For aspiring entrepreneurs, few industries offer the work-life balance, emotional reward and community impact of a children’s salon franchise — and Pigtails & Crewcuts has proven to be one of the strongest concepts in the space. With 80 locations across the country and plans to surpass 100 by the end of 2025, the kids' salon brand has carved out a profitable niche in a growing $7 billion segment. Here are 10 reasons why Pigtails & Crewcuts stands out as a top franchise opportunity.

1. A Mission-Driven Brand with Strong Values

Pigtails & Crewcuts was founded to create a better haircutting experience for kids — one that’s welcoming, stress-free and fun. The mission is simple: make kids feel special and parents feel at ease. That family-first philosophy runs through every part of the brand and draws in franchisees who want to build businesses with purpose.

2. Recession-Resilient Business Model

Children’s haircuts are one of the most reliable services in personal care. “Even during tough economic times, kids won’t stop growing and neither will their hair,” said Wade Brannon, President and CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts. “Parents will spend money on great haircuts even when they need to take other things like eating out or vacationing away from their budgets.”

3. Flexible Lifestyle and Family-Friendly Hours

Unlike food or retail franchises that require nights, weekends and holidays, Pigtails & Crewcuts salons are open during regular business hours and often close early on weekends. Franchisees are able to attain work-life balance by preserving their time while still growing a successful business.

4. Affordable Investment with Strong Returns

The initial investment to open a Pigtails & Crewcuts ranges from $130,000 to $283,000 — significantly lower than many brick-and-mortar franchises. According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, average gross sales for franchised salons in 2024 were $324,186, with top performers surpassing $640,000.

5. Turnkey Support and Transparent Expectations

Franchisees benefit from hands-on support from day one, including lease negotiation, salon design, training, local marketing and ongoing operations. “The processes and the procedures are in place,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development. “You get the franchise support needed to be a successful business owner without having to reinvent the wheel.”

6. Strong Item 19 Performance Year Over Year

The brand’s financial performance has continued to grow annually. “Our Item 19 continues to increase every year,” Holliman said. “That confirms our system is improving. It is getting financially healthier and fiscally better every single year.”

7. Emotional ROI and Community Impact

“To me, it means waking up every day knowing I’m doing something that truly matters. It’s not just about haircuts—it’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, happy, and celebrated, and where parents feel supported and seen. There’s something incredibly special about watching a child light up after their first haircut or helping a nervous little one find their smile. Being part of those little moments has a lasting impression that no corporate job has ever given me.”

Maura Parks - Franchise Owner, Germantown, TN & East Memphis, TN

8. Proven Leadership With Deep Franchise Experience

Brannon and Holliman know the franchising world inside and out — they helped grow Heavenly Ham into a 230-unit brand before teaming up again at Pigtails & Crewcuts. Their goal this time isn’t just growth for growth’s sake. They’re building a brand rooted in relationships, one that puts people and community at the center of everything.

9. Multiple Revenue Streams

While the primary revenue of a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise comes from haircutting services, the brand offers a number of alternative revenue streams, including retail items like kids' hair products and accessories and special events. In addition to boosting the bottom line, these added touches help engage customers and give them more reasons to keep coming back. 

10. A Clear, Educational Discovery Process

Pigtails & Crewcuts prides itself on transparency. Candidates are walked through every step of the process, from initial call to FDD review to franchisee validation. “They are interviewing us, as well as we are interviewing them," said Holliman. “This process is a true discovery. We want to educate our candidates on the Pigtails & Crewcuts opportunity, but also make sure this investment aligns with their goals and lifestyle.”

Why Pigtails & Crewcuts Stands Above the Rest

Pigtails & Crewcuts offers more than just a path to business ownership — it offers a path to a balanced, purpose-driven life. For entrepreneurs who want to build a business that makes a difference while still making time for their own families, this children’s salon franchise stands out from the rest.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, few industries offer the work-life balance, emotional reward and community impact of a children’s salon franchise — and Pigtails & Crewcuts has proven to be one of the strongest concepts in the space. With 80 locations across the country and plans to surpass 100 by the end of 2025, the kids' salon brand has carved out a profitable niche in a growing $7 billion segment. Here are 10 reasons why Pigtails & Crewcuts stands out as a top franchise opportunity.

1. A Mission-Driven Brand with Strong Values

Pigtails & Crewcuts was founded to create a better haircutting experience for kids — one that’s welcoming, stress-free and fun. The mission is simple: make kids feel special and parents feel at ease. That family-first philosophy runs through every part of the brand and draws in franchisees who want to build businesses with purpose.

2. Recession-Resilient Business Model

Children’s haircuts are one of the most reliable services in personal care. “Even during tough economic times, kids won’t stop growing and neither will their hair,” said Wade Brannon, President and CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts. “Parents will spend money on great haircuts even when they need to take other things like eating out or vacationing away from their budgets.”

3. Flexible Lifestyle and Family-Friendly Hours

Unlike food or retail franchises that require nights, weekends and holidays, Pigtails & Crewcuts salons are open during regular business hours and often close early on weekends. Franchisees are able to attain work-life balance by preserving their time while still growing a successful business.

4. Affordable Investment with Strong Returns

The initial investment to open a Pigtails & Crewcuts ranges from $130,000 to $283,000 — significantly lower than many brick-and-mortar franchises. According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, average gross sales for franchised salons in 2024 were $324,186, with top performers surpassing $640,000.

5. Turnkey Support and Transparent Expectations

Franchisees benefit from hands-on support from day one, including lease negotiation, salon design, training, local marketing and ongoing operations. “The processes and the procedures are in place,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development. “You get the franchise support needed to be a successful business owner without having to reinvent the wheel.”

6. Strong Item 19 Performance Year Over Year

The brand’s financial performance has continued to grow annually. “Our Item 19 continues to increase every year,” Holliman said. “That confirms our system is improving. It is getting financially healthier and fiscally better every single year.”

7. Emotional ROI and Community Impact

“To me, it means waking up every day knowing I’m doing something that truly matters. It’s not just about haircuts—it’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, happy, and celebrated, and where parents feel supported and seen. There’s something incredibly special about watching a child light up after their first haircut or helping a nervous little one find their smile. Being part of those little moments has a lasting impression that no corporate job has ever given me.”

Maura Parks - Franchise Owner, Germantown, TN & East Memphis, TN

8. Proven Leadership With Deep Franchise Experience

Brannon and Holliman know the franchising world inside and out — they helped grow Heavenly Ham into a 230-unit brand before teaming up again at Pigtails & Crewcuts. Their goal this time isn’t just growth for growth’s sake. They’re building a brand rooted in relationships, one that puts people and community at the center of everything.

9. Multiple Revenue Streams

While the primary revenue of a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise comes from haircutting services, the brand offers a number of alternative revenue streams, including retail items like kids' hair products and accessories and special events. In addition to boosting the bottom line, these added touches help engage customers and give them more reasons to keep coming back. 

10. A Clear, Educational Discovery Process

Pigtails & Crewcuts prides itself on transparency. Candidates are walked through every step of the process, from initial call to FDD review to franchisee validation. “They are interviewing us, as well as we are interviewing them," said Holliman. “This process is a true discovery. We want to educate our candidates on the Pigtails & Crewcuts opportunity, but also make sure this investment aligns with their goals and lifestyle.”

Why Pigtails & Crewcuts Stands Above the Rest

Pigtails & Crewcuts offers more than just a path to business ownership — it offers a path to a balanced, purpose-driven life. For entrepreneurs who want to build a business that makes a difference while still making time for their own families, this children’s salon franchise stands out from the rest.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.

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Chris Irby

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