Do you consider yourself an amateur stylist ... the go-to person for friends and family for all their hair needs? Do celebrity hairstylists make up the majority of your social feeds? Maybe it’s time to take your passion to the professional level with your very own hair salon.
The Australian hair salon industry has been deemed an “essential service” and is a highly competitive sector that has been growing steadily over the past five years and is made up primarily of micro and small-to-medium-sized business. Rising image consciousness, an increase in male grooming, and the growing population have fueled growth. You can look through the types of businesses available in different areas to get a sense of the industry.
Facts and Stats
- In terms of personal services acquired, hairdressing was the most common paid service for women and one of the leading services for men in 2019.
- The hairdressing and beauty sub-sectors together generated revenue of $6.5 billion in 2018 and collectively employed 120,700 workers.
- In 2018, over 66,000 people were employed as hairdressers across Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 69,000 by 2023, indicating steady industry growth in the future.
The hair salon sector includes a wide range of hair-related services, such as hair cutting, colouring, and styling, as well as facial hair grooming. This industry can also include additional beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, skin treatments, tanning, make-up application, hair removal, and non-medical hair restoration techniques.
Searching for businesses online is a good start when it comes to seeing what types of businesses are in operation. You can extend your search from there to give you a good idea of the market.
Hair Salon Trends
By their very nature, successful hair salons need to stay up on current trends and even help lead them. One new trend is virtual imaging and augmented reality where innovative services and apps are revolutionizing the haircare industry.
Apps like L'oreal's enable consumers to use augmented reality to preview a new hairstyle or colour before committing to it. Another example is Henkel’s SalonLab Analyzer which is a handheld, Bluetooth-connected device that analyzes strands of hair at a molecular level to evaluate details like strength, moisture content, and true hair colour.
This new technology is taking the guesswork out of the hairdressing industry, instilling confidence in the customer and encouraging them to pay more for additional services and treatments that they would have otherwise been hesitant to try.
Essential Skills
As the salon owner, you will be in charge of managing and communicating with your staff, so it’s imperative that you are clear, commanding, and passionate about all aspects of your salon. You will also be interacting constantly with patrons. It’s essential that you are able to listen to their concerns, offer suggestions, and then provide exceptional solutions.
Life as a salon owner is never mundane as each day is full of new (and old) clients and potentially challenging circumstances. You will need to be an adept multi-tasker who can handle unknowns and unforeseen situations.
You should be a creative innovator who’s not afraid to suggest several styling options for unsure and indecisive clients. You need to understand your customers’ wants and needs and respond accordingly.
It would be wise to gain a Diploma of Salon Management or Beauty Therapy. Depending on the range services you offer at your salon, you will need to hire employees who have earned a variety of certificates (hairdressing, beauty therapy, barbering, nail technology, make-up, etc.) Visit here to research educational opportunities related to the hair salon industry.
Benefits of Owner You Own Hair Salon
One of the primary benefits of owning your own hair salon is the freedom of being your own boss, setting your own hours, and having full control on all decisions regarding branding, inventory, service menu and prices, staff hires, and management.
Also, as a salon owner you have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with your loyal customers and make a positive impact in their lives. It can be extremely rewarding to help someone look and feel their best.
You will develop exceptional communication skills as you interact daily with people who come from a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Your listening skills improve as you focus and respond to your clients’ moods, problems, wants, and needs.
It can be extremely rewarding to work in an industry that is innovative and fast-paced. The salon sector requires constant learning, which can help keep each day fresh and exciting.
Visit here to see the current price range of hair salons for sale in your area and get started!
