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If you don’t plan and track your kids' hair salon budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for kids' hair salon owners, we saw a lot of salon owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having a steady stream of young clients.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your salon's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for kids' hair salons
Most kids' hair salon owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for kids' hair salons
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a kids' hair salon, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for salon space | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for salon equipment and lighting | $500 | $6,000 |
| Water | Water usage for hair washing stations | $150 | $1,800 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $80 | $960 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $400 | $4,800 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Stylist | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Junior Stylist | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Receptionist | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Manager | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $36,000 |
3. Supplies & Inventory
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Products | Shampoos, conditioners, styling products | $500 | $6,000 |
| Hair Tools | Scissors, clippers, combs, brushes | $300 | $3,600 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Sanitizers, disinfectants, cleaning cloths | $150 | $1,800 |
| Decorations | Kid-friendly decor and toys | $200 | $2,400 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $300 | $3,600 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, local magazine ads | $150 | $1,800 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $100 | $1,200 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $150 | $1,800 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of salon equipment | $200 | $2,400 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses, health permits, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $300 | $3,600 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $50 | $600 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $150 | $1,800 |
Some kids' hair salons make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best kids' hair salons in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a kids' hair salon?
Be mindful of these common expenses. Here are five major costs every kids' hair salon owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Hair products and suppliesThese can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with items like shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, which can vary in price based on brand, quality, and demand. To keep these costs under control, focus on inventory management, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by stocking too much or opting for premium products that don't necessarily add value.
- Your salon staffYour team is essential, but paying for their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need skilled stylists to provide excellent service and keep the salon running smoothly. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Rent and utilities of your salonPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more clients. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are necessary but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too upscale for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to promote your kids' hair salon, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we provide in our guide. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Salon equipment and maintenance costsThis includes everything from styling chairs to hairdryers and play area furniture. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, child-friendly equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your kids hair salon?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a kids' hair salon owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Hair Products | Partner with local suppliers for bulk purchases of child-friendly, hypoallergenic products at discounted rates. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime, ensuring you have enough stylists during peak times. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient hairdryers and other salon equipment. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your salon and collaborate with local mommy bloggers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and ensure a safe, clean environment for kids. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of clippers, scissors, and other tools. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location with good foot traffic. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Decor and Toys | Use cost-effective, durable, and safe decor and toys to create a fun atmosphere without overspending. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with appointment scheduling software. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions on child-friendly techniques and use free online resources. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize product waste and recycle where possible. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional salon equipment and utilize salon management software for appointments and customer records. |
| Linen and Laundry | Partner with a cost-effective linen service and consider reusable capes and towels. |
| Appointment Reminders | Use digital appointment reminders via SMS or email to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan supply delivery routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital appointment and billing systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce product spoilage. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music and offer kid-friendly entertainment options like cartoons during haircuts. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
Copy the tactics of the best kids' hair salons in the world!
There are kids' hair salons that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Expenses that are just useless for a kids' hair salon
Yes, some expenses for your kids' hair salon are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving the customer experience.
| Salon Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Over-the-Top Decorations | Extravagant decorations don't necessarily attract more clients and can be a drain on the budget. |
| High-End Hair Products | Unless you cater to a very niche market, most parents are satisfied with mid-range hair products for their kids. |
| Excessive Service Options | A large variety of services increases inventory costs and can lead to more waste. |
| Top-Tier Equipment | High-end salon equipment is not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your salon. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by customers. |
| Exclusive Hair Accessories | Using rare accessories can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by customers and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Capes | Personalized capes are a minor detail that most customers overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most customers are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Delivery Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Waiting Area Toys | Elaborate toys are often ignored by children and add to the cost. |
| High-End Hair Tools | Luxury hair tools are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by customers. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Brochure Designs | Frequently redesigning brochures is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Styling Equipment | Specialized styling equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your kids hair salon!
Managing a budget for a kids' hair salon when funds are tight can feel overwhelming. It's like being stuck in a cycle where any unexpected expense can throw everything off balance.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to spend.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of kids' hair salons just like yours. Get them now!
Make your kids hair salon more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best kids' hair salons in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
