Opening a barbershop or beauty salon is more than just renting a space and buying chairs. Let’s walk through every step: from paperwork to your first regular clients.
Step 1: Legal Registration
- Register as a sole proprietor or LLC (a sole proprietorship is sufficient for most salons)
- Choose the appropriate business activity code for hairdressing and beauty services
- Open a business bank account
- Set up an online cash register (mandatory for consumer-facing businesses)
- Notify the relevant health authority about the start of business operations
Step 2: Premises
- Space: at least 14 sq. m per workstation (per sanitary standards)
- Verify plumbing and sewerage — a mandatory requirement for health inspections
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Coordinate renovations with the building management, if needed
- Sign an official lease agreement — it will be required for the health inspection
Step 3: Sanitary Standards and Permits
- Prepare the premises according to applicable sanitary regulations
- Ensure separation of clean and dirty zones
- Organize storage for disinfectants and tools
- Obtain health certificates for each employee
- Pass the health authority inspection
Step 4: Equipment
For a barbershop:
- Barber chair (from ) — a key investment, don’t skimp
- Mirror with a work station cabinet
- Hair wash basin
- Tools: clippers, scissors, razors, combs, brushes
- Tool sterilizer (mandatory per sanitary regulations)
Step 5: Staff
- Verify professional diplomas and certificates
- Draw up employment or contractor agreements
- Conduct a sanitary standards briefing
- Agree on a payment system: salary + commission or commission only
Step 6: Marketing and First Clients
- Create a Google Maps profile — this brings your first clients from search
- Set up social media accounts — the main channel for the beauty industry
- Place a link to online booking in your profile bio
- Launch a first-visit promotion: discount or bonus
- Ask your first clients to leave reviews on maps
Step 7: A Booking System from Day One
Don’t start with a notebook or WhatsApp — that’s a path to chaos. From day one, connect an online booking system: clients book on their own, data is stored automatically, and reminders are sent without your involvement.
WantVisit doesn’t require a website and can be set up in 1–2 hours. Just add a booking link to your social media — and you’re ready to accept clients.
Approximate Opening Budget
- Business registration and bank account: ~
- Renovation and premises preparation: from ,200
- Equipment (1 workstation): from
- Tools and supplies: from
- First month’s rent and deposit: from
- Initial marketing: from
Total minimum: ~,000 for one workstation in a small city.