Audience: Clients
Summary:
Explore the benefits of using apps like Beautcia to book hair, nails, skin, and grooming services. Discover how clients are saving time, avoiding scheduling hassles, and finding better results by going digital.
Key Topics:
Audience: Clients
Summary:
Not sure how to find the right stylist, barber, or esthetician? This guide walks you through what to look for—plus how Beautcia helps you choose with confidence.
Key Topics:
1. Using Beautcia’s search and filter features
2. Reading reviews and viewing portfolios
3.Understanding service menus
4. Checking credentials and experience
5. Booking trial appointments
Audience: Beauty professionals (stylists, barbers, estheticians, etc.)
Summary:
Learn simple, effective strategies to boost your visibility, grow your client base, and keep your schedule full. From showcasing your portfolio on Beautcia to using automated reminders, we share tips that actually work.
Key Topics:
1. Building a strong online presence
2. Leveraging client reviews.
3. Using Beautcia’s built-in marketing tools.
4.Offering loyalty programs.
5. Creating an Instagram-friendly workspace.
he growing popularity of beauty businesses has led to questions about how to start a beauty salon business in Nigeria. With so many articles on the subject, finding the one that works for you can be challenging.
But you don’t have to worry about that now that you’ve found this comprehensive article where I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to set up a beauty salon in Nigeria, complete with a business plan template and equipment checklist.
But just before we jump into the guide, I’ll first explain what a salon business is and how it differs from a hair salon business. Then, I’ll answer three questions you must ask before starting a beauty salon business.
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
What’s a beauty salon?
A beauty salon is a business that offers customers comprehensive beauty treatments. It typically involves:
Hair care. Products include shampoos and hair extensions, while services can range from hair styling to chemical treatment (hair colouring, permanent wave or perm, hair rebonding). See our guides on how to start a hair salon or set up a barbershop.
Nail care. Offerings can range from services like manicures, pedicures, and nail extensions and designs to products such as nail polishes, nail removers, and press-on nails.
Skincare treatment. Services include facials and chemical peeling, while products can include serums and moisturisers. Check out our previous article on starting up a spa business in Nigeria.
Makeup application. Services can consist of bridal, natural look, and editorial makeup. Examples of products include eyeshadow, powders, and concealers.
Answer these three questions before starting a beauty salon in Nigeria:
Skip this question and move to the next if your answer is no.
If yes, however, you’d need to acquire the necessary beauty and business skills to run your salon.
You can opt for either of the following options:
Since beauty salons typically require hairstylists, aestheticians, nail technicians, and makeup artists, you’d need to train to master at least one of the skills.
To do this, you may have to learn in a training institution or apprentice under professionals for a period, which usually ranges from 6 to 24 months. While in training, you’ll learn how to deliver on the chosen beauty skill, handle equipment, and even how to run a profitable salon business. By the end of your training, you’ll be ready to start your beauty salon.
Then, you can hire or train other professionals to join you. For instance, if you’re a hairstylist, you can hire or partner with aestheticians, nail techs and makeup artists. See more on hiring staff in “Step 6” of this article.
You don’t need to become a beauty professional just to run a beauty salon, although it helps. What you need, however, is to be proficient in managing beauty salons in Nigeria to not just survive but succeed despite economic uncertainties and constantly evolving beauty trends.
Entrepreneurial experiences from running previous businesses can prove useful. But if you’ve never run a business, you must acquire business management skills to succeed. You can consult with established beauty salon owners (or managers), take an online course (like this one on Udemy), or do both.
If you don’t have the time or bandwidth to manage the beauty salon by yourself, hiring an experienced manager is the most efficient option. A manager with expertise to oversee all the aspects of your beauty salon will go a long way to determine its profitability and ultimate success.
Then, you or your manager can hire other staff, including beauty professionals and front desk personnel. Check “Step 6” in this article for more on hiring staff.
Recall that beauty salons feature hairstyling, skincare treatment, nail care, and makeup application. In the beginning, however, it might be difficult to offer the full beauty salon service.
Many beauty salon owners start with at least two offerings, with plans to add more as the business grows. For example, you might launch your salon with hair care and nail care services and add skincare treatment and makeup offerings later.
Your service offerings will determine the number or types of beauty professionals you hire and the facilities and equipment you need.
Starting a beauty salon business in Nigeria can be a rewarding experience, given the ample opportunities in the beauty market in the country. But first, you have to understand the market, plan properly, and make data-driven decisions.
On that note, here’s how to set up a beauty salon in Nigeria correctly:
Starting a beauty business in Nigeria requires that you meet all legal and regulatory requirements, including:
Every business in Nigeria must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to attain legal status. Failure to register can cost you benefits due to registered businesses, such as qualification for grants, access to loans, and credibility with investors and customers.
TIN stands for Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s a unique identification number issued to registered businesses by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for tax purposes.
To run your beauty salon business in Nigeria, you have to acquire your TIN from the FIRS to fulfil your tax obligations accordingly. Defaulting can lead to heavy fines.
Obtain all necessary permits, licenses and certificates for your salon businesses.
Start with a fire safety certificate from the state fire service and an environmental permit from the Federal Ministry of Environment or State Environmental Protection Agencies (SEPA).
Next, check with local government authorities for other requirements and comply accordingly.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regulates and controls the manufacturing, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of beauty products in Nigeria. Ensure all your beauty products are NAFDAC-approved.
Step 2: Draft a beauty salon business plan
The next step in this guide on how to start a beauty salon business in Nigeria is developing a comprehensive business plan. It’s relevant before, during, and after you start your business.
A business plan helps you define your business objectives, outline your target market, and identify your competitive advantage. It lets you determine your salon’s product and service offerings, pricing structure, and revenue projections.
Generally, a well-thought-out business plan will serve as a roadmap for your beauty salon, guiding all decision-making processes. You can either learn how to write a business plan for a beauty salon or hire a specialist to do it for you.