Can I open a barbershop for under $50,000?

Yes, but you'll need to keep things lean. A small 1-2 chair setup in an affordable lease is the way to go — look for spaces that already have plumbing in place to avoid costly buildout. Buy quality used barber chairs ($500-$800 each instead of $2,000+ new) and start with your own personal clipper and shear kit rather than outfitting multiple stations. Another option is booth rental, where you rent a single chair in an existing shop for $200-$500/month and keep your earnings, dropping your startup cost to under $5,000. The trade-off is less control and slower brand-building, but many successful shop owners started this way to build a client list before going independent.

What licenses do I need to open a barbershop?

At minimum, you need a state barber license, which requires completing a state-approved barber program (typically 1,000-1,500 hours of training) and passing both a written and practical exam. Beyond your personal license, you need an establishment license from your state barber board to operate a physical shop, a general business license from your city or county, and a health department permit that involves a pre-opening inspection of your sanitation and sterilization practices. Some states distinguish between barber and cosmetology licenses — make sure yours covers razor shaves and facial hair grooming if you plan to offer those services. Budget 2-4 months for the licensing process, as inspections and approvals can take time.

Should I rent chairs to barbers or hire employees?

Both models work, and many shops use a hybrid approach. With booth rental, barbers pay you $200-$500/week for a chair and handle their own taxes, insurance, and supplies — your income is predictable and your overhead is lower, but you have less control over schedules, quality, and shop culture. With the employment model, you pay barbers $13-$25/hour or a 50-70% commission split, handle payroll taxes, and may offer benefits — this gives you more control and builds a stronger team, but your labor costs are significantly higher. Commission splits are the most common structure: the shop keeps 30-50% of each haircut and the barber keeps the rest plus tips. New shops often start with booth rental to reduce risk, then transition to employees as revenue stabilizes.

How much does a barber chair cost?

Barber chairs range from $500 for a decent used hydraulic chair to $3,000-$5,000 for a new top-of-the-line model from brands like Takara Belmont or Collins. The sweet spot for new shops is $1,000-$2,000 per chair — you get reliable hydraulics, comfortable padding, a heavy base that won't wobble, and a professional look. Investing in quality chairs matters because they're the first thing clients notice, they affect comfort during 30-60 minute appointments, and cheap hydraulics fail within 1-2 years. Used chairs from closing shops can be excellent deals, but always test the hydraulic lift and check the upholstery before buying.

How long until a barbershop is profitable?

Most small barbershops break even within 3-6 months if they have a solid location with foot traffic and the owner is cutting hair full-time. Larger shops with hired staff typically take 6-12 months because fixed costs are higher and it takes time to fill all chairs consistently. The key factors are location (walk-in traffic and visibility), pricing (a standard men's haircut averages $25-$45 depending on your market), and repeat clients — barbershops thrive on regulars who come in every 2-4 weeks. Building a loyal client base through consistent quality, a welcoming atmosphere, and an active social media presence is the fastest path to profitability.

Home / Barbershop Startup Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Barbershop?

$50,000 – $200,000

Starting a barbershop ranges from $50,000 for a compact 1-2 chair setup in an affordable lease to $200,000+ for a large multi-chair full-service shop with premium buildout and equipment. Your biggest cost drivers are the number of barber chairs, lease and renovation expenses, and whether you hire employees or rent chairs to independent barbers.

Last updated Feb 2026 · Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics — Barbers occupational data (2024-2025), Salon equipment supplier pricing (Takara Belmont, Collins Manufacturing), State barber board licensing requirements

FAQ

Where This Data Comes From

Bureau of Labor Statistics — Barbers occupational data (2024-2025)
Salon equipment supplier pricing (Takara Belmont, Collins Manufacturing)
State barber board licensing requirements
IBISWorld Barber Shop industry report

All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and business decisions.

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