Ready to turn your passion for men’s grooming into a thriving business? Owning a barber shop franchise could be your golden ticket to success. With the men’s grooming industry booming, there’s never been a better time to get in the game.

Dive into the barber industry’s growth, what it’s like to own a franchise, and the top franchises to consider. 

The State of the Barber Industry

Thanks to the rise in men’s personal care and grooming, the demand for professional barbers has skyrocketed – and it’s expected to keep rising over the next decade. 

Globally, the men’s grooming market is set to reach an astonishing $110 billion in value by 2030. Much of this growth has been driven by men’s newfound appreciation for skincare. But the demand for barbering services is growing, too. 

We have social media to thank for this industry’s glow-up: TikTok especially has shattered old-school stereotypes and shown men that self-care is for everyone. With trends like the e-boy haircut and sharp shape-ups flooding their feeds, men feel inspired to step up their grooming game.

Because of these changes, barber shops are growing and becoming more profitable. Guys need pampering, too, and seasoned barbers are stepping up to the plate. As more men embrace self-care, barber shops offer everything from classic cuts to luxury grooming services. It’s a great time for aspiring pros to join the action and open a men’s haircut franchise.

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Pros and Cons of Owning a Barber Shop Franchise

Franchising comes with its ups and downs. Here’s what to expect.

Advantages of owning a barber shop franchise

There are several pros to owning a franchise, including:

1. Immediate brand awareness

With a franchise, you’re not starting from scratch. You can tap into an established brand with customers who already trust its name. By fast-forwarding through branding, you save time and money.

2. Networking opportunities

Joining a franchise makes you part of a network of fellow franchise owners who can share tips, strategies, and experiences. It’s like having a built-in support system to help you navigate challenges and grow your business.

3. Proven business model

Starting a new business is intimidating, especially if it's your first time. Franchises come with a tested business model, so you can follow their roadmap to success instead of figuring everything out on your own. You don’t even have to write up a business plan – the barber shop franchisor does all that work for you!

4. Marketing power

Franchisors often handle national or regional barber shop marketing, giving you access to larger promotional campaigns that might be hard to manage by yourself. This boosts your visibility and draws in customers, which means more cash in your pocket.

5. Ongoing support

Most chain barber shops offer training and operational support to help you hit the ground running. From marketing strategies to management techniques, you have resources to boost your confidence and hone your talents.

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Disadvantages of owning a barber shop franchise

Barber shop franchises have their downsides, too. They include:

1. Potentially limited growth

If the franchise expands too quickly, it could lead to market saturation. Franchisees in the same area would compete against one another, which might limit your customer base and profit potential.

2. Franchise dependency

Your success as a franchise owner is often tied to the overall performance and reputation of the franchisor. If the parent company struggles, you’re vulnerable, too – even if you excel at the things they’re failing to do well.

3. Lack of creative control

Franchises have strict rules about branding. This limits how much you can customize your shop to match your personal vision. For example, you may have some great ideas about how to design and decorate your barber shop that you aren’t allowed to execute.

4. Limited in-shop flexibility

Franchisors are also strict about operational standards. They may dictate which services you can offer, your pricing structure and point-of-sale system, and even when you’re open. You may miss out on opportunities to cater to local trends or expand your offerings.

5. Royalties and fees

Barber shop start-up costs get expensive. As a franchisee, you have to pay an initial franchise fee to access the established brand and its resources. Fees vary widely depending on the brand, but they’re almost always tens of thousands of dollars. 

You typically have to pay ongoing royalties, too, which cuts into your profit margin. Sometimes, royalties are set at a fixed rate. But more often, royalties are a percentage of your sales. This gives you more wiggle room in case times get tough, but it also means that as your business grows, so do your payments to the franchisor. 

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5 Best Barber Shop Franchise Opportunities

If you’re thinking about opening a franchise barber shop, you have tons of options to choose from. We’ve put together a list of the best of the best to make your search easier:

1. Sports Clips

If you’re looking for a men’s grooming chain with great brand recognition and a fun, niche atmosphere, Sports Clips is a great choice. It’s one of the most popular barber shop franchises in the U.S., partially because it gives sports fans a chance to sit back, relax, and watch a game while they get their hair cut.

To open a Sports Clips franchise, you’ll have to pay an initial investment of $266,300 to $439,500. This includes the franchise fee ($69,500) and other start-up costs like training fees. Once you get going, you pay a royalty fee of 6% of your gross sales, plus advertising fees.

All things considered, these fees aren’t too steep – and Sports Clips offers financial assistance, plus discounts for military veterans. But because Sports Clips is so popular, you might have trouble avoiding market saturation, which could put a cap on your profits.

2. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is known for its rock-and-roll-inspired vibe, combining a laid-back atmosphere with a focus on quality men’s grooming. This franchise encourages creativity and self-expression, making it a hit among those who appreciate a unique experience.

The costs of opening a Floyd’s 99 Barbershop franchise may be prohibitive. The initial investment ranges from $399,500 to $762,500. Plus, Floyd’s requires you to have at least five years of experience in the industry and a net worth of $1.5 million or more. This makes Floyd’s a less-than-ideal choice for barbers who are just starting out in their careers.

3. Roosters Men’s Grooming Center

Roosters Men's Grooming Center is a modern men’s salon that offers haircuts and styling, beard care, and facials. The inviting atmosphere of these franchises makes them a great spot for guys to unwind while indulging in a little self-care. Up-front costs range from $238,966 to $373,608, which includes a franchise fee of $39,500.

Roosters has been in business since the ‘90s and maintains a presence in 27 states, so it has a loyal customer base from franchisers to draw from. But franchisees don’t have rights to exclusive territory operation – which means you might have to compete with other franchise owners nearby.

4. V’s Barbershop

V's Barbershop is an old-fashioned barber chain. Clients can relax in style, get a straight razor shave complete with hot towels, or go for a contemporary haircut fit for the 21st century. V’s also sells its own line of quality products for haircare, skincare, and facial hair maintenance.

The franchise fee for V’s Barbershop is $40,000, but total upfront costs fall between $326,500 and $602,450 – so it may not be the best choice for new professionals who don’t have that kind of cash on hand. But if you can make that initial investment, it pays off in other ways. V’s reduces royalty fees from 6% to 3.5% for franchisees who meet certain growth requirements.

5. Hammer & Nails

If you dream of owning a barber shop that redefines men’s luxury, you should consider Hammer & Nails. This chain offers premium haircuts and shaves, but it doesn’t stop there – it also offers skincare experiences, mani-pedis, and 24k gold treatments that leave clients feeling like a million bucks.

While this business model is sure to wow every client, getting started could be tough for new professionals. You need a minimum net worth of $750,000 and $250,000 in liquid assets to qualify as a franchisee. And the initial investment is hefty, with a franchise fee of $49,950. But Hammer & Nails makes the process easier by offering training to help you set up shop.

3 Aspects To Consider When Choosing a Barber Shop Franchise

With so many great options to choose from, how do you decide which franchise to go with? Here are three key factors to weigh as you make your choice:

1. Brand reputation: Look for a franchise with a solid track record and positive customer feedback. A reputable brand attracts loyal clients, helping your business thrive.
2. Business model: Consider how the franchise operates. Is it a fast-casual environment or does it embrace luxury? Choose a business whose model aligns with your vision.
3. Profit potentials: Do your research about initial investments, ongoing costs, and the franchise’s overall financial success. Make sure the franchise you choose will fit into your budget and create opportunities to maximize your profits.

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Begin Your Barber Business With GlossGenius

Owning a barber shop franchise is a great way to get your foot into the beauty industry’s door. It opens up networking opportunities, helps you hone your business skills, and gives you access to proven strategies and resources that can accelerate your success in this booming market.

If you decide to venture out on your own, GlossGenius offers an all-in-one solution for self-care businesses – including barber shops. With features like Finances, Loans, and Online Booking, you’ll have everything you need to manage and grow your barber shop at your fingertips.

Sign up for a free trial with GlossGenius today.