Barbing Salon Business Plan in Nigeria / Feasibility Study & Manual

Barbing salon business plan in Nigeria – The Hair barbing salon business remains one of the rapidly growing industries in Nigeria today. To some people, this venture is for the 3^rd class citizens therefore, not a serious money making business. Are you one of those who assume that barbers are low income earners? You are very wrong! Let me take a little of your time to show you the profits you can make if you will own and run a barber shop today.

Read: How To Start a Hair Salon Business in Nigeria

One day, I was having an “at home service” haircut. This conversation ensued between my barber and I:

Me: Bros, do you really make money as a barber?

Barber: (smiles like there’s something he knows that I don’t know. Keeps quiet for a while and then responds with a question of his own) Do you know why I love this business?

Me: No! Please tell me

Barber: (smiles again) this business is not seasonal. Everyone’s hair will always grow. No matter how the economy is, people need their hair cut and since it’s not something most people can do for themselves, they will always need my services.

Me: (what he said was true so I probed more) if you are implying that you make good money, Ok, so like how much do you make every day from this business?

Barber: (smiles again) I give a minimum of 20 haircuts each day on regular days. By regular days, I mean from Monday to Thursday. Then from Friday to Sunday, I give about 30 haircuts on each of these days, we call those our peak days. I also have 11 VIP customers who I give “Home Service”. I give all of my VIP clients a haircut once week at the rate of N1500.

Me: (Am Shocked! Quietly, I pick up my phone, go to the “calculator” app and do the following calculation as a feasibility study on barbing saloon earning potential :

Normal haircut cost: N250

VIP/ Home Service cost: N1500

Regular days: Monday – Thursday (20haircuts each day)

Peek days: Friday – Sunday (30 haircuts each day)

To give a minimum of 20 haircuts each day on regular days: N250 X 20 = N5000

Total haircuts for regular days (i.e. Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.): N5000 X 4days = N20, 000

To give a minimum of 30 haircuts each day on Peek days (i.e. Fri, Sat, Sun): 30haircuts X N250 = N7500

Total haircuts for Peek days: N7500 X 3days = N 22,500

VIP/Home Service a week = N1500 X 11 Persons = N16, 500

Therefore, the total amount made in a week: N20, 000 + N 22,500 + N16, 500 = N59, 000

Estimated Total for the month = N59, 000 X 4weeks = N236, 000.00

Let me ask you again, do you think that owning a barbing salon business is really profitable? Your guess is as good as mine. However, I asked my barber on more question

Me: So why are entrepreneurs overlooking this business that is capable of making them good money?

Barber: Because it looks dirty and doesn’t blow whistle! People naturally like businesses that make lots of noises even if they don’t bring in as much money as the noise they make.

How to Start a Barbing Business in Nigeria

When you are planning on setting up a profitable barbing salon business in Nigeria, you should put the following factors into consideration.

Experience – This is an important step that has to come first to succeed as a stylist/barber in this business. You cannot rush into it all in the name of becoming self-reliant or because you have given a few of your friends good haircuts. You will only get yourself into a bigger problem because if you give a “not too” satisfactory service, you are sure to be shouted on, yelled at or even given a dirty fight.

So take some time off and learn what the business demands. Learn different styles in vogue, hair treatment, health and beauty tips and customer care. Don’t be in a hurry to become a barbing salon owner. Go through training first, even if you won’t be the actual person giving the haircuts in your business! There are many shops out there that will be more than willing to teach you at cheap rate. The internet is also a good resource place.

Register your barbing salon business with the corporate affairs commission Nigeria.
Choose the right location – A Street that is easily accessible from all parts of your desired area. Busy streets, close to a shopping market/ mall, are an advantage.
Offer a clean and safe atmosphere. Salons flourish in clean, safe and relaxing environment where customers can receive quick and professional service. Cleanliness is a very important element that can draw clients again and again. Your patrons must be able to trust that the tools and products that you use on them are of top-notch quality and safe. You can’t afford to put your clients at risk of infections, as it will damage your reputation. Be sure that your tools, work areas, towels and other equipment are washed, clean and odor-free
Competition – It is a bad idea to situate your business very close to another salon as you will end up cancelling out each other. Instead, try to look out a place where you’ll be the only barbing salon for a few blocks. However, if you are going to set up your shop in an area where other similar hair services already exists, I advise you expand the range of services you offer. Salons that offer a wide range of services in one setting has added advantage over those who offer only one or two types of services
Start Up Capital – The amount of capital you need to start the business depends on the type, choice and quality of salon design, rent, fixtures and leasehold improvements and equipment that you intend to use.

List of barbing salon equipment and the basics items you will need:

Salon space (Unless you have ample space at home, you will need to rent a shop)
Generator Set (For power outages)
One or two styling chairs
Quality Hair Clippers
A disinfectant container with disinfectant or sterilizing solution
Comfortable Seats for the reception area
Cabinet for clean towels and supplies
Wall Mirrors
Sterilizing Unit
Hair Treatment Supplies (e.g. Sets of combs, scissors, powder, spirit, lotions etc)
Entertainment (TV, DSTV, Sound System, newspapers/magazines)
Dust Pan With Whisk Handheld Broom

With these items in place, you can start your barbing salon and expand as you begin to make profit.

How to Make Your Clients Stay!

Keep your clients satisfied – It is important that your business create and maintain the desirable reputation as a quality hair and salon operation.

Have the required tools and skill to execute a wide range of hair styles and styles in vogue.
Take note of your clients’ preferences and implement them.
Be gentle but time conscious while attending to a client.
Hire capable and well trained personnel.
As much as you need to make profit, do not charge too much or your clients will run away. Find out what other barbing salons around your area charge and fix yours within the same price range.
Trill your customers with new offers or special promos. “Half the price off for all new clients” “free haircuts” “barb twice and get one free” promos will make them clients for life.
Start Small. People make the mistake of wanting everything in proper place before opening for business. I advise that you start small and grow from there. A saying goes like this: Success builds upon success!