How Much Does It Cost to Open a Barbershop: Complete Cost and Initial Investment Guide

If you're thinking about opening a barbershop, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much does it cost to open a barbershop? The answer isn't simple, because it depends on many factors: location, shop size, equipment quality, and whether you work alone or with a team. In this complete guide, we give you real, updated numbers so you can plan your investment with confidence.

As experts in the barbershop industry, we've seen hundreds of businesses open their doors. We're going to tell you exactly where your money goes and how you can optimize each expense without sacrificing quality.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Barbershop? Quick Answer

To give you a direct answer: opening a small barbershop (1-2 chairs) can cost between $5,500 and $12,000 USD. A medium barbershop (3-4 chairs) requires between $12,000 and $25,000 USD. And a large or premium barbershop can exceed $30,000 USD.

But these numbers are just the start. What's important is understanding where every dollar goes. Let's break it all down.

Complete Cost Breakdown to Open a Barbershop

1. Basic Equipment: The Heart of Your Investment

Equipment is where you'll invest the most, and for good reason: quality tools last years and make a difference in service. Here are real 2026 market prices:

Barber Chairs

Chairs are your biggest and most visible investment. Prices vary widely:

• Basic professional chair: $800-1,200 USD
• Mid-range chair: $1,200-2,000 USD
• Premium chair (recognized brand): $2,000-3,500 USD

Our recommendation: Don't skimp on chairs. A good chair lasts 10-15 years and improves the customer experience. To start, 1-2 mid-range chairs are enough. You can read more about how to choose barber chairs in our specialized article.

Hair Clippers

You need at least 2-3 professional clippers:

• Basic professional clipper: $150-250 USD
• Mid-range clipper (Wahl, Andis): $250-400 USD
• Premium clipper: $400-600 USD

For more details on the best options, check our guide to best machines for barbers.

Other Essential Tools

• Professional scissors (2-3 pairs): $200-500 USD
• Razors and shaving tools: $150-300 USD
• Combs and brushes (complete set): $50-150 USD
• Professional hair dryer: $80-200 USD

Furniture and Decoration

• Large mirrors (2-3 units): $300-800 USD
• Sink and washing station: $600-1,500 USD
• Waiting sofa or chairs: $300-800 USD
• Reception/counter: $400-1,000 USD
• Decoration (lighting, artwork, details): $500-1,500 USD

Total basic equipment: $3,500-8,500 USD (for 1-2 chairs)

2. Rent and Deposit

Rent is your biggest fixed cost after equipment. Prices vary enormously by city and area:

• Small city, residential area: $300-600 USD/month
• Medium city, commercial area: $600-1,200 USD/month
• Large city, downtown area: $1,200-3,000 USD/month
• Shopping center or premium area: $2,000-5,000 USD/month

Typical deposit: 2-3 months of rent. Add this to your initial investment.

Expert tip: Negotiate a grace period of 1-2 months without paying at the start. Many landlords accept this if they see you're going to make improvements to the space.

3. Remodeling and Space Preparation

You rarely find a perfect space. You'll need to make adjustments:

• Paint and finishes: $500-1,500 USD
• Electrical installations (if improvements needed): $800-2,000 USD
• Plumbing (if adjustments needed): $400-1,200 USD
• Professional lighting: $300-800 USD
• Exterior signage: $400-1,200 USD
• Flooring (if renovation needed): $600-1,500 USD

Total remodeling: $3,000-8,000 USD (depends on space condition)

4. Legal Procedures and Permits

Legal costs vary by country and city. Here are general ranges:

• Business registration (sole proprietorship or corporation): $50-300 USD
• Health and sanitation permits: $100-500 USD
• Municipal licenses: $75-400 USD
• Trademark/business name registration: $100-300 USD (optional but recommended)
• Liability insurance: $200-500 USD (annual, but initial payment)
• Location insurance (fire, theft): $300-800 USD (annual)

Total procedures and permits: $825-3,300 USD

Important: These costs can vary significantly. Consult with a local accountant or lawyer for exact numbers in your area. You can also review our guide on business registration as a general reference.

5. Products and Initial Stock

You need to have products from day one:

• Shampoos and conditioners (variety): $150-400 USD
• Pomades, waxes and styling products: $200-500 USD
• Beard products (oils, balms): $100-300 USD
• Aftershave lotions: $80-200 USD
• Towels and disposable sheets: $100-250 USD
• Cleaning and disinfection products: $80-150 USD

Total initial stock: $710-1,800 USD

6. Initial Marketing and Promotion

It's not enough to open: you need to make yourself known. Include in your budget:

• Basic website (if you do it yourself with template): $100-300 USD
• Professional website (designer): $500-1,500 USD
• Logo design and graphic material: $200-600 USD
• Business cards: $50-150 USD
• Social media (professional setup, first posts): $100-300 USD
• Google My Business (free, but setup time): $0 USD
• Opening promotions (discounts, events): $200-800 USD
• Initial advertising (Facebook Ads, Google Ads): $300-1,000 USD

Total initial marketing: $950-4,650 USD

7. Software and Management Tools

Today, you can't manage a barbershop without software. You need:

• Online booking system: $0-100 USD/month (free version available, or $20 USD/month with 1 month free trial)
• Basic point of sale (POS): $0-50 USD/month
• Accounting software: $0-30 USD/month

Our recommendation: Use Barberia Club to manage your bookings. It has a free version and also a $20 USD/month plan with 1 month free trial. It's designed specifically for barbershops. It saves you time from day one and prevents you from losing appointments due to poor organization.

Total software (first 3 months): $0-540 USD (can be $0 if you use the free version, or $40 USD if you use the paid plan with 1 month free)

8. Working Capital (Emergency Reserve)

This is the most common mistake: not having money for the first months. You need:

• Reserve for 3-6 months of fixed expenses: $2,000-8,000 USD
• Money for unexpected expenses: $1,000-3,000 USD

Total working capital: $3,000-11,000 USD

Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Open a Barbershop?

Here's the total breakdown by size:

Small Barbershop (1-2 Chairs)

• Equipment: $3,500-8,500 USD
• Rent and deposit: $1,200-3,600 USD
• Remodeling: $2,000-5,000 USD
• Procedures: $825-2,000 USD
• Initial stock: $710-1,500 USD
• Marketing: $950-3,000 USD
• Software: $0-500 USD (can be $0 with free version, or $40 USD with paid plan and 1 month free)
• Working capital: $3,000-6,000 USD

Total: $12,185-30,100 USD

Medium Barbershop (3-4 Chairs)

• Equipment: $8,000-15,000 USD
• Rent and deposit: $2,400-7,200 USD
• Remodeling: $4,000-8,000 USD
• Procedures: $1,000-3,000 USD
• Initial stock: $1,200-2,500 USD
• Marketing: $1,500-4,500 USD
• Software: $0-600 USD (can be $0 with free version, or $40 USD with paid plan and 1 month free)
• Working capital: $5,000-10,000 USD

Total: $23,100-51,800 USD

How to Reduce the Costs of Opening a Barbershop

If your budget is tight, here are real strategies that work:

1. Start Small

You don't need 4 chairs from day one. Start with 1-2 chairs and grow when you have clients. This reduces your initial investment by $5,000-10,000 USD.

2. Look for Quality Used Equipment

You can save 30-50% buying used chairs and tools in good condition. Look on local marketplaces, Facebook groups for barbers, or when other barbershops close.

3. Negotiate Rent

Many landlords are willing to negotiate, especially if the space has been vacant. Ask for:

• Grace period (1-2 months without paying)
• Lower rent for the first 6 months
• Landlord to pay part of improvements

4. Do What You Can Yourself

If you have skills, do the painting, basic decoration and social media setup yourself. You can save $1,000-3,000 USD.

5. Use Affordable Software

Don't pay for expensive software at the start. Barberia Club has a free version and also a $20 USD/month plan with 1 month free trial. It has everything you need to manage bookings, clients and barbers. When you grow, you can evaluate premium options.

Monthly Recurring Costs

In addition to the initial investment, consider these monthly expenses:

• Rent: $300-3,000 USD/month
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $150-400 USD/month
• Products (restocking): $200-600 USD/month
• Ongoing marketing: $100-500 USD/month
• Software: $0-150 USD/month (free version available, or $20 USD/month with 1 month free trial)
• Insurance: $50-150 USD/month
• Salaries (if you hire): $1,500-4,000 USD/month per barber

Total monthly expenses (without salaries): $800-4,800 USD/month

When Will You Recover Your Investment?

This is the million-dollar question. The answer depends on:

• How many clients you serve per day
• The average price of your services
• Your monthly costs
• The speed at which you build your client base

Real example: If you invest $15,000 USD, serve 15 clients/day at $25 USD average, and your monthly costs are $2,000 USD:

• Monthly income: 15 clients × $25 × 30 days = $11,250 USD
• Monthly profit: $11,250 - $2,000 = $9,250 USD
• Recovery time: $15,000 ÷ $9,250 = 1.6 months

But this is in the best scenario. In reality, the first 3-6 months are slower while you build clients. A realistic recovery time is 6-12 months.

Common Mistakes When Calculating the Cost of Opening a Barbershop

Avoid these mistakes that can leave you without money:

• Underestimating remodeling: Always budget 30% more
• Forgetting working capital: You need money to operate the first months
• Not considering taxes: Set aside 20-30% of profits for taxes
• Buying everything new: Used equipment can save you thousands
• Spending too much on initial marketing: Start with basics and scale

Conclusion

Opening a barbershop requires a significant investment, but it's totally achievable with good planning. The key is:

• Making a realistic budget (always add 20% extra for unexpected expenses)
• Starting small and growing gradually
• Investing in quality where it matters (chairs, tools)
• Saving where you can (free software, used equipment)
• Having a reserve for the first 6 months

If you're ready to take the step, make sure you have a good plan to start your barbershop. And when you're operating, use Barberia Club to manage your bookings professionally from day one.

Do you have questions about a specific cost? Consult with other barbers in your area or contact us. We're here to help you make your dream of having your own barbershop a reality.