Established
1986
Franchise Units
2000
Minimum Investment
$120,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$260,000
Home Based
No
Description
The SmartStyle Hair Salon franchise is a well-established, high-traffic hair salon concept built for consistency, convenience, and mass-market appeal. Positioned primarily inside busy retail environments—most notably Walmart—SmartStyle benefits from constant walk-in traffic, brand familiarity, and a value-driven service menu that attracts families, working professionals, and budget-conscious consumers alike.
SmartStyle has carved out a strong position in the U.S. haircare industry by offering professional hair services at accessible prices. The brand focuses on haircuts, styling, color, and basic treatments, delivered efficiently by trained stylists in a modern, approachable salon environment. This combination of affordability, convenience, and trusted branding has helped SmartStyle remain resilient across economic cycles.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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High-visibility salon locations inside major retail stores
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Essential, recession-resistant personal care services
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Strong national brand recognition across the USA
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Proven operational systems refined over decades
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Consistent repeat business and recurring revenue
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Corporate-backed training, systems, and vendor programs
Background
Established Year: 1986
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Founders: Developed by an experienced salon management organization
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Industry Category: Hair Salon / Personal Care Services
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Franchise Active Units: 2,000+ locations across the United States
Brand Journey & Company History
SmartStyle was created to meet the demand for affordable, professional haircare in convenient, high-traffic retail settings. Over time, the brand expanded nationwide through strategic retail partnerships, becoming one of the largest value-focused salon chains in the U.S. market. Its long-standing presence reflects a business model refined through years of consumer insights, stylist training, and operational optimization.
Market Presence in the USA
SmartStyle operates across urban, suburban, and regional markets, serving a broad demographic that includes families, seniors, professionals, and everyday retail shoppers.
Support Training
SmartStyle offers a structured, end-to-end support system to help franchisees launch, operate, and grow efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection and retail coordination assistance
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Salon design, layout, and build-out guidance
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Licensing, compliance, and opening process support
Training Programs
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Initial franchisee training on operations and financial management
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Stylist onboarding, skills development, and service consistency training
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Ongoing education and system updates
Operational Support
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Standardized operating manuals and POS systems
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Inventory sourcing and preferred vendor access
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Staffing models, scheduling tools, and productivity benchmarks
Marketing Support
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National brand marketing initiatives
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Local store marketing programs and promotions
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Customer retention and loyalty strategies
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business consultants
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Performance benchmarking and business reviews
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Continuous operational and marketing improvements
Ideal Candidate
SmartStyle is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a stable, service-driven franchise with strong brand backing.
Best-Suited Candidates
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First-time franchise owners or experienced multi-unit operators
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Investors with retail, hospitality, or people-management experience
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Owners comfortable managing teams and daily operations
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Semi-absentee owners with a reliable salon manager in place
Key Attributes
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Customer-service-focused mindset
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Ability to recruit, manage, and retain salon professionals
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Financial capability to invest in a proven franchise model
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Interest in operating within high-traffic retail environments
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Range | $120,000 – $260,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$120,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$25,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $60,000 – $140,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Technology, POS & Software | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | Typically included or nominal |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI | Location & management dependent |
| Franchise Term | Standard multi-year agreement |
