Written By: Bandana Gupta

In the pursuit of beauty and perfection, the salon industry has emerged as a lucrative business opportunity, captivating entrepreneurs and investors alike. The allure of glitz, glamour, and profitability has led many to consider investing in salon and beauty franchises in metro cities. But, is shelling out ₹10-30 lakhs for such a venture a wise decision? Let's dive into the world of beauty salon franchise businesses and uncover the truth.

Are salon franchises profitable in Indian metro cities?

The growing beauty and wellness industry and demand for grooming services make salon franchises attractive in Indian metro cities.Recent years have seen rapid expansion in the Indian beauty business due to rising disposable incomes, desire for premium beauty treatments, and personal grooming. Metro cities, being hubs of economic activity as well as cultural diversity, offer a vast and diverse customer base for salon and beauty services.

What Makes Salon & Beauty Franchises a Smart Investment

1. Established Brand: Franchising allows you to leverage the reputation and also goodwill of an established brand, attracting customers and driving sales.
2. Tested Model for Success: Franchise brands offer a well-established business model, thus, reducing the chances of mistakes and uncertainty.
3. Training and Support: Franchisors offer comprehensive training as well as ongoing support to ensure your success.
4. Marketing Support: Franchisors typically manage promotional activities, helping you save on time, effort, and also marketing expenses

Salon franchise investment in metro cities

Investing in a salon franchise in metro cities can be a profitable venture, given the growing demand for beauty as well as wellness services. Here's a breakdown of the investment:

 Initial Investment:

• Franchise fee: ₹5-15 lakhs
• Setup costs (equipment, furniture, decor): ₹3-10 lakhs
• Working capital (staff, marketing, etc.): ₹2-5 lakhs
• Total: ₹10-30 lakhs

Typical Investment Ranges:

• Low-end: ₹10-20 lakhs for smaller, budget-focused salons in less prime locations. 
• Mid-range: ₹30-50 lakhs for a standard salon with good service offerings.
• Luxury salon franchises, focussing on luxurious amenities as well as sumptuous surroundings, cost ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore+. 
• Important factors to consider while buying an Indian salon franchise: High-end luxury salon franchises like Looks Salon or Affinity Salon will require a higher initial investment compared to budget-friendly options
• Location:
• Top locations in metro cities often come with higher rent and may also involve increased franchise fees. Size: Larger salon spaces with more amenities will naturally require a greater investment in setup as well as infrastructure. 
• Franchise Fee: This one-time fee grants access to the brand, training, and also operational support. 
• Ongoing Costs: Royalty fees (a percentage of monthly revenue) and operational expenses like rent, utilities, and staff salaries will also need to be factored in.

Special criteria to review  when investing in salon franchise 

1. Return on Investment (ROI): A well-operated salon franchise can achieve ROI within 2–3 years, though this varies based on location, marketing effectiveness, and day-to-day operational efficiency.
2. Space Requirements: Brand as well as service type determine salon franchise space needs: 500–2,000 sq. ft.
3. Franchise Fees & Royalties: Carefully examine the franchise agreement to understand the complete fee structure, including any initial setup costs and recurring royalty payments.
4. Market Research: Conduct in-depth research on the salon industry within your target metro city to identify high-potential areas and understand the local competitive landscape.
5. Operational Know-How: Effective salon management requires strong operational capabilities, including staff handling, customer service, and daily oversight. Ensure you or your team are equipped to run the business smoothly.

What is the investment for a salon franchise in Mumbai or Bangalore?

Salon franchise investments in metro cities like Mumbai and Bangalore generally range from ₹10 to ₹30 lakhs, depending on the brand and format.

Top beauty salon franchise under 30 lakhs

Shahnaz Husain Herbal Franchise

• Investment Range: ₹20–30 lakhs
• Royalty Fee: 10% of revenue
• Overview:

Shahnaz Husain is a well-known global brand famous for its Ayurvedic beauty and skincare products. The brand specializes in herbal beauty treatments, skin rejuvenation therapies, and anti-aging solutions. With over 200 centers worldwide, it caters to a health-conscious, premium clientele seeking natural wellness alternatives. The franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs interested in the organic and wellness-driven beauty segment, particularly in metros where demand for natural products is growing.

Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Ltd.

• Investment Range: ₹20–30 lakhs
• Royalty Fee: ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month Overview: Jawed Habib is one of India’s best-known salon brands, offering trusted services at affordable prices. It offers a complete menu of hair styling, beauty treatments, skincare, and grooming services, catering to a broad demographic. With strong brand recall and standardized operating procedures, this franchise suits high-footfall urban areas where quick service and brand trust are key decision drivers.

BBLUNT Mini / Franchise Model

• Investment Range: ₹20–30 lakhs
• Franchise Fee: ₹3–5 lakhs
• Revenue Sharing: Franchisee keeps 90% Overview: Backed by over two decades of industry experience, BBLUNT is known for its contemporary styling and premium services. The brand focuses heavily on haircare, coloring, and trend-driven grooming, appealing especially to young, urban customers. The “Mini” format is designed for compact, cost-effective setups, making it a good fit for high-rent metro areas like Mumbai and Bangalore while offering high revenue retention to franchisees.

Naturals Salon

• Investment Range: Around ₹20 lakhs
• Franchise Model: All-inclusive Overview: With more than 700 outlets, Naturals is among the largest and most recognized salon brands in India. Its franchise package includes interiors, equipment, training, brand marketing, and initial inventory, making it ideal for first-time investors. Naturals caters to a wide audience with affordable, family-friendly grooming services, making it highly scalable in metro cities with a mix of middle- and upper-middle-class clientele.

Enrich Salon

• Investment Range: Around ₹30 lakhs
• Franchise Model: Premium full-service salon Overview:

 Enrich is positioned as a premium salon brand, known for its expert-trained stylists, top-tier skincare services, and a strong tech-driven customer experience. Ideal for high-end locations in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, Enrich caters to a sophisticated urban demographic that values quality and professionalism. The higher investment is justified by the brand’s upscale image and service quality.

Best Cities to Open a Beauty Franchise in India: An In-Depth Look

India's beauty industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for premium beauty services, rising disposable incomes, and a growing emphasis on personal grooming. When considering opening a beauty franchise in India, choosing the right city is crucial for success. Here's an in-depth look at some of the best cities to consider:

Tier 1 Cities

• Mumbai:
  • High demand for luxury beauty services
  • Large customer base with disposable income
  • Ideal for high-end beauty franchises like Truefitt & Hill or Shahnaz Husain
• Delhi:
  • Diverse population with varying beauty needs
  • Opportunities for both high-end and budget-friendly beauty services
  • Well-suited for brands such as Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty or Lakmé Salon
• Bangalore:
  • Strong focus on beauty and wellness
  • Upscale salons and spas in demand
  • Ideal for franchises like Green Trends or Naturals
• Hyderabad:
  • Growing demand for luxury beauty services
  • Increasing popularity among young professionals
  • Suitable for high-end beauty franchises like Shab's Beauty Salon and Bridal Studio
• Chennai:
  • Rich cultural roots offering scope for traditional beauty and wellness services.
  • Growing demand for modern beauty services
  • Suitable for franchises like Looks Salon or VLCC

Tier 2 and 3 Cities

• Pune:
  • Growing demand for beauty services among young professionals
  • Increasing popularity of beauty franchises like Be U Salons
  • Suitable for franchises offering affordable beauty services
• Ahmedabad:
  • Growing demand for beauty services among the middle class
  • Suitable for franchises like Neeldavid's International Salon
• Surat:
  • Growing middle class increases beauty and grooming demand.
  • Opportunities for beauty franchises offering affordable services
  • Suitable for franchises like Bblunt
• Jaipur:
  • Rich cultural heritage with opportunities for traditional beauty services
  • Growing demand for modern beauty services
• Coimbatore:
  • Growing demand for beauty services among the textile industry professionals
  • Opportunities for beauty franchises offering specialized services
  • Ideal for brands such as Strands Salon or Studio 11 Salon & Spa.

Top Factors to Keep in Mind When Picking a Location for Your Beauty Franchise

When deciding on a city for your beauty franchise, it's essential to evaluate several key factors that can impact your business's success.

Local Competition and Market Demand

• To assess competitiveness, research local beauty salons and franchisees.
• Evaluate market demand: Determine if there's a demand for beauty services in the area and if it aligns with your franchise's offerings.
• Identify gaps in the market: Look for opportunities to fill gaps in the market, such as offering specialized services or catering to a specific demographic.

Target Audience and Their Beauty Needs

• Know your target customers: Analyze the local demographics, preferences, and beauty needs of the people in your chosen area.
• Make sure your franchise offers services that match what your target audience wants and needs. This will help you attract and retain customers, driving business success.
• Develop a marketing strategy: Create a marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience and sets your franchise apart from competitors.

Foot Traffic and Visibility

• Choose a high-traffic location: Select a location with high foot traffic, such as a busy shopping district or commercial area.
• Maximize Visibility and Accessibility: Choose a location that puts your franchise front and center, making it easy for customers to find and visit you.
• Consider signage and branding: Invest in clear signage and branding that reflects your franchise's identity and attracts customers.

Availability of Skilled Professionals

• Assess the talent pool: Evaluate the availability of skilled beauty professionals in the area, including stylists, aestheticians, and other support staff.
• Recruitment and training: Develop a recruitment and training strategy to attract and retain top talent for your franchise.
• Invest in ongoing training: Invest in ongoing training and development for your staff to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest beauty trends and techniques.

Support from the Franchisor

• Check franchisor support: Ask about training, marketing, and operations.
• Ongoing support: Ensure the franchisor provides ongoing support and guidance to help your franchise succeed.
• Communication: Establish open communication with the franchisor to address any questions or concerns.

By carefully evaluating these factors and choosing the right city, you can set your beauty franchise up for success in India's growing beauty industry.

Conclusion: Is it worth it?

Salon and beauty franchises in metro cities offer strong potential for investors seeking a service-based, stable business. With ₹10–30 lakh, you get a scalable, affordable model, especially with a trusted brand in a good location. Grooming is now a daily need, making this a smart path to steady returns.

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.