Tag: Hair Industry

If you’re finishing up beauty school—congratulations! You’re about to enter an exciting, creative, and ever-changing industry. And if you’re already working behind the chair—that’s amazing—this post might help you as well.

One of the things I really wish I had when I was a baby hairdresser was more information and details about how things work in this industry—especially when it came to choosing the right salon environment. One of those gray areas for me was figuring out what kind of salon I wanted to start in. I knew I needed a place that offered education and assisting, but beyond that, I had no idea where to begin.

So, if you’re feeling unsure about what kind of salon setup will work best for you, I totally get it—and that’s why I put this post together. Whether you’re new to the industry and need guidance, or you’ve been around the block and are thinking of making a change, I hope this helps you with your decision-making and gives you the clarity you need to move forward.Let’s break down the options and find what fits you best!

Part 1: What Is It Like Working in a Commission-Based Salon?

A commission-based salon is where you earn a percentage of what you bring in—services, product sales, etc. The commission rate can vary, but it typically ranges from 40% to 60% of the service or product price.

What Makes Commission Salons a Great Option?

• ✨ Team Mentality — You’re part of a team. Everyone is working together to create an amazing experience for clients.
• ✨ Help Building Your Book — Since you’re working under an established salon name, you’ll benefit from their branding, reputation, and advertising. They’ll help get clients in the door (but you’ll still need to market yourself, too).
• ✨ Tools & Products Provided — Most commission salons supply products, tools, and everything you need to work, so you can just focus on your craft.
• ✨ Ongoing Education & Training — Many commission salons offer continued education, in-house classes, and mentorship to keep you sharp and learning.
• ✨ Growth Opportunities — You may have the chance to move up into management, education, or mentoring roles as you grow in the salon.
• ✨ Possible Benefits — Some commission salons offer benefits like 401k plans, health insurance, and paid time off (though not always, so it’s worth asking).

Things to Consider About Commission Salons:

• 💡 Perfect for New Stylists — If you’re just starting out, this is often the best way to build a clientele and learn how the business works.
• 💡 Learning Environment — You’ll have support from owners, managers, and other stylists to help you hone your craft and troubleshoot.
• 💡 Structure & Discipline — You’ll likely have a set schedule, which helps create discipline and consistency—two things that will make you a better stylist and help your income grow.
• 💡 Built-in Community — Being surrounded by other stylists can inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow faster.

Part 2: What Are the Benefits of Booth Rental or Salon Suites?

In a booth rental setup, you rent your space within a salon and operate as an independent contractor. You typically pay a fixed weekly or monthly rent and keep the rest of what you earn.

What Makes Booth Rental & Salon Suites Attractive?

• 💰 Keep More of What You Earn — Once you pay your rent, the rest is yours.
• 🎨 Total Control — You set your prices, hours, and services. You decide what products you use and how you brand yourself.
• 🏠 Salon Environment or Suite — Some booth rental salons still offer shared spaces like a reception area and lobby. Suites may give you more privacy and control, but may not offer a front desk.
• 📋 Run Your Own Business — You’ll manage your own clients, booking, payments, taxes, insurance, and licenses.

Things to Consider About Booth Rental & Suites:

• 💡 Best for Stylists with a Strong Client Base — If you already have steady, loyal clients, this could be the next step.
• 💡 You’re the Boss (and the Employee) — It’s all on you—from scheduling to taxes. You’ll need to be organized and understand your budget, expenses, and profit margins.
• 💡 Continuous Learning is on You — Without a team or built-in education, you’ll need to seek out your own training to stay sharp and competitive.
• 💡 Discipline is Everything — Consistency will make or break your business. You’ll need to market yourself, manage your time, and stay motivated even when it gets tough.
• 💡 Responsibility for Expenses — You’ll be covering rent, supplies, insurance, licensing fees, and all other costs of doing business.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between commission and booth rental/suite life comes down to where you’re at in your career and what kind of support (or independence) you want.

• ➡️ If you’re new, commission salons offer structure, education, and a team to help you grow.
• ➡️ If you’re experienced with a strong clientele, booth rental or a suite can give you freedom and control over your business.

No matter where you are, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s about finding what works best for you, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Let’s Chat!

If you’ve got questions about either path—or if you’ve made the switch and have wisdom to share—drop a comment! Let’s make this a community where we help each other grow.