Established
2004
Franchise Units
85
Minimum Investment
$130,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$283,000
Home Based
No
Description
Pigtails & Crewcuts is an upscale children’s hair salon franchise built around making haircuts easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable for both kids and parents. The brand operates more than 85 locations across 26 states, with an additional 20+ locations in various stages of development.
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, Pigtails & Crewcuts has developed a recognizable salon experience designed specifically for children. Bright interiors, playful surroundings, and signature vehicle-themed salon chairs help create an environment where children can feel comfortable while receiving professional hair services.
Behind the brand is a franchise support team with more than 75 years of combined franchising experience, giving franchise owners access to experienced guidance as they build and operate their locations.
The broader hair care industry represents approximately $65 billion, while the children’s segment accounts for more than $7 billion. Pigtails & Crewcuts operates within this specialized category with a concept focused specifically on children and families.
Although independent and regional children’s salons compete in the marketplace, Pigtails & Crewcuts has established a growing national presence. The brand differentiates itself through its customer experience, ongoing franchise support, strong franchisee validation, and reported financial performance information through its Item 19.
Key Features of the Franchise
Pigtails & Crewcuts offers a business model designed to provide franchisees with operational flexibility and multiple ways to generate revenue.
Key features include:
- Relatively low initial investment
- Straightforward salon buildout, typically completed within 8–12 weeks
- Flexible operating hours
- Single-unit and multi-unit development opportunities
- Full-time and semi-absentee ownership options
- Multiple revenue streams through hair services, retail products, and birthday parties
- Comprehensive franchise support covering multiple areas of business ownership and operations
Background
Pigtails & Crewcuts began as a single children’s hair salon in Atlanta. Franchise executive Wade Brannon discovered the concept after taking his own children there and recognizing that the salon addressed a common problem for parents: making children feel comfortable during haircuts.
Brannon brought significant franchise experience to the business. Earlier in his career, he helped develop Heavenly Ham into a national franchise system with more than 230 locations before the business was acquired by HoneyBaked Ham. After stepping away from that business, he acquired Pigtails & Crewcuts in 2004 and began developing the operational systems required to turn the independent salon into a scalable franchise concept.
The franchise infrastructure was developed over the following year, including operating procedures, vendor relationships, training systems and franchise documentation. The first Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise was awarded in late 2005.
Since then, the company has steadily expanded across the United States. By the end of 2025, its franchise filings recorded 85 franchised salons and one company-owned salon. Company communications around the same period described an 85-plus-location national network and continued expansion into new markets.
The company continues to be led by President and CEO Wade Brannon, supported by executives and specialists dedicated to franchise development, franchise support, real estate, operations and marketing.
- Brand Name: Pigtails & Crewcuts
- Industry: Beauty & Personal Care / Children’s Hair Salons
- Business Category: Children’s Services / Hair Care / Retail Services
- Established: 2004
- First Unit Franchised: 2005
- Franchised Units: 85
- Company Owned Units: 1
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
- President & CEO: Wade Brannon
- Franchisor: Pigtails & Crewcuts Franchise, LLC
- Primary Market: United States
- Franchise Agreement Term: 10 years.
- Typical Salon Size: Approximately 1,200–1,500 square feet.
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: No
- Market Presence: Pigtails & Crewcuts reported operations across 26 U.S. states, with additional franchise development underway.
Support Training
Franchise Support & Training
Pigtails & Crewcuts provides franchisees with assistance throughout the development, launch, and ongoing operation of their salon.
- Financial Assistance: Financing is not provided directly, but franchisees may be referred to third-party financing resources.
- Site Selection Assistance: Yes
- Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
- Recruiting Assistance: Yes
- Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Initial Franchise Training
New franchise owners participate in a five-day, in-person training program in Atlanta, Georgia. Training combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience inside a salon environment, giving franchisees exposure to both the business and operational sides of the concept.
Opening & Ongoing Support
Support continues beyond the initial training program. Franchise Support Specialists are onsite during the first week of the salon's opening to assist the franchisee and team during the launch period.
Additional training is available on an ongoing basis for franchise owners, managers, and employees, allowing franchisees to access further education and operational guidance as their business develops.
Ideal Candidate
Franchisee Involvement
There is no single day-to-day ownership structure at Pigtails & Crewcuts. The model allows franchisees to choose a level of involvement that fits their business goals and lifestyle.
Some owners take a highly hands-on role and become the local face of their salon. They may spend much of their time onsite, interacting with customers, supporting employees, and even helping at reception during busy periods.
Other franchisees operate on a semi-absentee basis, maintaining full-time careers while relying on a manager and salon team to handle daily operations. The system also includes multi-unit franchisees who oversee several locations by managing their managers and concentrating more heavily on financial performance, administration, and overall business development.
While semi-absentee ownership is an option, new franchisees are encouraged to maintain greater involvement during the early stages of the business.
Ideal Franchisee Profile
Pigtails & Crewcuts is looking for entrepreneurs who appreciate a family-focused business environment and enjoy being part of a concept centered around children. Many existing franchisees are parents themselves and value the opportunity to pursue business ownership while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The opportunity may be a strong fit for candidates who:
- Enjoy working in a family- and child-focused environment
- Value work-life balance
- Want to diversify their business or investment portfolio
- Are interested in a comparatively low-cost franchise opportunity
- Seek a business with strong profit potential
- Are comfortable managing employees and customer relationships
- Want the flexibility to pursue hands-on, semi-absentee, or multi-unit ownership
Previous salon ownership or beauty industry experience is not necessarily what defines the ideal candidate. A strong commitment to the business, customer experience, team leadership, and local market development is more important.
Financial Detail
| Financial Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Investment | $150,000 |
| Total Investment Range | $130,000 – $283,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $250,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 for a single unit |
| Multi-Unit Franchise Fee | Discounts available for multiple units |
| Royalty Fee | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 2% |
| Item 19 | Yes |
| Average Number of Employees | Approximately 4 |
Ownership Options
Visa Candidates: Yes
Passive Ownership: No
Semi-Passive Ownership: Yes
Home-Based: No
B2B: Yes
Master Franchise Opportunities: Yes
Pigtails & Crewcuts allows for semi-passive ownership; however, new franchisees are encouraged to be fully involved in the business during the first 3–6 months to help establish the salon, team, and operating systems.
Veteran Discount
Qualified veterans receive a 5% discount on the initial franchise fee.