Franchise Deep Dive: Sola Salons Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Sola Salons offers a unique franchise combining real estate appeal with supporting beauty professionals on their entrepreneurial journeys.

By Victoria CampisiStaff Writer

How Many Sola Salons Locations Are There?

Sola Salons was founded in 2004 by Stratton Smith and Matt Briger with the vision of creating a space where beauty professionals could thrive independently while enjoying a life and career they loved. By 2005, recognizing the success and potential of their unique model, the team began franchising, pioneering the first salon suite rental concept. This innovative approach provided turnkey solutions for beauty professionals to operate their own businesses without the traditional risks and hassles associated with salon ownership.

Over the years, Sola Salons has experienced significant growth and expansion. In 2020, the creation of parent company Radiance Holdings, which also acquired Woodhouse Spas, further strengthened Sola's position in the beauty industry.

Today, Sola Salons boasts 728 locations, supporting a community of more than 20,000 independent beauty professionals. The brand's commitment to putting beauty professionals first and providing beautifully designed, move-in-ready salon spaces has solidified its place as a leader in the $100 billion U.S. beauty industry.

What Is the Sola Salons Business Model?

Sola Salons offers turnkey salon suite rentals, leasing private salon suites in commercial spaces to hairdressers, estheticians, nail technicians, massage therapists and other beauty professionals. Key features of the brand’s business model include:

No On-Site Staff: Franchisees do not need to manage on-site staff, significantly reducing management complexity.
Low Maintenance: Operation requires minimal equipment maintenance and no inventory or receivables.
Flexible Space: Suites can be customized to suit the needs of individual beauty professionals.
Amenities Included: Suites feature high-end cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling walls with sliding glass doors, Wi-Fi and all utilities.
Scalable Model: Sola Salons is suitable for multi-unit ownership; over 75% of franchisees own multiple units.
Proven Track Record: Extensive support and a strong community ensure franchisee success.
National Marketing Fund: Marketing fees ensure a steady stream of leads, along with high recruitment and retention rates.

How Much Can Sola Salons Franchise Owners Make?

In 2023, the average annual gross sales for franchised units was $435,678.54, according to the brand’s franchise disclosure document.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Sola Salons Franchise?

The total estimated investment necessary to begin a Sola Salons franchise ranges from $924,021 to $1,957,824. Franchisees should also have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and $500,000 in liquid assets.

Below is a breakdown of the associated costs.

Initial Franchise Fee: $55,000
Travel and Living Expenses: $2,500 - $4,000
Site Selection Assistance: $0 - $3,500
Rent Manager Property Management Software (6 Months): $744 - $1,044
Architectural Fees: $10,000 - $45,000
Rent or Real Estate: $30,800 - $121,000
Design Services: $3,500 - $5,000
Improvements/Conversions: $538,799 - $1,136,784
Furniture and Fixtures: $216,336 - $339,627
Low Voltage: $6,535 - $63,749
Signage: $10,000 - $20,000
Utilities: $1,357 - $21,587
Operating Supplies: $1,000 - $21,200
Advertising/Marketing: $10,900 - $20,000
Insurance (6 Months): $3,250 - $5,000
Computer Equipment and Software: $1,300 - $2,300
Repairs and Maintenance: $3,000 - $28,033
Labor: $9,000 - $15,000
Additional Funds (3 Months): $20,000 - $50,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Sola Salons?

The franchise fee is $55,000.

Who’s on Sola Salons’ Leadership Team?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Sola Salons?

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*The average annual gross sales in 2023 for franchised Sola Salons in the United States that were operating for all of 2023 and that submitted all sales reports was $435,678.54. Of the 572 Sola Salons that met the 2023 Reporting Criteria, 258 (41%) met or exceeded the Average Gross Sales for 2023. Some outlets have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you’ll earn as much. See Item 19 of the Sola Salons 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for more information.