Meet the Author
Rasmus Østergaard is an editor and journalist at Just Add People. Rasmus is responsible for making useful information about the hairdressing trade and the beauty sector easy to access for everyone.
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Hairdressing chair for rent in a shared salon
Renting a hairdressing chair in a shared salon can be a wise financial decision for hairdressers who want to avoid the high start-up costs of owning their own salon. But like any business model, it has both advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to weigh these carefully, especially when it comes to finances.
16. January 2024
Benefits of a salon co-working space
- Lower start-up costs: Renting a workstation in a salon co-working space usually takes a smaller start-up investment than paying for your own salon.
- Shared costs: On top of the direct "rent", you can benefit from shared costs such as electricity, water, and cleaning. This can help cut your monthly expenses and free up money for other business needs.
- Existing customers in the salon: Salons with several client stations often have a steady flow of customers. By renting a space in this kind of set-up, you may get access to the existing customer base, which can help you find new customers. Just remember: most people are like you—once they have chosen a hairdresser, they stick with them. Don’t expect to be handed a pile of customers.
Drawbacks of a salon co-working space
- Limited control: As a tenant, you have limited control over the salon’s day-to-day running and look. This can be a drawback if you have a clear vision for your own salon style and brand identity.
- Competition with colleagues: Even though it can be rewarding to work in a shared space, you are also competing with other hairdressers for walk-in customers—if the salon offers that. Your customers might spot a hairdresser who better delivers the style or treatment they have been looking for, and that they get from you today.
- Fixed "rent": Even if it is less than owning a whole salon, renting a hairdressing chair still means fixed monthly costs.
Renting vs. financing
A salon co-working space is most often started by financially minded hairdressers, with the aim of making money from you renting a client station. In some cases, it may be cheaper for you to finance a full fit-out than what you pay to have a space in an established salon co-working space. High risk = high reward.
Final words
From a financial point of view, renting a hairdressing chair/client station is ideal for you if you want to keep start-up costs down and have as little commitment as possible. That said, it is important to weigh the costs against, for example, financing the furniture yourself.
Think of it like investing in a house versus renting. Buying a house is usually a better investment in the long run, but renting makes it easier to change your mind and move—while being a poorer investment.
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