Franchise Deep Dive: Drybar Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

With over 140 locations, Drybar has grown to be a huge name in the beauty space, providing its signature offering and nothing else.

By Morgan Wood1851 Franchise Contributor

10:10AM • 06/12/23

LAST UPDATED: March 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.drybarshops.com/franchising/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 140-plus

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $596,335–$1,030,034

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): Not disclosed

Drybar is a hair salon concept that, rather than offering a long menu of services, focuses on executing its single offering perfectly each and every time. As a happy middle ground between bargain hair salons and all-inclusive salons, Drybar seeks to offer affordable blowout services in a great environment. After securing its spot in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry, the brand has grown to be a go-to for many women looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, event hairstyling or even a break from the responsibilities of daily hair care.

How Many Drybar Locations Are There?

Drybar was originally founded in 2010 and began franchising shortly after in 2012. Since then, it has grown to 143 units, and the number of company-owned studios has decreased dramatically.

Because of its unique, high-quality offering, Drybar has become a key player in the women’s beauty industry, offering both in-person services and branded retail products.

Now, as one of the five concepts under the WellBiz Brands umbrella, Drybar is part of a network of over 900 studios and is guided by top franchise professionals as they “establish a sustainable growth plan for each independent brand.”

What Is the Drybar Business Model?

Drybar brings a new hair care option to women who were previously left to choose between two extreme ends of the spectrum. Previously, the two primary choices were in-salon styling, which becomes expensive quickly, or a service from a discount chain with a less-than-optimal environment.

In a happy middle ground, Drybar offers salon-quality styling and a welcoming environment at an affordable price. For clients who prefer consistent blowouts, there is a Barfly membership, which positions franchisees to secure additional recurring revenue.

How Much Can Drybar Franchise Owners Make?

Drybar does not publish revenue data.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Drybar?

The total investment necessary to open a Drybar business is $596,335–$1,030,034. This includes the following costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
Real Property and Utility Security Deposits: $9,750–$60,000
Leasehold Improvements: $313,544–$568,802
Site Survey Fee: $2,500
Site Development Fee: $7,500
Initial Inventory: $38,700–$44,700
Other Service and Marketing Items: $3,000–$7,200
Furniture and Fixtures: $22,000
Initial Software License and Set Up: $2,500
Computer System: $34,975–$56,785
Training Program and Shop Educator Program: $9,000–$15,750
Pre-Opening Stylist Training: $5,000–$10,000
Architectural Design and MEP Fees: $13,750–$20,750
Marketing and Promotional Inventory: $5,500–$6,800
Grand Opening Spend Requirement: $15,000
Signage: $9,416–$24,734
Business Supplies: $3,000–$7,927
Business Licenses and Permits: $500–$15,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums (year one): $3,900–$9,786
Professional Fees: $1,800–$12,300
Additional Funds (three months): $45,000–$70,000

Drybar also requires a net worth of $750,000 and liquidity of $250,000.

Other Fees:

Drybar assesses a 7% royalty fee and a marketing fee of up to 2%.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Drybar?

The Drybar franchise fee is $50,000.

Who Is the Leadership of Drybar?

Drybar is owned by parent company WellBiz Brands. Leadership of WellBiz Brands includes:

What Helpful Sources Can I Read to Learn More About Drybar?

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Franchise Deep Dive: Drybar Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

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