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What does a Hair Salon Owner do?

Alexis W.
Alexis W.

A hair salon owner is a business person who owns an establishment in the beauty industry. A salon owner manages and oversees the salon. He or she may also cut hair and work in the salon himself.

A main responsibility of the owner is establishing the structure of the salon. In the US, salons can be run as sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations. Each of these individual organizational structures has different tax implications that the salon owner must be aware of; and other countries have their own business structures.

A hair salon owner manages and oversees operations of a salon.
A hair salon owner manages and oversees operations of a salon.

A hair salon owner may be responsible for hiring staff. Some hair salons are structured as standard retail organizations, in which the salon owner hires individuals to work for him, cutting hair. In this case, the salon owner pays a salary to the staff and then collects the funds from customers, although individual employees are generally permitted to keep their own tips.

In addition to their managerial tasks, the owner of a hair salon may also cut and style hair.
In addition to their managerial tasks, the owner of a hair salon may also cut and style hair.

In other cases, a hair salon owner may rent space in his salon to independent contractors. In this business model, those who cut hair in the salon essentially "rent a chair" for a flat fee or percentage of sales. The salon owner thus doesn't necessarily earn money from every customer, but earns money for allowing the other stylists to use space in his salon.

Salon owners need to stay abreast of the latest beauty care products.
Salon owners need to stay abreast of the latest beauty care products.

If a salon owner is running a sole proprietorship, he or she may be the sole individual cutting hair. In this case, the salon owner manages both the physical aspects of the business and the behind-the-scene business aspects. Even in larger businesses where a salon owner employs other workers, he or she may opt to continue to cut hair.

Salon owners can expand their business into more than just hair cutting, and this is often a popular way to earn extra revenue. For example, a salon can offer services such as waxing, spa treatments, or makeup applications. In these situations, the salon owner must either hire individuals skilled at these tasks or must undertake the tasks himself.

Hair salon owners need to be kept updated on the latest hair styles and trends.
Hair salon owners need to be kept updated on the latest hair styles and trends.

As an independent business person, a hair salon owner is also responsible for marketing to customers. This can be done in any number of ways, from print or media advertising to word of mouth marketing. Often, the success of the business depends on the salon owner's ability to drive customers into the business and to generate revenue through the sales of the service.

Discussion Comments

John57

A few years ago a new hair salon opened up in our community. With the economy struggling I wondered how well the business would do, but know that women still spend money to get their hair cut and colored.

This hair salon has been really successful, and I think one of the biggest reasons is they are very up to date on some of the newest products and styles.

They offer hair extensions at this salon, and as far as I know is one of the few places around that has this service.

I think if you are going to be starting a hair salon today, you would want to make sure you kept up to date on all the newest and most popular hair interests.

LisaLou

One of my friends works as a hair stylist at a hair beauty salon. The salon she works at she rents her chair from the owner and is considered an independent contractor.

She has worked there for many years and has really built up a nice client base. I know there are many hair stylists who don't make nearly as much money as she does.

I don't know if it is because she has built up such a strong customer base or because she is considered her own contractor. I just know you can't ever go wrong by giving your customers great customer service.

I wouldn't think about going to anybody else to have my hair done.

Sara007

@Mae82 - If you are requesting the owner of the salon does your hair, I would suggest you prepare a larger tip than usual. From 15%-25% would be fair, depending on how great you think the service is.

Remember, the owner is still a stylist, and in the hair salon business tipping can make up a big portion of the money the stylists make.

I don't think that the owner would be offended by you tipping her. Tips are a compliment and much appreciated. So your answer to, do you tip the owner of a hair salon would be a resounding yes. I am sure she'll be very happy.

Mae82

Should you tip the owner of a hair salon if they are the one cutting your hair? Or should you just tip the shampoo girls and other help?

I am thinking about going to a new salon my friend told me about, and she raves about how good a stylist the owner is. Apparently if you call you can request to have the owner cut your hair, though the wait for an appointment can be a bit longer.

I wonder if this kind of specialty cut, where you specifically request someone would also require a larger tip, if you do indeed tip?

It is all a bit confusing for me because I am used to going to budget salons and just using whomever to do my hair.

anon143946

do all sales of independent contractor and employees get rung into the register? how does this work?

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    • A hair salon owner manages and oversees operations of a salon.
      By: gemenacom
      A hair salon owner manages and oversees operations of a salon.
    • In addition to their managerial tasks, the owner of a hair salon may also cut and style hair.
      By: Rido
      In addition to their managerial tasks, the owner of a hair salon may also cut and style hair.
    • Salon owners need to stay abreast of the latest beauty care products.
      By: design56
      Salon owners need to stay abreast of the latest beauty care products.
    • Hair salon owners need to be kept updated on the latest hair styles and trends.
      By: puhhha
      Hair salon owners need to be kept updated on the latest hair styles and trends.
    • Hair salon owners can give different grooming tips.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Hair salon owners can give different grooming tips.