Opening your beauty salon: follow the 10-step guide!

Are you a salaried beautician, working at home, or passionate about the field of beauty, and you dream of creating your own beauty institute? You've come to the right place!

Starting your own beauty salon is an exciting adventure that can transform your dream into a thriving business. However, this process requires careful preparation and rigorous management of your budget to ensure the success of your project. This detailed guide will explain all the essential steps to structure and develop your beauty salon. You will discover how to conduct an in-depth market study, choose the appropriate legal status, organize your space, and much more. We will also provide you with advice on how to benefit from the valuable support of partners like Nohèm, in order to maximize your business potential. Ready to make your dream come true?

1. Conduct a market study

The first crucial step in creating your beauty salon is to conduct a thorough market study. This analysis will allow you to understand the specificities of the sector in your region, identify your competitors, and define the profile of your ideal clientele. A well-conducted market study will provide you with valuable information on customer expectations, current trends, and the most requested services, such as massages, permanent makeup or pulsed light. This will help you guide your services to stand out and adapt your offer to demand.

2. Develop a business plan

The business plan is an essential document to structure your project and convince potential investors. It must present your beauty salon concept in detail, include a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), a marketing strategy, a financial forecast, as well as a risk study. This document will serve as a roadmap for the first years of your activity as a manager and will guide you in creating your business.

3. Financing your beauty institute project

To finance the opening of your beauty salon, several options are available to you: bank loans, grants and subsidies, crowdfunding, personal funds, or even private investors. Carefully evaluate your financial needs by taking into account the costs related to the development work of the premises, the purchase of equipment, stocks of cosmetic products, as well as communication and marketing. Rigorous management of your financial forecast is essential to anticipate the necessary investments and make your business a success.

4. Know the regulations

Opening a beauty salon involves complying with strict regulations and requires several administrative procedures. You must hold a professional qualification in aesthetics, such as the CAP Esthétique Cosmétique Parfumerie or a Brevet Professionnel (BP). The master's certificate may also be required if you plan to recruit or train apprentices. You will have to respect hygiene and safety standards, obtain the necessary certifications to carry out certain activities, and follow the appropriate training. Check with the chamber of trades and professional unions to ensure compliance with the legislation.

5. Choose your legal status

Choosing the legal status of your beauty salon is a decisive step. You can opt for a sole proprietorship, an EURL (Single-Member Limited Liability Company), an SARL, an SAS, or even a franchise system. Each status has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of taxation, liability, and management. Do not hesitate to consult an accountant to choose the status that best suits your personal situation and your objectives as an entrepreneur. This choice is crucial for the creation of your business and for the management of your beauty salon.

6. Find a commercial space

Choosing the location of your business premises is crucial to the success of your beauty salon. It must be located in a high-traffic area, easily accessible and highly visible. Consider the area needed to comfortably accommodate your clients and install your equipment. Also make sure that the premises comply with safety standards, particularly those concerning establishments open to the public, as well as accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

7. Develop your institute project

Adopt a unique beauty concept

To stand out, develop a distinctive beauty concept that reflects your values ​​and vision. You can draw inspiration from beauty rituals around the world, as Nohèm offers, to offer an authentic experience to your clients. Your concept must be coherent and reflected in the layout of your institute, the choice of products, and the services offered.

Set up the premises and purchase the equipment

The layout of your institute should create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Choose quality materials, soothing colors, and comfortable furniture. Select the equipment carefully: treatment tables, armchairs, aesthetic devices, etc. Also plan a pleasant reception area and possibly a tea room to offer a complete service.

Choosing your cosmetic brand

The choice of cosmetic products is crucial for the quality of the treatments offered in your institute. Opt for organic and natural brands, such as Nohèm, which respect the skin and the environment. The products must be adapted to the different skin types and the specific needs of your customers. The effectiveness and originality of your products will be major assets to stand out and succeed in your field.

Training in care protocols

To ensure your clients' satisfaction, it is essential to master the care protocols. Take training courses from approved centers or directly from the cosmetic brands you use. Continuing education, for example in permanent makeup or nail prosthetics, is also crucial to stay up to date with new techniques and trends.

List your services

Create a clear and detailed list of the services you offer: facials, body treatments, hair removal, manicures, makeup, etc. Specify the prices and duration of each treatment. This list must be easily accessible on your website, your communication media, and in your institute.

8. Develop your communication

Establishing your company's image

The image of your beauty salon must be professional and reflect your unique concept. Call on a graphic designer to create a logo and a consistent graphic charter, to be used on all your communication media. Also take care of the layout of your salon and the reception of your clients to convey a positive and welcoming image.

Create your communication media

Communication materials are essential to promote your beauty salon. Create attractive and informative business cards, brochures, flyers, and posters that reflect your visual identity. Distribute them in local businesses or mailboxes around your home.

Create Instagram and TikTok accounts

Social media is a powerful tool to promote your salon and build customer loyalty. Create Instagram and TikTok accounts for your business and include a clear bio and your salon logo. Use these platforms to share a variety of content: beauty tips, client testimonials, special offers, etc. Interact with your community by responding to comments and organizing contests to increase engagement.

Create a website

A professional website is essential to present your beauty salon. Opt for a solution like WordPress, which is easy to modify. Make sure your site is attractive, easy to navigate, and compatible with mobile devices. Integrate key pages such as services, a presentation of the team, and a link to your online booking schedule. A Google My Business listing is also essential to maximize your local visibility and attract potential clients.

Make appointment booking easier with Planity

To simplify appointment management, register your salon on specialized platforms like Planity. This tool allows your clients to book online, check your availability in real time, and receive automatic reminders. This improves the customer experience and allows you to focus on care.

9. Promote your beauty salon

Create an inauguration day

Host a grand opening party before your salon officially opens to attract attention. Invite friends and family, local influencers, and local residents. Offer treatment demonstrations, special offers, and giveaways to make an impression and attract future clients.

Distribute flyers in your city

Distributing flyers is an effective way to promote your salon locally. Target high-traffic areas like shopping malls, markets, and local events. Your flyers should be attractive, include your contact information, and offer a special offer to entice people to visit your salon.

Communicating on social networks

Use social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, to promote your salon. Regularly post a variety of content: photos of your services, client testimonials, advice videos, special offers, etc. Interact with your community by responding to comments and organizing contests to attract and retain your clients.

10. Your support with Nohèm

To ensure the success of your beauty salon, Nohèm offers you personalized support at each stage of your project thanks to a dedicated sales representative. By becoming a Nohèm partner, you will benefit from the expertise and know-how of a brand recognized for its organic and natural cosmetic products, inspired by beauty rituals from around the world. Nohèm provides you with its knowledge of the field and the economic reality of the profession.

Here’s how Nohèm supports you:

Training and technical advice

Nohèm offers comprehensive and tailor-made training to master the care protocols and application techniques of its products. You will be accompanied by passionate trainers, ready to answer your questions and guide you to offer high-quality services to your clients.

Product supply

Nohèm makes it easy to supply cosmetics with an online ordering system and efficient logistics. You can order your products at any time. If digital seems complicated to you, your sales representative will help you place your orders with a simple call.

By joining the Nohèm partner network, you will join a dynamic and supportive community, with which you can exchange advice and best practices. With the support of Nohèm, you will have all the keys in hand to successfully open and develop your beauty salon. For more information, visit the page dedicated to partners.

Good luck in this wonderful adventure!