Franchising details
About Sola® Salon Studios
Sola® Salon Studios is a pioneering salon franchise offering fully-equipped, private salon studios to beauty professionals such as hairdressers, estheticians, nail technicians, massage therapists, and barbers. The brand is recognized as the largest salon studio company in the US, with over 500 units across the US, Canada, and Brazil. Each studio provides a modern, comfortable work environment designed to give professionals control over their career, clientele, work hours, and income. This innovative model reduces capital risk, as professionals rent private studios and operate independently without the complexities of managing employees or a traditional salon.
Technology integration is a key differentiator, with proprietary tools such as Sola Pro Live and the Sola Pro app enhancing communication and management. The company also fosters a sense of community through exclusive live education events, an engaging stylist blog, and robust social media resources. This approach helps franchisees and their tenants attract and retain high-caliber salon professionals.
Franchise Model and Operations
Sola® operates primarily as a master franchise model, targeting investors with expertise in real estate, hospitality, or franchise management. The master franchisee secures territorial rights and develops multiple salons within the region. Salon locations lease commercial spaces typically ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 square feet, with individual studios sized approximately 100 to 200 square feet. The average unit consists of about 25 rentable studios covering roughly 5,700 square feet, with occupancy rates in the US around 89%.
Franchise revenue is generated through weekly rent payments from independent beauty professionals who sign 1- to 2-year license agreements. This predictable income stream is supported by low turnover and ongoing marketing efforts to attract successful industry professionals. The franchisor provides extensive social media support and digital tools to enable marketing and community building within each salon.
Investment and Financial Overview
The investment to become a country master franchisee in the UK involves an initial minimum of £1,000,000 encompassing the franchise fee and build-out costs, with a £575,000 payment due upon signing the master franchise agreement. Unit opening fees do not apply to the first unit, but subsequent units incur a 30% local franchise fee or a minimum of £2,500 per unit. The advertising fee equates to 3% of the gross turnover within the territory, managed by the master franchisee. Royalties of 6% apply to company-owned units, while franchised units pay royalties split between the franchisee and franchisor.
After two years, a single Sola® Salon Studios unit is expected to generate an annual gross revenue of approximately US$373,000, emphasizing the brand’s successful and proven business model.
Franchise costs and details
Training and support
Sola® Salon Studios provides comprehensive training and support to master franchisees and their teams, including a two-day Discovery Day program in the US with senior executives and unit visits. After signing the agreement, franchisees receive one week of intensive classroom training in the US focused on opening, managing, and franchising studio units. Travel costs are borne by the licensee. Additional support includes in-country unit start-up training delivered by experienced US trainers and a robust ongoing online training program for local staff.
