Barbing Salon business is a lucrative business in Nigeria. It is a business for both men and women. it is relatively easy to manage and its highly profitable.

In this article, I’ve covered everything you need to start barbing salon business in Nigeria. That includes; how to start barbing salon business in Nigeria, services to add to your barbing salon business to make it more profitable, cost of starting barbing salon business in Nigeria and how profitable barbing salon business is in Nigeria.  So if you are looking to start barbing salon business in Nigeria, look no further,  this post is all you need. 

As the men’s grooming industry continues to flourish, you have the opportunity to tap into an aspect of this industry which is the barbing salon business. Starting a barbing salon business in Nigeria can be a rewarding venture if properly managed. Nigeria’s cultural emphasis on grooming and personal appearance contributes to high demand for barbershop services. Men and women alike seek to enhance their natural beauty by regular haircuts, trims, and grooming. This creates a steady flow of income for barbing salon business owners.

Interestingly, you mustn’t be a professional or even a barber at all before you can own a barbing salon. Once you have the capital, you start a barbing salon and employ as many professional barber as you want. However, if you’ve learned the skill of barbing; you’ll be at an advantage over your competitors.

As I have already mentioned; today, I’ll walk you through how to start a barbing salon business in Nigeria. First, I’ll show you services you can add to your barbing salon business to make it more profitable. Then, cost of starting a salon business in Nigeria and challenges you can face in this business. Finally, I’ll show you how profitable barbing salon business is.

Services to Add to your Barbing Salon Business

In order to make your barbing salon more profitable, you can add the following business services:

Manicure services – this is beauty treatment done on hands and fingernails that involves cleaning and soaking fingernails, hand moisturizing, relaxing hand massage, shaping, trimming, and buffing fingernails, pushing back of cuticles, nail polish and top coat application and cuticle oil and tint application.

Pedicure  services– beauty  treatment done on skin, feet and toenails that involves cleaning and soaking toenails, foot exfoliation, removal of calluses, pushing back of cuticles, foot massage, foot moisturizing, shaping, trimming, and buffing toenails, nail polish and top coat application, cuticle oil and tint application.

Tattoo marking– this involves marking the dermis layer of skin with indelible or temporary patterns, pictures, legends, etc., by introduction of pigment through the ruptures skin.

Body Piercing – this is one of the earliest and popular forms of body modification. It involves creating an opening in which jewelry may be won or an implant can be inserted.

Braids – this involves weaving hair together; that is, getting hair bound together in thick, rope-like arrangements. Braiding of hair are done by a hairdresser not barber. But, a barber who has the skill can do that too.

Those are services you add to your barbing salon business in Nigeria to make it more profitable.

Before I proceed further, it might interest you to know that we offer expert business plan services including Barbing Salon business plan. Feel free to contact us if you need a business plan on barbing salon business. Our award winning business plan expert will surely deliver to you the best business plan on barbing salon business.

Read: How to start a cosmetics business in Nigeria (10 practical steps)

Now that you’re equipped with what to add to your barbing salon business to make it more profitable, let’s look at how to start barbing salon business in Nigeria.

How to Start Barbing Salon Business in Nigeria (2024)

Here are steps you can take to start a profitable barbing salon business in Nigeria:

Carry out market research

The first step towards starting a barbing salon business in Nigeria this year is to carry out market research.

Some people think that once you buy one or two hair clippers and rent a shop that you have started a barbing salon business. Starting a profitable barbing salon business in Nigeria is beyond that. You need to carry out a market research if you want to start a profitable barbing salon business.

A thorough market research is essential in laying a solid foundation for your barbing salon business venture. It will show you the possibility of you succeeding in your chosen location

Apart from showing you the possibility of succeeding in your chosen location, thorough market research will help in identifying:

• Your target audience.
• Their preferences.
• Income levels.
• Competition in your chosen location.

While healthy competition can drive business, being too close to similar salons might dilute your customer base. Strive to find a balance between visibility and market saturation.

Your market research will also help you to understand the local grooming trends, and pricing strategies that can help tailor your services to meet the specific demands of your target market..

Create a detailed business Plan

The next thing is to create a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections for your barbing salon business. Also, factor in your business plan, the startup costs, which include cost of renting a suitable shop, cost of purchasing barbing equipment, and cost of hiring staffs.

A well-structured business plan will not only guide you in the initial stages but also serve as:

• Reference point as your barbing salon grows and evolves.
• Blueprint for your barbing salon business
• business framework for sourcing funds for your business

Register and acquire necessary permits for your business

After creating a detailed business plan, the next step is to register your barbing salon business with the appropriate authorities.

Choose a suitable business name that reflects your brand identity and ensures it’s not already in use. Depending on your location, you may need to register your business with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain a business registration certificate.

In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements for operating a barbing salon in your area such as health and safety standards, hygiene protocols, and fire safety regulations.

Acquire all necessary permits and licenses, such as those related to hygiene and environmental health, to operate your salon legally. Also, explore insurance options to safeguard your business against unforeseen events, such as accidents or property damage.

Choose right Location

Choosing the right location for your barbing salon in Nigeria is a decision that can significantly impact your business’s success.

Consider a location that is easily accessible and visible to your target audience. High-traffic areas such as commercial districts, shopping centers, and densely populated neighborhoods are ideal choices. Proximity to public transportation and major roads can also contribute to attracting a steady flow of customers.

Importantly, assess the demographics of the area. Understand the income levels, lifestyle preferences, and grooming habits of the local population. This will help you tailor your services and pricing to match their needs.

Setup your barbing Salon

Next thing is to setup your barbing salon. The layout and design of your barbing salon should be welcoming and comfortable for your customers. Start by optimizing the interior space to accommodate different service stations and waiting areas. The waiting area should be comfortable and engaging. Create a well-organized floor plan that allows for smooth customer flow and efficient staff movement.

Consider offering entertainment options such as magazines, Wi-Fi, or a television to keep customers entertained during short wait times. Additionally, you can display a variety of grooming products for sale, such as haircare products, grooming accessories, and styling tools. This not only generates additional revenue but also enhances the convenience for your customers.

Hire professional barbers

Hiring a skilled and customer-focused team is essential for the success of your barbing salon business in Nigeria. Hire professional barbers who are not only skilled in their craft but also possess excellent customer service skills.

A friendly and attentive staff can create a positive atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

You can also provide thorough training for your staff to ensure consistency in service, quality and adherence to hygiene standards. Training should cover various haircut styles, grooming techniques, sanitation protocols, and customer interaction. Encourage ongoing skill development and stay updated with the latest trends in grooming to offer your customers a diverse range of services.

Determine range of services to offer and pricing

Determining the range of services your barbing salon will offer and setting competitive pricing are key factors in attracting and retaining customers.

Analyzing your local market barbing salon business to understand the most popular services and pricing trends. Consider offering a variety of haircut styles, facial grooming, beard trimming, and even additional services I have mentioned earlier.

Your pricing structure should reflect the value of your services while remaining competitive within the local market. Implement a transparent pricing strategy that is clearly displayed in your salon and on your website (if you have any). Avoid hidden fees or unexpected charges that could deter customers from returning.

Consider offering loyalty programs, discounts for regular customers, or special packages for multiple services to encourage repeat business.

Promote your barbing salon business

Efficient promoting of your barbing salon is essential for attracting customers and establishing a strong brand presence in Nigeria. Design and share handbills, flyers, calendars, bangs that talks about your barbing salon business.

Utilize online promotional strategies to reach a wider audience. Create a user-friendly website that showcases your services, pricing, and contact information. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your barbing salon website appears prominently in online searches.

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your haircut stylist, engage with customers, and share grooming tips.

Consider running promotions and special offers to attract new customers and incentivize repeat business. These could include discounted services for first-time visitors, loyalty programs, or referral rewards. Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotions to expand your reach and tap into new customer segments.

Provide exceptional customer experience

Providing an exceptional customer experience is the cornerstone of a successful barbing salon business in Nigeria. From the moment customers walk in, focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. Greet each customer warmly and ensure their waiting time is minimal.

Offer refreshments or provide entertainment options to keep them engaged while they wait.

During your service, encourage open communication to understand their preferences and expectations. Provide personalized recommendations based on their hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Show attention to detail and ensure that every customer leaves satisfied with their grooming experience.

Encourage feedback from your customers to identify areas for improvement. Act on suggestions and address concerns promptly to demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the customer experience.

Implementing a booking system, whether online or through a phone call, can streamline the customer experience and minimize waiting times.

Regularly assess and update your services

Finally, running a successful barbing salon business doesn’t end once the doors are open. Regularly assessing and updating of your services to stay aligned with evolving grooming trends and customer preferences is essential.

Embrace innovation by exploring new techniques, technologies, and products that can enhance the quality of your services.

Invest in ongoing training and skill development for your staff. That will not only ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest industry practices but also boosts your staff confidence and motivation. Offer opportunities for your team to attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to the grooming industry.

Cost of Starting Barbing Salon business in Nigeria

Barbing salons are of different grades, and so the startup capital. For example, the cost of starting a first class or standard barbing salon can range from N500,000 to as high as N10 million. While you can start a low standard or third class barbing salon with as low as N100, 000.

Cost of starting the salon will depend largely on the location of sitting the shop and your capital. But you need to budget a minimum of N700, 000 to start up a nice looking barbing salon at any location.

This cost should cover:

• Cost of renting a shop: N50,000 – N300, 000
• Clippers: N5, 000 – N50, 000 depending on the type and operation mechanism.
• Sterilizer: A sterilizer costs between N15, 000 – N60, 000 depending on the brand, type and size.
• Large Wall Mirror: price range between N10,000 – N25,000
• Rotating Chair: the price range between N15, 000 – N80, 000 depending on the size, the material and type.
• Sound System Sound systems range between N18, 000 – N100, 000 depending on the type you want.
• Generator – generator plan between N150, 000 – N200, 000 will serve depending on the power output.
• Air Conditioner or Fan: A fan costs between N8, 500 – N50, 000 and air conditioner can be gotten between N80, 000 – N200, 000 depending on the house power.
• Hair Relaxer: N500 – N2, 000
• Hair Combs (Set): N1, 000 – N3, 000
• Hair Conditioner: N800, 000 – N3, 000
• Barber Cap: N1, 000 – N4, 000
• Long Shaving Brush with Powder Slot: N1, 500 – N3, 000
• Professional Barbers Duster Brush: N1, 000 – N3, 000
• Human Hair Brush: N500 – N1, 500
• Barber’s Neck Strip: N1, 200 – N2, 000
• Neck Tissue Paper: N2, 000 – N3, 000

Challenges you’ll face in Barbing Salon Business

Some of the challenges you’ll face in barbing salon business in Nigeria include:

Competition – this is healthy for every business. But, avoid locating your business where there are too much competition.

Erratic Power supply – you’ll will need a high KV power generator plant to overcome this. However, the cost of fuel or diesel is currently on a higher side.

Lack of professional or skilled barbers – it might be difficult to get professional barbers. But, you can get your barbers trained after hiring them.

 Poor hygiene on part of your staff – some of your staff might not be welled trained to practice good hygiene. So, you may need to re- trained them after employing them.

Lack of adequate startup capital or fund – money is life-wire of every business, once it is not enough; your business will be short-circuited.

Tip for your Success in Barbing Salon Business

The barbing salon industry in Nigeria is advancing technologically. The following tips will help for your success in barbing salon business in Nigeria:

Offer specialize Services: Customers are seeking personalized grooming experiences. Offering specialized services like intricate beard designs or tailored haircuts can set your salon apart.

Be Technological inclined: Utilize technology for appointment scheduling, online booking, and even virtual consultations. This convenience enhances customer experience and streamlines operations.

Ensure eco-friendly practices: Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are gaining traction. Consider using environmentally friendly products and adopting energy-efficient practices.

Retail men’s grooming products: The demand for men’s grooming products, from haircare to beard oils, is on the rise. Consider retailing popular grooming products to diversify revenue streams.

 Leverage social media: Social media has given rise to barber influencers who showcase their skills and services. Engaging in online platforms can help you reach a wider audience.

Add wellness and relaxation: Incorporating relaxation elements such as massages, hot towel treatments, and soothing ambiance can elevate the overall grooming experience.

Staying informed about these trends and embracing relevant ones can give your barbing salon a competitive edge and position it for long-term success in the evolving industry landscape.

Is the Barbing Salon Business Profitable in Nigeria?

Yes! The barbing salon business is highly profitable in Nigeria. You can be making close to N20, 000 – N30, 000 per day depending on your location, quality of service and pricing strategies.

Most barbing salon in Nigeria charge between N500 to N1,000 for a haircut.

Let’s do a little Calculation:

Assuming you setup a standard Barbing Salon business in a very good location and you charge N800 for a haircut; If by average you attend to twenty (20) customers per day, how much are you going to make in a day?

– N800 x 20 = N16,000

Great, in a day you will make a total sum of N16,000

How much are you going to make in a month?

– N 16,000 x 30 = N480,000

Great, in a month you will make a total sum of N480,000

If you remove total cost of fuel or power, salary or some other little expenses you will still be profitable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a profitable barbing salon business in Nigeria requires a combination of passion, careful planning, and a deep understanding of the local market dynamics.

By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped how to start a profitable Barbing salon business in Nigeria.

Success in the barbing salon industry goes beyond just providing quality services – it’s about building lasting relationships, fostering a welcoming environment, and staying attuned to the evolving trends in grooming and style.

As you embark on this exciting journey, keep your determination high, your skills sharp, and your commitment unwavering. Your barbing salon venture has the potential to not only contribute to your financial growth but also to become a cherished part of the local community’s grooming landscape.