barbershop journey!