Opening a barbershop in the United Kingdom is a solid way to run your own business, but you need a clear picture of upfront and ongoing costs. Prices vary by location—London and other major cities command higher rents than towns and suburbs—and by the size and style of your shop. Everything in this guide is in British pounds (GBP). For licensing and legal steps, see our full walkthrough: How to open a barbershop in the United Kingdom.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in the UK: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): £15,000 – £45,000. Medium (3–4 chairs): £45,000 – £95,000. Premium: £120,000+. These figures include equipment, rent (deposit plus first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and premises: what to expect in the UK
Rent is one of the biggest fixed costs. High streets and busy commercial areas cost more; secondary streets and suburbs are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents so you can plan your barbershop budget by area.
- London (central and prime high streets): £1,500 – £5,000+ per month. Boroughs like Shoreditch, Camden, or Westminster can sit at the top of this range.
- London (outer boroughs, suburbs): £800 – £2,500 per month. Think areas like Walthamstow, Stratford, or Croydon.
- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds (city centre): £600 – £2,200 per month.
- Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds (suburbs and secondary spots): £400 – £1,200 per month.
- Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bristol: £500 – £1,800 per month depending on pitch.
- Smaller towns and high streets: £300 – £900 per month.
Landlords often ask for a deposit (e.g. 1–3 months’ rent) and sometimes advance rent. Factor in at least 2–3 months’ rent for deposit and first payments when working out your startup costs.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, expect to spend roughly £5,000 – £15,000 on chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, wash basins and basic furniture. Going premium or adding more chairs pushes this up. Licences and registrations (HMRC, local authority, any mandatory training) can add £500 – £2,500 depending on your area and structure. More detail: how to open a barbershop in the UK and our blog on barber chairs.
Management software
Barbería Club helps you manage appointments and clients from day one. You can try Barbería Club for free.
Cost breakdown by shop size (GBP)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | £5,000 – £15,000 | £12,500 – £35,000 | £35,000 – £70,000 |
| Rent (deposit + 2 months) | £2,400 – £7,500 | £4,500 – £12,000 | £7,500 – £22,500 |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | £1,900 – £5,800 | £3,800 – £11,000 | £6,200 – £18,000 |
| Working capital | £2,700 – £8,200 | £5,400 – £16,200 | £10,800 – £24,000 |
| Total (GBP) | £15,000 – £45,000 | £45,000 – £95,000 | £95,000 – £120,000+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in the UK is 60–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months if location and pricing are right. To keep costs down: consider second-hand or refurbished equipment, negotiate rent or incentives with the landlord, use low-cost marketing (Google Business Profile, Instagram, word of mouth) and run the shop with efficient software. For more ideas: how to increase barbershop sales.
Local SEO and visibility in the UK
To attract local clients, claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone, opening hours, photos and services). Encourage reviews and use keywords like “barbershop [your town]” or “men’s haircut [area]” on your site and listings. A simple, fast website with your location and services helps both customers and search engines.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs £15,000–£45,000; a medium one £45,000–£95,000. A premium shop can exceed £120,000.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good pitch and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
You need to register with HMRC, comply with local authority rules (and any premises licence), and ensure barbers hold the right qualifications. Full steps: how to open a barbershop in the UK.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn £1,800–£4,500 per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches £3,500–£6,000 or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in the UK step by step
For licensing, qualifications and legal requirements, see our full guide: How to open a barbershop in the United Kingdom.