In the past, the business of running a barbing salon was probably not seen as a prestigious thing to do, and was associated with uneducated individuals who set up small shops in street corners to attend to clients. That doesn’t seem to be the case now, as running a hair styling business has become a goldmine.
People will always make ensure they look good, and attending to their hair is one of the efforts they make. This fact is what Bruno Oaikhinan took advantage of, after resigning from his high paying bank job. Bruno Oaikhinan who has been widely referred to as ‘Banker to Barber’, runs Bruno’s Place Unisex Salon, a top hair styling salon in Lagos.
In an with BBC, he noted:
“Whether they are poor or they are rich, whether there is crisis – people want to look good.
When I was in banking, I knew how much I was earning, now as a hairstylist I earn more than that.”
The story of Bruno is one out of many who have built business empires just by tending to people’s hair, proving how profitable the business is.
But, what does it take to build a barbing salon business?
First thing you need is dedication.
According to Bruno,
“It is hard work – and the salon is often open until late at night. Officially we’re supposed to close at 9 o’clock but we’ll still stay until 10 or 11. We’ll stay until the last customer leaves.”
Here are top tips to help you set up and run a successful barbing salon business in Nigeria:
Get the Skills
The quality of service you offer your customers is key. You must therefore get skills and training in hair cutting, styling, treatment. Alternatively, you can get a skilled personnel who has been in the business of hair cutting. Providing the best service and staying in tune with new trends/styles will go a long way to set you apart from the crowd.
Choose an Appropriate Location
In the words of Bruno whose hair styling salon is located in a mall, he noted: “The mall is the best place to build a brand because what the big salons outside have spent years to do, I’ve done in barely 18 months. The rents in the mall may be expensive but it is worth it as the unisex salon is assured of electricity, water and there are toilets for customers.”
Even though you can’t afford it or couldn’t find a location in a shopping mall, ensure you get a location that is accessible and convenient for customers. This will greatly influence your level of patronage. After getting a location, set up your shop with all necessary equipment. Work with someone who has experience in the business, ask questions, in order to know all that’s required to get the business running.
Get a License
For many businesses in Nigeria, you have to obtain a license and pay some dues to begin operations. If your barbing salon is going to be set up in Lagos State, then you should join Lagos State Barbing-Hairdressing And Cosmetology Association, pay the necessary dues and attend meetings. If you are in other states, make findings on their association and ensure you pay all necessary dues. This would ensure a smooth running of your business, and avoid any embarrassing interference.
Offer Extra Services
Asides just barbing, you can make your salon a one-stop shop by offering other services such as manicure & pedicure, spa & makeup services, sale of clippers, shaving sticks, shaving powders, hair creams, shampoos, hairbrushes, ties, cufflinks and other male products. You could also offer barbing training services. This would make your salon unique and different from all others around you.
Pay Attention to Packaging and Marketing
Customers will pay any amount as long as they get the value for their money. So, in all you do, how you package and market your services matters a lot.
From having a website and business profiles on Facebook and Instagram, which can used can be used to post working hours, driving directions, sell salon services and showcase your works to encouraging workers to dress in a particular and uniform style, package your barbing salon business like a 21st-century empire.
We hope you found these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments!
