How to Open a Barbershop in the United States: Complete Guide 2026

Key elements to research:

• Competition analysis: Identify how many barbershops are in your area, what services they offer, their prices, and what differentiates them. Use tools like Yelp, Google Maps, and Google Trends to analyze local competition.
• Target audience: Define who will be your ideal client: age, socioeconomic level, preferences, and consumption habits. Use Census Bureau data to understand the demographics of your area.
• Average market prices: Research how much other barbershops charge for similar services in your area. Review websites, social media, and call directly to get pricing information.
• Service demand: Evaluate if there's sufficient demand in the location you're considering. Consider factors like population density, demographic growth, and market trends.
• Peak hours: Identify when there are more potential clients available. Observe traffic patterns and consider office and nearby university schedules.

Your business plan should include:

• Executive summary: Overview of your business, objectives, and main strategy. Should be concise but complete, ideally 1-2 pages.
• Market and competition analysis: Information about the local market, competitors, and your position. Includes demographic data, market size, and competitive analysis.
• Marketing strategy: How you plan to attract and retain clients. Includes digital, traditional, and public relations strategies.
• Financial projections: Estimates of revenue, expenses, and profitability. Includes 3-5 year projections, break-even analysis, and cash flow.
• Operations plan: How your barbershop will function day to day. Includes schedules, processes, service policies, and quality standards.
• Organizational structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and staff structure. Includes hiring and development plans.
• Risk analysis: Identify possible challenges and how you'll face them. Includes contingency plans and mitigation strategies.

Useful tools for market research:

• Google Trends: To analyze search trends and popularity of terms related to barbershops in your area.
• Yelp for Business: To analyze competitors, read reviews, and understand what clients are looking for.
• Google My Business Insights: To understand local search behavior and client demographic data.
• Social Media Analytics: Instagram and Facebook Insights to understand your target audience and competition.
• IBISWorld: Industry reports that provide detailed analysis of the barbershop and salon market.

Characteristics of a good location:

• High foot traffic: Areas with many people walking increase your business visibility and generate spontaneous clients.
• Near offices, universities, or residential areas: Proximity to your target audience makes it easier for them to visit regularly and build a loyal client base.
• Available parking: Many clients arrive by car, especially in suburban areas. Parking is crucial for convenience.
• Good visibility from the street: A visible location with good signage attracts more clients. Consider visibility from different angles.
• Safe and well-lit area: Clients prefer places where they feel safe, especially if they visit at night.
• Easy access: Consider people with reduced mobility and facilitate access. This is also a legal requirement (ADA).
• Proximity to public transportation: In large cities, access to subway, buses, or trains can significantly increase your potential client base.

How to evaluate a location:

• Analyze nearby competition: It's not necessarily bad to have competition nearby, but evaluate if the market is saturated. Sometimes, being near other barbershops can create a "barbershop district" that attracts more clients.
• Research the demographic profile: Make sure the area has your target audience. Use Census Bureau data to understand local demographics.
• Consider rent cost vs. income potential: High rent is only worth it if you can generate enough income. Calculate how many clients you need to cover costs.
• Evaluate accessibility: How clients arrive: public transportation, parking, ease of access, etc.
• Review the location's history: Research what type of businesses have operated there before and why they left (if applicable).
• Consider area growth: Developing areas can offer better long-term opportunities.

Where to search for commercial properties:

In the United States there are multiple platforms specialized in commercial properties. Here are the main ones:

Other options to find locations:

• Local commercial brokers: Contact commercial real estate agents in your area. They know the local market and can help you find options that aren't publicly listed.
• Contact networks: Ask other local business owners, join chambers of commerce, and participate in networking events.
• Drive around the area: Sometimes the best locations have "For Lease" or "For Rent" signs but aren't listed online. Drive through areas that interest you.
• Contact owners directly: If you see an empty location that interests you, try contacting the owner directly.
• Chambers of Commerce: Many local chambers of commerce have listings of available commercial properties.

Additional resources:

Walk Score is a useful tool to evaluate the "walkability" of an area, which is important for businesses that depend on foot traffic.

Important aspects to consider:

• Valid state license: Verify that the barber has a valid license in your state. Each state has its own requirements and databases to verify licenses.
• Experience and portfolio: Review previous work and ask for references from clients or previous employers.
• Technical skills: Evaluate their knowledge of cutting techniques, shaving, and current trends. Consider conducting a practical test.
• Professional attitude: A good barber doesn't just cut well, they also know how to treat clients and maintain a positive atmosphere.
• Availability and flexibility: Define clear schedules and make sure they can meet them. Consider if you need staff for weekends or extended hours.
• Payment structure: Clearly define commissions, base salary (if applicable), bonuses, and how tips will be handled.
• Personality and cultural fit: Make sure the barber fits with the culture and values of your barbershop.

Employment obligations in the United States:

When hiring employees in the United States, you must comply with several legal obligations:

• Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification): You must verify the identity and work eligibility of each employee. This form is mandatory for all employers.
• W-4 (Tax Withholding Form): Employees must complete this form to determine how much is withheld from their paychecks for federal taxes.
• IRS Registration: You must report your employees to the IRS using the EIN you obtained earlier.
• Social Security and Medicare: You must withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA taxes) for each employee.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory in most states. Protects employees in case of work-related injuries.
• Unemployment Insurance: You must pay state and federal unemployment taxes.
• Minimum wage: You must comply with federal and state minimum wage (whichever is higher).
• Overtime: Non-exempt employees must receive time and a half for hours worked over 40 hours per week.
• Anti-discrimination laws: You must comply with federal and state laws that prohibit employment discrimination.

Common payment structure in barbershops:

There are different compensation models you can use:

Note: Consult with an accountant or labor lawyer to determine which structure is best for your situation and ensure you comply with all labor laws.

Where to search for barbers:

There are multiple platforms and methods to find qualified barbers:

Other recruitment methods:

• References from other barbers: Ask existing barbers if they know anyone looking for work.
• Local barber schools: Contact barber schools in your area to post job listings or make presentations.
• Social media: Use Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your barbershop and attract candidates. Many barbers use these platforms to showcase their work.
• Window sign: A simple "Barber wanted" sign can attract local candidates.
• Barber events and competitions: Attend local barber events to meet area professionals.

Recommended hiring process:

1. Post the job listing: Include clear requirements: state license, minimum experience, schedules, and payment structure.
2. Review resumes and portfolios: Look for relevant experience and verify they have a valid license.
3. Initial phone interview: Ask basic questions about experience, availability, and expectations.
4. Practical test: Ask the candidate to demonstrate their skills with a test cut (can be on a mannequin or model).
5. Verify references: Contact previous employers or clients to verify their work and professionalism.
6. Verify the license: Confirm that the state license is valid and up to date using your state's official database.
7. Final interview: Discuss employment terms, schedules, payment structure, and barbershop policies.
8. Job offer: Present a formal written offer with all terms clearly defined.
9. Legal documentation: Complete I-9, W-4 forms and any other required documentation.

Legal and government resources:

Other useful technology tools:

• Google My Business: To appear in local searches and receive reviews. Essential for local SEO.
• Facebook Business: To manage your social media presence, targeted advertising, and events.
• Instagram Business: To showcase your work, trends, and attract new clients with visual content.
• TikTok: To reach younger audiences with creative and viral content.
• Yelp for Business: To manage reviews and appear in local searches.
• Square or Stripe: For card payment processing and transaction management.

Effective marketing strategies:

• Social media presence: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are excellent for showcasing your work and attracting young clients. Post photos and videos of your work regularly.
• Opening promotions: Offer special discounts, free services, or "2-for-1" deals to attract first clients and generate word of mouth.
• Influencer collaborations: Work with local influencers or micro-influencers to reach more audience in your area.
• Google Ads advertising: Advertise in local searches to appear when someone searches for "barbershop near me" or "barber shop near me".
• Referral program: Offer discounts or free services to clients who bring new clients. For example: "Bring a friend and both get 20% off".
• Quality visual content: Professional photos and videos of your work attract more clients. Consider hiring a professional photographer for your best work.
• Optimized Google My Business: Make sure you have a complete profile with photos, hours, services, and respond to all reviews.
• Email marketing: Build an email list and send promotions, reminders, and useful content to your clients.

Digital marketing platforms:

Traditional marketing strategies:

• Signs and signage: An attractive and visible sign can attract clients passing through your area.
• Business cards: Design professional cards and distribute them at local events, gyms, nearby offices.
• Local collaborations: Work with nearby businesses like gyms, men's clothing stores, or cafes for cross-promotion.
• Community events: Participate in local fairs, community events, or sponsor local sports teams.
• Local newspaper advertising: In small cities, local newspapers can be effective.
• Local radio: Consider advertising on local radio stations, especially if they have a male audience.

Marketing and advertising resources: