Written By: Khushboo Verma

Where boardrooms, film sets, and street markets move to the same restless rhythm, Mumbai is a place where style is part of identity, not just occasion. The glow that lights up the big screen often spills over into everyday life, shaping how people look, feel, and present themselves. Here, beauty is business. Professionals seek weekday touch-ups before meetings, families book weekend appointments, and students chase trend-driven makeovers. This diverse demand makes Mumbai one of the most profitable locations to invest in a  salon franchise. For entrepreneurs who want a steady, brand-backed venture, a well-run salon franchise in Mumbai combines daily footfall with repeat customers and clear operating systems.

Market Snapshot 2026: What Numbers Tell Us

Size and Growth Momentum

India's beauty and personal care industry is experiencing remarkable growth:

• Market currently valued at approximately $21-33 billion in 2025
• Projected to reach $34 billion by 2028
• Salon market specifically growing at 8.5% CAGR
• Urban customers shifting from occasional indulgence to routine grooming

The Organized Sector Edge

Branded salons now account for roughly 28% of service revenue. This shift is visible through:

• Higher customer retention rates
• Structured service packages
• Stronger hygiene standards
• Digital booking and payment systems

Mumbai's Spending Power

Annual grooming expenditure in Mumbai has grown substantially. Professionals, students, and families prefer predictable quality over price experimentation. Additionally, real estate access along corridors like Bandra, Powai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai continues to expand, offering sites from compact high streets to premium mall locations.

Post-2023 Consumer Behavior

Customer preferences have stabilized with clear patterns:

• Appointment-led visits becoming standard
• Digital payment adoption near universal
• Service memberships driving loyalty
• Weekday utilization improving consistently

For investors, this means fewer volatile months and clearer revenue planning.

Why the Salon Sector Makes Sense for Investors

Steady Monthly Revenue

Grooming is routine, not occasional. Hair cuts, coloring, facials, and basic beauty services keep cash flowing throughout the month.

Ready-Made Operating Playbook

Franchises deliver complete systems:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Staff training calendars
• Vendor relationships and supply chains
• Marketing toolkits and CRM software
• Point-of-sale systems

This structure reduces costly early mistakes that plague independent startups.

Digital Leverage Without Heavy Spending

Modern franchise systems include:

• Appointment booking apps
• WhatsApp automation for reminders
• Customer relationship management tools
• Review response workflows

These tools lift repeat rates without requiring expensive advertising campaigns.

Flexible Capital Entry Points

Whether you have ₹20 lakhs or ₹1 crore, there's a format:

• Compact express formats: ₹20-35 lakhs
• Mid-range full service: ₹35-60 lakhs
• Premium luxury concepts: ₹70 lakhs and above

Customer Trust Converts to Revenue

Branded salons win on hygiene and predictable results. That trust becomes repeat business faster than independent salons can build through word-of-mouth alone.

Top 10 Salon Franchise in Mumbai (Worth Considering)

1. Naturals Salon

Brand Overview: India's largest salon chain with 800+ outlets across the country.ROI Timeline: 36-48 months

Key Features:

Multi-format options (standard, express, lounge)

Strong bank partnerships with loan assistance up to 75%

Centralized training through dedicated academy

20% franchisee contribution, rest through financing

Complete setup support within 45-60 days

Best For: First-time owners targeting residential clusters and high streets. Strong brand recall reduces marketing burden.

2. Lakme Salon

• Brand Overview: Backed by Hindustan Unilever, operating 400+ outlets across 125+ cities.
• ROI Timeline: Break-even typically achieved within 18-24 months Key Features: Place: Site evaluation and selection assistance People: Continuous HR support and training academy Portfolio: Access to Lakmé professional products Process: IT support and operational audits Promotion: National marketing campaigns Personality: Brand image development Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking corporate-backed systems with premium positioning. Ideal for high-visibility locations near business districts and malls.

3. Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty

Brand Overview: Mass-market leader with 900+ outlets, making professional haircare affordable. ROI Timeline: Returns build steadily through a volume-driven model with quick service turnaround, making it suitable for high-footfall neighborhoods.

Key Features: Strong academy pipeline reduces staffing challenges Affordable pricing attracts volume Quick service turnaround model Proven systems for busy locations Best For: Volume-driven entrepreneurs in commuter hubs and neighborhood markets. Lower ticket size compensated by higher customer count.

4. Enrich Salon

• Brand Overview: Homegrown brand blending hair, skin, and wellness services. ROI Timeline: Steady margins build once neighborhood loyalty is established, with service variety driving repeat visits and sustained growth.
• Key Features: Weekday utilization through digital marketing Professional cluster targeting Family-friendly service mix Strong booking systems and loyalty programs Best For: Mixed-use zones with working professionals and families. Service variety drives repeat visits.

5. Looks Salon

Brand Overview: Premium positioning with emphasis on décor and hygiene. Operating since 1989. ROI Timeline: Longer gestation period offset by higher margins and premium customer segment loyalty, suitable for patient investors. Key Features: Higher average bill values Strong brand equity in metros Experienced operator base Fashion-led services Best For: Seasoned investors comfortable with longer gestation periods but seeking prestige positioning and higher margins.

6. Studio11 Salon & Spa

Brand Overview: Compact modular format combining salon and spa services.

ROI Timeline: Realistic stabilization timeline due to lean overhead structure and lower capital requirements.

Key Features:

Lower capital requirement

Spa services increase ticket size

Lean overhead structure Hybrid salon-spa model Best For: Suburban townships and budget-conscious entrepreneurs seeking manageable complexity.

7. Green Trends Unisex Salon

• Brand Overview: From CavinKare group portfolio, focusing on process excellence. ROI Timeline: Consistent returns through tight operational processes and transparent pricing model, with continuous training ensuring service quality. Key Features:
• Tight operational processes
• Continuous training systems Family-friendly positioning Strong product tie-ins Best For: Family-heavy residential pockets where reliable service matters more than luxury ambiance.

8. VLCC Salon & Wellness

• Brand Overview: Integrated beauty and wellness brand combining multiple service categories. ROI Timeline: Returns build gradually over time as local reputation strengthens through consultative approach and cross-category selling. Key Features: Consultative service approach
• Nutrition and wellness integration
• Hair, skin, nutrition counseling services
• Cross-category selling potential
• Best For: Wellness-oriented demographics. Returns build over time as local reputation strengthens.

9. Limelite Salon & Spa

Brand Overview: Middle-market positioning by design. ROI Timeline: Sensible capex-to-revenue balance enables a manageable path to profitability, with good potential for multi-unit scaling. Key Features: Sensible capex-to-revenue balance Mixed residential neighborhood fit Multi-unit scaling potential Professional services in approachable environment Best For: Mixed-use neighborhoods. Good candidate for expansion once first outlet stabilizes.

10. Toni & Guy

• Brand Overview: International brand with advanced technical training.
• ROI Timeline: Requires patient capital with returns justified by premium pricing power and loyal HNI clientele over extended period. Key Features: International pedigree
• Loyal HNI clientele
• Prestige brand status
• Advanced cutting and styling techniques
• Best For: Seasoned operators or HNI investors targeting landmark locations. Requires patient capital and operational expertise.

Quick Investment Comparison

Figures are approximate and vary based on location specifics

Emerging Salon Brands to Watch in 2026

As the market matures, several newer brands are making their mark with fresh approaches:

HairSpeak Family Salon

• South-origin quick-service model expanding westward
• Compact units designed for everyday grooming
• Focus on family clientele with efficient service delivery

Cut & Style Salon

• Lean staffing model with optimized layouts
• Works well in dense residential areas
• Parking-friendly locations preferred

Bounce Salon

• Trend-forward youth appeal
• Strong social media presence
• Mixed-use malls and college belt locations

Glam Studios

• Digital-first operational approach
• Centralized marketing campaigns
• Simplified brand adoption systems

Smart Salon

• Tech-integrated operations
• Real-time dashboards for owners
• Inventory and appointment automation

These emerging brands signal market evolution toward smaller footprints, stronger digital integration, and faster replication models suitable for quick citywide expansion.

Essential Due Diligence Checklist

Before signing any franchise agreement, verify these critical factors:

1. Training and Skill Development

• ✓ Ongoing training programs, not just initial induction
• ✓ Regular refresher courses for staff
• ✓ Technical skill upgrades availability
• ✓ Management training for franchisee

2. Supply Chain Clarity

• ✓ Professional product availability
• ✓ Equipment servicing arrangements
• ✓ Inventory refill logistics
• ✓ Pricing and payment terms

3. Digital Infrastructure

• ✓ Appointment booking system
• ✓ Customer relationship management (CRM)
• ✓ Digital payment integration
• ✓ Review response workflows
• ✓ WhatsApp automation capabilities

4. Territory Protection

• ✓ Minimum distance clauses between same-brand outlets
• ✓ Exclusive territory rights (if applicable)
• ✓ Protection from internal competition
• ✓ Expansion rights for additional units

5. Financial Viability

• ✓ Rent-to-revenue ratio targets (aim below 20%)
• ✓ Expected monthly footfall projections
• ✓ Average ticket size estimates
• ✓ Royalty and marketing fee structure
• ✓ Hidden or recurring charges

6. Exit and Renewal Terms

• ✓ Franchise agreement duration
• ✓ Renewal conditions and costs
• ✓ Exit clauses and penalties
• ✓ Asset ownership at term end

Why a Salon Franchise in Mumbai Works

Mumbai's unique characteristics make it particularly suitable for salon franchising:

1. High Population Density: Consistent footfall regardless of format or location tier
2. Disposable Income Growth: Middle and upper-middle class expansion supporting regular grooming spend
3. Professional Culture: Corporate workforce demands maintenance grooming, not just special occasion services
4. Real Estate Options: From compact neighborhood units to premium mall spaces across multiple price points
5. Skilled Labor Availability: Training academies and brand programs ensure steady stylist pipeline
6. Digital Adoption: High smartphone penetration enabling app-based bookings and digital payments
7. Competitive Landscape: While competitive, branded salons have clear advantage over unorganized players

Making the Right Choice for Your Situation

First-Time Entrepreneurs

Consider: Naturals, Jawed Habib, Studio11, Limelite

• Lower to moderate investment
• Strong training support
• Proven systems
• Residential location focus

Experienced Business Owners

Consider: Lakmé, Enrich, VLCC, Green Trends

• Mid-range investment
• Professional management systems
• Multiple service revenue streams
• Mixed-use location potential

Seasoned Investors/HNI

Consider: Looks, Toni & Guy

• Premium positioning
• Larger capital deployment
• Prestige locations
• Patient capital approach

Budget-Conscious Entrepreneurs

Consider: Studio11, Jawed Habib Express formats

• Lower entry barriers
• Faster stabilization potential
• Suburban opportunities
• Volume-based model

Key Success Factors

1. Location Discipline: Right brand-location match matters more than brand prestige alone
2. Active Ownership: Hands-on involvement during initial 12-18 months significantly impacts success
3. Staff Stability: Retention of trained stylists directly correlates with customer retention
4. SOP Adherence: Following franchise systems prevents costly operational mistakes
5. Local Marketing: While brand provides support, neighborhood engagement drives initial traction
6. Working Capital: Adequate reserves prevent quality compromise during ramp-up phase

Conclusion

For serious entrepreneurs, a salon franchise in Mumbai offers a practical path to building a services business with recurring revenue. The sector has matured beyond experimental phase, with organized chains now controlling significant market share and setting industry standards.

Success requires matching the right brand format to specific neighborhood demographics, maintaining operational discipline, and staying actively involved during establishment. However, the rewards include predictable cash flows, defensible brand positioning, and potential for multi-unit expansion.

Whether you choose a mass-market player like Naturals or Jawed Habib, a corporate-backed system like Lakmé, or a premium concept like Toni & Guy, the fundamentals remain constant: location selection, staff quality, service consistency, and customer experience.

Mumbai's restless energy, professional culture, and grooming consciousness create an environment where well-executed salon franchise in Mumbai can thrive. For investors willing to commit capital, time, and attention to detail, this sector offers one of the more stable service business opportunities available today.

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.