Written By: Resham Daswani

Salon franchises are a terrific method to capitalise on India's beauty and wellness market.. Franchises provide an opportunity with minimal risk and great payoff because they are based on well-known brands and tried-and-true business models. To assist you in making the right decision for your entrepreneurial endeavours, this article analyses four of the leading salon franchises in India: Toni & Guy, Lakme Naturals, Enrich, and VLCC.

What is the Advantage of Selecting a Salon Franchise in India?

The salon and wellness industry in India is estimated to be worth more than $10 billion and grows at a rate of 15-20% annually. Urbanisation, rising disposable income, and an emphasis on physical attractiveness are the factors fuelling this expansion.

Franchising a salon has many advantages:

• Proven brand recognition
• Successful company strategy
• Help with advertising and education
• Faster ROI
• Guidance from experts in the field

Now, let us take a look at the top salon franchises in India

#1. Lakme Salon Franchise

​​When it comes to Indian cosmetics, Lakme is among the most reputable and long-standing names. More than 125 locations host the brand's 400+ salons, which are supported by Hindustan Unilever.

Why choose Lakme Naturals?

• Reputation that stands out
• Ongoing guidance and instruction

Franchise Specifics:

• Required Investment: 50 to 60 lakhs rupees
• It requires 800-1200 square feet of space.
• Startup Cost: Around ₹10 lakhs
• Rate of return: 18–24 months

Nevertheless, Lakme Naturals provides value to its clients and investors by combining affordable luxury with professional services.

#2. Enrich Salon Franchise

The luxury salon experience from Enrich has spread from its Mumbai roots to a number of other locations. Well-known for its worldwide product collaborations and personalised customer service..

Why is Enrich different?

• Customer experience is the primary emphasis.
• CRM and booking systems that are tech-integrated
• Academy for advanced training

Franchise Information:

• Required Investment: 40-50 lakhs
• Recommended Floor Area: 1000 sq. ft.
• Fee for Franchise: 8-10 lakhs
• Returns on investment: 18–30 months
• Backend support, staff training, and standard operating procedure documents

Therefore, Enrich is a great franchise to think about if you want a salon that is boutique-style and has high levels of service.

#3. VLCC Franchise

Wellness, weight loss, cosmetics, and exercise are areas in which VLCC excels. It was an early innovator in comprehensive health solutions and is now present in over 13 countries.

What makes VLCC stand out?

• Revenue diversification: health, slimming, beauty, and dermatology
• Built trust with clients
• Solid support for the backend

Details Regarding the Franchise:

• Required Investment: ₹30-60 lakhs (format dependent)
• Required Area: 1000-1500 sq. ft.
• Fee for Franchise: ₹10-12 lakhs
• Investment return period: 24 to 30 months
• Assistance: brand development, training, equipment setup, and doctor onboarding

Therefore, anyone looking to create a business that caters to both health and beauty would do well to choose VLCC.

#4. Toni & Guy Franchise

Renowned for its innovative haircuts and style-conscious attitude, Toni & Guy is a UK-based salon brand that has gained global recognition.

Beneficial Features:

• Global standing
• Elite clientele and a focus on luxury
• Training that is second to none

Details about the franchise:

• An investment of ₹1-1.2 crores is needed.
• Required Area: 1200+ sq. ft.
• Royalty: ₹25-30 lakhs
• ROI: two to three years
• Assistance: full operational setup, training for UK-based stylists, public relations assistance

Nonetheless, investors seeking a world-class salon experience at a premium price point will find this the perfect opportunity.

Therefore, while choosing a salon franchise in India, consider:

• Ability to invest
• Demographics of the location
• Positioning of the brand (high-end vs. budget)
• Continuous participation in operations and royalties
• Assistance with training and hiring

Analysis of the Indian Salon Industry: A Market Perspective

There has been a sea change in the Indian wellness and beauty industry. With a CAGR of 15–18%, the salon category is a major contributor to the overall market value, which is over $10 billion. The rise of cities, the impact of digital media, and changing consumer habits have transformed salons from a luxury into a need.

Principal Market Statistics:

• India has over 6.5 million salons, whether they're official or not.
• By 2027, it's expected that the structured salon franchise sector will grab about 35% to 40% of the entire market.
• Enhancing Tier-II and Tier-III city incorporation
• At over 30% of salon visits, the male grooming business is expanding.
• Increased interest in skin, hair, and dermatological services

Thus, people are prepared to shell out more cash for high-end grooming services as their disposable incomes rise. Not only are major cities seeing this trend, but smaller towns are also becoming important centres for franchise growth.

Factors Driving the Expansion of Salon Franchises in India

#1. Embracing a Gender-Neutral Grooming Style

Salon services are becoming popular with men and even teenagers, who were formerly the dominant demographic. Because of the overwhelming demand for services like hair spas, facials, and beard styling, some manufacturers have begun offering unisex versions of their products.

#2. The Shift to Digital

Online appointment scheduling, customer relationship management software, loyalty programs, and virtual beauty consultations are quickly becoming the standard. Modern franchises improve their customers' experiences by using operational processes supported by technology.

#3. Two- and Three-Tier Areas On the Rise

Brands such as Lakme and VLCC are swiftly growing in smaller cities due to the high demand and relatively little competition. In certain sectors, a quicker return on investment (ROI) is possible due to reduced real estate and personnel expenses.

#4. Combine Health and Beauty for Optimal Well-Being

Hair, skin, well-being, and even nutritional counselling are all parts of the holistic treatment that consumers are seeking. Hybrid salons like VLCC have emerged as a result; they provide a variety of services, including beauty, health, dermatology, and weight loss, all in one convenient location.

#5. Organic and Eco-Friendly Products

The trend towards ingredient awareness among consumers has led to an uptick in business for salons that provide all-natural, chemical-free services (like Lakme Naturals). Sustainable beauty is more than a passing fad; it's a strategic advantage.

In short, Salons in India are now open to everyone looking to start their own business, from real estate investors to retail investors and even those without formal training in the beauty industry. There is no need for a beauty background to succeed in this industry, thanks to the end-to-end support provided by well-known salon brands.

Suggested Reads:

1. How to start a Jawed Habib Salon Franchise in India 2025?
2. Franchisebazar’s Top Salon Picks For 2025
3. Why Lakme Salon Franchise is the best salon franchise in India?

Final Thoughts,

Acquiring a franchise for a hair salon is more than simply a business decision; it's a gateway into a dynamic and profitable industry in India. With their respective mass appeals, boutique vibes, wellness synergies, and premium clienteles, Lakme Naturals, Enrich, VLCC, and Toni & Guy all present attractive commercial opportunities.

Is the plunge in front of you? Get your salon franchises off the ground by choosing a brand that fits your interests, finances, and plans.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.