Pigtails & Crewcuts, the kid’s salon franchise that offers quality haircuts for boys and girls aged zero to 12, is celebrating 20 years of bringing smiles to children and families. This milestone is more than just an anniversary — it’s a testament to a vision that has turned a single salon into an 80-plus-unit franchise system that thrives on community, family values and entrepreneurial spirit. At the center of this journey is Wade Brannon, the brand’s President and CEO, whose leadership and passion have guided Pigtails & Crewcuts through two decades of growth, innovation and purpose.
The story of Pigtails & Crewcuts began in 2003, but for Brannon, it started with a visit to the brand’s first location with his three children.
“When my children first stepped into a Pigtails & Crewcuts salon, they fell in love right away,” Brannon said. “Having stepped back from my career in franchising to focus on family, I realized how much families need services that cater specifically to them. Pigtails & Crewcuts presented not just a business opportunity but a chance to offer a space where children are delighted and parents are at ease. It aligned perfectly with my vision of offering franchisees the chance to run a business that complements their family life, something I knew many were seeking.”
With decades of franchising experience, including helping grow Heavenly Ham into a 230-location success before its acquisition, Brannon recognized Pigtails & Crewcuts as an opportunity to create something special. He purchased the rights to the franchise in 2004 and immediately set to work, laying the foundation for what would become one of the leading children’s salon franchises in the country.
“It’s been an exciting ride — we’ve been through a lot, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Brannon. The most exciting part for me is the team we’ve built. Everyone on our team is committed to supporting our franchisees in an exceptional manner, and that has always been our number one priority. They recognize that if our franchisees are successful, we as a franchise company will also succeed. Our team’s dedication is something I’m incredibly proud of. That commitment has enabled our franchisees to thrive, with many opening multiple units. They’ve received outstanding support, followed a proven business model and as a result, they’re eager to grow alongside us.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts has always stood apart in the $7 billion children’s hair care market by offering more than just a haircut. It provides an experience. With a focus on children aged 0-12, the franchise creates an environment where kids feel comfortable, parents feel confident and franchisees find a proven path to success.
“Our business model works because it’s simple and proven,” said Brannon. “Even during tough economic times, kids won’t stop growing and neither will their hair. Parents will always prioritize great haircuts for their children, even if they cut back on other expenses. This consistency makes our brand recession-resistant.”
In addition to haircuts, franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including sales of children’s hair care products, gifts, and accessories.
“Pigtails & Crewcuts offers franchisees the chance to diversify their income while building strong customer relationships,” Brannon said.
Franchisees also benefit from an enviable work-life balance, thanks to limited operating hours and a supportive team of franchise specialists.
“The key to success is finding the staff, dedicating a few months at the beginning and letting the franchise's support system guide you from there,” said Brannon. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s a straightforward path to business ownership.”
The last 20 years haven’t been without challenges. From navigating a recession to enduring a pandemic, Pigtails & Crewcuts has emerged stronger and more resilient.
“There are so many steps to a 20-year evolution — the way we market the brand, accounting, communication — it’s all so different now,” said Brannon. “You have to work hard to stay in tune with technology, trends and new techniques of conducting business.”
Despite the changes, the brand’s core values of family, fun and community have remained constant. Brannon shared a story that exemplifies these values:
“We had a salon where a mother came in and explained that her child had sensory sensitivities but really needed a haircut. The franchisee and their team invited the child to come in and play, to get comfortable with the space. After coming in for a few weeks, the child climbed into the chair and said he was ready for his haircut. It was emotional for everyone because we knew how difficult it was for the child and the mother. Moments like that give me such great pride and show what Pigtails & Crewcuts is all about.”
As the children’s salon segment grows, so does Pigtails & Crewcuts — the brand is currently poised to surpass 100 units nationwide.
“We’ve had a couple of hurdles, like the 2008 recession and the pandemic, but we’re very healthy coming out of them,” said Brannon. “The awareness of a children’s haircut concept is growing, and I anticipate that we’ll grow right alongside it.”
Brannon’s excitement for the future is palpable, driven by both the franchise’s success and its mission.
“Our franchise has always been about more than just haircuts,” Brannon said. “It’s about building a community and enriching lives. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers not just a business opportunity but a chance to make a positive impact on both their families and the families in their communities.”
For more information about franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, visit https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/info.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
SPONSORED
Pigtails & Crewcuts sets the standard in the kid's salon industry, creating memorable experiences, supporting entrepreneurial dreams and fostering franchisee connections.
Pigtails & Crewcuts, the kid’s salon franchise that offers quality haircuts for boys and girls aged zero to 12, is celebrating 20 years of bringing smiles to children and families. This milestone is more than just an anniversary — it’s a testament to a vision that has turned a single salon into an 80-plus-unit franchise system that thrives on community, family values and entrepreneurial spirit. At the center of this journey is Wade Brannon, the brand’s President and CEO, whose leadership and passion have guided Pigtails & Crewcuts through two decades of growth, innovation and purpose.
The story of Pigtails & Crewcuts began in 2003, but for Brannon, it started with a visit to the brand’s first location with his three children.
“When my children first stepped into a Pigtails & Crewcuts salon, they fell in love right away,” Brannon said. “Having stepped back from my career in franchising to focus on family, I realized how much families need services that cater specifically to them. Pigtails & Crewcuts presented not just a business opportunity but a chance to offer a space where children are delighted and parents are at ease. It aligned perfectly with my vision of offering franchisees the chance to run a business that complements their family life, something I knew many were seeking.”
With decades of franchising experience, including helping grow Heavenly Ham into a 230-location success before its acquisition, Brannon recognized Pigtails & Crewcuts as an opportunity to create something special. He purchased the rights to the franchise in 2004 and immediately set to work, laying the foundation for what would become one of the leading children’s salon franchises in the country.
“It’s been an exciting ride — we’ve been through a lot, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Brannon. The most exciting part for me is the team we’ve built. Everyone on our team is committed to supporting our franchisees in an exceptional manner, and that has always been our number one priority. They recognize that if our franchisees are successful, we as a franchise company will also succeed. Our team’s dedication is something I’m incredibly proud of. That commitment has enabled our franchisees to thrive, with many opening multiple units. They’ve received outstanding support, followed a proven business model and as a result, they’re eager to grow alongside us.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts has always stood apart in the $7 billion children’s hair care market by offering more than just a haircut. It provides an experience. With a focus on children aged 0-12, the franchise creates an environment where kids feel comfortable, parents feel confident and franchisees find a proven path to success.
“Our business model works because it’s simple and proven,” said Brannon. “Even during tough economic times, kids won’t stop growing and neither will their hair. Parents will always prioritize great haircuts for their children, even if they cut back on other expenses. This consistency makes our brand recession-resistant.”
In addition to haircuts, franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams, including sales of children’s hair care products, gifts, and accessories.
“Pigtails & Crewcuts offers franchisees the chance to diversify their income while building strong customer relationships,” Brannon said.
Franchisees also benefit from an enviable work-life balance, thanks to limited operating hours and a supportive team of franchise specialists.
“The key to success is finding the staff, dedicating a few months at the beginning and letting the franchise's support system guide you from there,” said Brannon. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s a straightforward path to business ownership.”
The last 20 years haven’t been without challenges. From navigating a recession to enduring a pandemic, Pigtails & Crewcuts has emerged stronger and more resilient.
“There are so many steps to a 20-year evolution — the way we market the brand, accounting, communication — it’s all so different now,” said Brannon. “You have to work hard to stay in tune with technology, trends and new techniques of conducting business.”
Despite the changes, the brand’s core values of family, fun and community have remained constant. Brannon shared a story that exemplifies these values:
“We had a salon where a mother came in and explained that her child had sensory sensitivities but really needed a haircut. The franchisee and their team invited the child to come in and play, to get comfortable with the space. After coming in for a few weeks, the child climbed into the chair and said he was ready for his haircut. It was emotional for everyone because we knew how difficult it was for the child and the mother. Moments like that give me such great pride and show what Pigtails & Crewcuts is all about.”
As the children’s salon segment grows, so does Pigtails & Crewcuts — the brand is currently poised to surpass 100 units nationwide.
“We’ve had a couple of hurdles, like the 2008 recession and the pandemic, but we’re very healthy coming out of them,” said Brannon. “The awareness of a children’s haircut concept is growing, and I anticipate that we’ll grow right alongside it.”
Brannon’s excitement for the future is palpable, driven by both the franchise’s success and its mission.
“Our franchise has always been about more than just haircuts,” Brannon said. “It’s about building a community and enriching lives. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers not just a business opportunity but a chance to make a positive impact on both their families and the families in their communities.”
For more information about franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, visit https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/info.
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