Emerging Brands Podcast: Building a Business for Little Ones with Pigtails & Crewcuts

In a recent episode of the Emerging Brands podcast, Wade Brannon, CEO and President of Pigtails & Crewcuts, spoke with host Cash Miller, CEO of Titan Media Worx, to explore the operational and philosophical strategies that have driven the success of Pigtails & Crewcuts over the past two decades.

Pigtails & Crewcuts, established in 2003, is a kid’s hair salon franchise with a family-friendly approach and a focus on community involvement. With over 75 locations across the United States, the brand offers a unique franchise opportunity, combining a low-investment, simple business model with a deep commitment to family values and operational excellence. 

“Children don't go to the same type of doctor people my age go to — they go to a pediatrician, someone who specializes in their age,” Brannon said. “It’s the same for haircuts. There’s a niche for this because there are specific needs for children and for their parents. Our franchise leverages that niche market by focusing on the unique needs and sensitivities of children.”

Each Pigtails & Crewcuts salon is designed with children in mind, Brannon said, featuring playful and gender-neutral decor, such as barber chairs shaped like vehicles. The salons are also equipped with amenities that enhance the haircut experience for kids, such as video games and movies.

“You’re not just paying for a haircut — you’re paying for the experience and the incredible level of service that our stylists provide,” Brannon said. “Parents will offer their children as much as they can possibly afford. Haircuts are something that parents will always be willing to pay for the best for their children.”

The Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise model is designed for scalability, Brannon said, appealing to both single-unit operators and those looking to manage multiple locations. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support in marketing, operations and staff training, ensuring they can provide the high-quality service that the brand promises.

“We view our business model as very much a semi-absentee owner business,” Brannon said. “We have franchisees that own up to seven salons and they have general managers who oversee the day-to-day. You can be very involved in the business early on, which we recommend because it is important to learn the operations. But because it is a relatively simple business model, you can step away from it as need be.”

As the children’s segment of the haircut industry continues to grow, Pigtails & Crewcuts plans to expand its reach, maintaining its commitment to providing a stress-free haircut experience for children and their families. Now, with a goal of adding 20 franchise units to its system by the end of 2024 to cross the 100-unit mark, the time has never been better to join the Pigtails & Crewcuts system. The team has identified prime territories in states including Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah.

Watch the full episode here.

For more information on franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, visit: https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/.