Should You Rent a Chair or Open a Salon?

By Michael Odell | Business & Branding | The International Institute of Beauty

When it comes to building a career in the beauty industry, there comes a point where you have to make a serious decision: do you keep renting a chair, or do you take the plunge and open your own salon?

It’s the classic crossroads for ambitious hair stylists, nail techs, aestheticians, and beauty professionals who want more control and more income, but don’t want to fall flat on their face doing it.

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Here’s a straight talking, strategic look at both paths, the pros, the cons, and how to decide what’s right for you, your lifestyle, and your long term goals.

First, Know What You Actually Want

Before you run the numbers or draw up a business plan, take a step back and ask yourself:

• Do I want to be a business owner, or do I want freedom and flexibility without the extra stress?

• Am I ready to manage a team, or do I prefer to work solo?

• Do I want creative control over a whole space, or am I happy growing my personal brand within someone else’s?

There’s no wrong answer. But knowing what success looks like to you is critical, otherwise you might end up building a business that makes you miserable.

The Case for Renting a Chair

What it means:

You operate as a self employed professional within someone else’s salon. You pay a fixed weekly or monthly fee (or sometimes a percentage of your earnings) for the space, and in return, you run your own business with your own clients.

Pros:

Lower risk, lower overheads

You don’t have to worry about rent, utility bills, business rates, or staffing. Your chair fee is predictable, and often cheaper than renting a full space.

More flexibility

You set your own hours, prices, and services, with far fewer responsibilities than a salon owner.

Built in foot traffic

If the salon is well located and established, you may benefit from walk ins or shared clients.

Focus on your craft

You spend more time doing treatments and less time managing business operations.

Cons:

Limited branding

You’re still operating under someone else’s roof. You may not have full control over the look, feel, or reputation of the wider salon.

Capped income

There’s only so much you can earn as a one person business, especially if you’re paying out a percentage or chair rental.

No asset building

You’re not building a business you can sell later. You’re building a personal income stream.

Best for: Freelancers, creatives, or lifestyle driven professionals who want to earn well, work flexibly, and avoid the stress of managing others.

The Case for Opening a Salon

What it means:

You lease or buy a space, design your own salon, hire staff or rent chairs, and take full ownership of the brand, business, and direction.

Pros:

Full control

From décor and branding to staff culture and pricing, it’s all yours to shape.

Potential for higher profits

If you build a strong team or rent out chairs, your income is no longer limited to your own hands.

Build equity

A successful salon becomes an asset you can eventually sell, scale, or franchise

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Industry status

Owning a salon positions you as a leader in your area, great for long term reputation and opportunities.

Cons:

Higher overheads and risk

Rent, insurance, payroll, utilities, stock, software, it all adds up fast. And if the business doesn’t succeed? It’s your name (and credit rating) on the line.

Staffing headaches

Hiring, training, conflict management, cover when people call in sick, welcome to your new job as a team leader.

Admin overload

Expect to spend more time on rotas, tax returns, marketing, and HR than on treatments, especially in the early days.

Best for: Growth minded professionals ready to build a legacy, manage a team, and take full responsibility for their brand and financial future.

Key Considerations Before You Choose

1. Finances

Can you afford to invest in a salon start up, including fit out, stock, software, and a few quiet months to start? Or does chair rental allow you to earn profit from day one?

2. Lifestyle Goals

Do you want evenings off and flexible holidays? Or are you prepared to live and breathe your business for a few years while you scale?

3. Risk Tolerance

Some people thrive on high stakes and responsibility. Others prefer stability and focus. Know your personality, and be honest.

4. Client Base

Do you already have a strong, loyal client base who would follow you to a new location? Or are you still building momentum?

5. Long Term Vision

Where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years? If your goal is a team based business, product line, or flagship location, chair rental won’t get you there.

What About the Hybrid Option?

You don’t have to leap from chair rental to full salon ownership overnight.

Many professionals now take a hybrid approach:

• Start by renting a chair

• Build a strong client base, systems, and savings

• Transition into a small studio or shared space

• Eventually grow into a larger salon when demand and funds allow

This approach lets you learn the ropes, test the waters, and scale sustainably, without the all or nothing pressure.

Final Thoughts: There’s No “One Right Way”

Renting a chair isn’t a cop out, and owning a salon isn’t the only marker of success. What matters is that your business aligns with your life, goals, and personality.

If you crave freedom and a healthy income with less stress? Chair rental is a solid move.If you’re ready to lead, grow, and take charge of your brand and future? A salon could be your next big step.

Whatever you choose, make it a strategic decision, not an emotional one.

Because success in beauty isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing. It’s about building the business that works for you.