Established
1999
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lunatic Fringe is one of America’s most recognized high-end salon concepts—celebrated for its modern approach to hairstyling, advanced technical education, and a culture that elevates both artists and clients. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with creativity, elevated customer service, and a deeply rooted commitment to professional growth. Today, Lunatic Fringe stands as a powerful franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to build a respected, experience-driven beauty business under a nationally admired brand.
Unlike typical salon franchises, Lunatic Fringe blends luxury, community, and performance-driven operations. Its locations are known for high client retention, premium pricing, and a strong reputation for consistent quality. With the booming demand for beauty services, premium grooming, and experiential retail, Lunatic Fringe offers a scalable venture that positions franchisees at the heart of a thriving, recession-resistant industry.
Why Invest in Lunatic Fringe?
Investing in a Lunatic Fringe franchise means stepping into a beauty brand that has already proven its profitability, relevance, and staying power. The brand is built around a high-performance salon model designed to maximize revenue through multiple service streams, premium price points, and exceptional guest experience. Franchisees benefit from national marketing strength, an iconic brand identity, and business systems that have been refined for more than two decades.
Additional advantages include:
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Premium, recession-resistant service model with loyal clientele
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Strong brand recognition in the salon and beauty industry
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Advanced stylist training programs that elevate talent and client satisfaction
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Multiple revenue streams (cut, color, treatments, retail, memberships)
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A culture of excellence that attracts top stylist talent
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Operational playbook designed for scalability and profitability
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High client retention and recurring revenue potential
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Hands-on franchisor support in operations, marketing, hiring, technology, and growth
Background
Established Year:
Lunatic Fringe was founded in 1999 with a mission to elevate the salon experience through advanced education, creativity, and an empowering culture for stylists and guests alike.
Founders:
The brand was created by Shaun Staley and Angie Katsanevas, two visionary salon professionals who wanted to build a space where artistry, education, and exceptional guest care came together.
Brand Journey & Company History:
What began as a single high-end salon has evolved into a respected, multi-location beauty brand known for precision hair artistry and a strong commitment to ongoing education. From the beginning, the founders believed that the best salons are built on teamwork, training, and a culture that inspires creativity. This philosophy helped Lunatic Fringe attract talented stylists and grow rapidly.
Over the past two decades, Lunatic Fringe has expanded its footprint across multiple U.S. states. Each location reflects the same brand values: technical excellence, personalized service, and a polished, modern salon environment. The franchise model was introduced to empower entrepreneurs to build thriving salons backed by proven systems and world-class training programs.
Franchise Active Units :
Lunatic Fringe currently operates approximately 10 active salon locations across the United States. This includes units in Utah, Idaho, and Ohio, with plans for strategic expansion in additional states.
Ownership & Structure:
Lunatic Fringe operates as a hybrid of corporate-owned and franchise-owned salons. The founders remain closely involved in brand development, education, and franchise support—ensuring consistency, quality, and strong cultural alignment across all locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand holds a strong presence in the western and central U.S., particularly in Utah where it has built a loyal client base and strong brand reputation. Its premium service model, upscale salon design, and deep commitment to advanced training position Lunatic Fringe as a leading competitor in the beauty, salon, and personal care industry.
Industry Category:
Beauty & Personal Care Services
Premium Salon Franchise
Professional Haircare & Styling Services
Support Training
Lunatic Fringe invests heavily in franchisee success through comprehensive support programs. From day one, owners receive hands-on guidance across operations, leadership, marketing, and staff development.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance in site selection, demographic analysis, and market evaluation
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Salon layout and design support to reflect the brand experience
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Help with construction planning, equipment selection, and vendor coordination
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Pre-opening marketing campaigns to build local buzz
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Recruitment assistance for stylists and support staff
Operational Support
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A detailed operations manual covering day-to-day procedures
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Training on scheduling, pricing, guest services, and retail optimization
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Technology systems for POS, CRM, and business management
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Performance metrics and business coaching to maximize profitability
Marketing Support
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National brand marketing and seasonal campaigns
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Local store marketing guidance and templates
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Social media strategy, digital ads, and reputation management support
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Grand opening marketing playbook for maximum visibility
Advanced Education & Ongoing Training
One of the strongest advantages of Lunatic Fringe is its world-class stylist education:
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Technical cutting, coloring, styling workshops
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Leadership development for salon owners and managers
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Talent retention strategies
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Continuous education calendar to sharpen skills and keep teams competitive
Ideal Candidate
Lunatic Fringe is a strong match for passionate entrepreneurs who believe in customer service, leadership, and building a creative, people-centric business. No salon experience is required—just a willingness to learn and invest in a proven system.
Ideal candidates often include:
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Entrepreneurs looking for a premium, service-driven business
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Investors passionate about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands
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Owners interested in multi-unit growth opportunities
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Leaders who enjoy team-building and cultivating strong workplace culture
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Individuals with strong customer-service and management skills
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Investors capable of managing a high-end, experience-based business
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Preferred locations include high-traffic suburban areas, lifestyle centers, urban neighborhoods, and areas with strong disposable income
If you value creativity, culture, and premium service—and want to build a respected brand in your community—Lunatic Fringe offers a great fit.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $350,000 – $650,000+ |
| Minimum Investment | $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Buildout & Infrastructure | $200,000 – $450,000+ |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Break-Even Timeline | 12–24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Services, retail products, memberships |