Walk into any busy high street in India today, and chances are you’ll spot a unisex salon buzzing with activity.

Men and women, young and old, are walking in for haircuts, facials, grooming, or just a quick refresh. What was once a luxury has now become routine. And behind the scenes, a growing number of these salons are run by franchise owners, not big corporations.

India’s beauty and personal care market is on the rise. In fact, Vogue Business reported the beauty and personal care market in India increased from $12.3 billion in 2018 to $15.6 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $17.4 billion in 2025.

For anyone looking to start a salon business, franchising is a smart path. It takes away a lot of the uncertainty that comes with starting from scratch. You get the backing of an established brand, proven systems, and ongoing support. That means fewer surprises and a better chance of turning a profit sooner.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about starting a unisex salon franchise.

Why Are Salon Franchises Lower-Risk Than Starting from Scratch?

Getting into the salon business sounds exciting, but if you’re weighing your options, franchising usually carries far less risk than starting on your own. Here’s why that’s especially true in the Indian market right now:

1. You’re Walking Into a Market That’s Already Growing Fast

When you join a franchise, you don’t have to wonder if demand exists; the metrics already reveal that it does. India’s beauty salon industry was approximately $10.55 billion in 2023, and it’s expected to more than double by 2032 to $22.12 billion with a stable projected 8.57% CAGR.

This type of stable growth means that there are more people spending money on grooming and beauty services now than ever before. A franchise lets you ride that wave with a name that’s already trusted, which can shorten the time it takes to turn a profit.

2. The Brand Already Has the Trust You’d Spend Years Building

Brand loyalty matters a lot in salons. People don’t like to take chances with their hair or skin. A well-known franchise already has a reputation that reassures customers, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities where choices are many.

Franchises also bring standardised service, which many customers prefer. If someone’s visited a Naturals or Neeldavid’s in one city, they’ll likely walk into the same brand elsewhere without hesitation. That trust usually takes years (and a lot of money) to build on your own.

3. Franchises Know Where the Growth Is — Including Smaller Cities

One of the biggest advantages of going with a salon franchise is the data they already have. Many brands are now targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where demand for grooming is growing fast but competition is still manageable.

Rising incomes and better awareness mean smaller cities are now key to growth. Brands like Adam Salon and Neeldavid’s support franchisees with location research and setup—an advantage you wouldn’t have going solo..

How to Choose the Right Unisex Salon Franchise Brand

With so many salon brands offering franchise opportunities in India, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Here’s how to break it down:

1. Look Beyond the Logo — Reputation Matters, But So Does Fit

Yes, a strong brand name helps bring in customers faster. But make sure it aligns with your target audience. Some brands cater to premium clients in metro cities, while others are better suited for value-conscious customers in Tier 2 or Tier 3 locations. Pick one that matches the spending habits and expectations in your area.

2. Understand the Franchise Model

Ask for the full breakdown of what you’re getting. Does the brand help with staff training? Do they support local marketing? Will they provide help in setting up the salon layout and interiors? These things make a big difference in your day-to-day running.

Also, check:

• Initial franchise fee and setup costs
• Ongoing royalty or commission
• Duration of the agreement and renewal terms

3. Compare Support Systems

The real value of a franchise isn’t just the name — it’s the system. A good brand will:

• Help with finding a location
• Offer training for you and your staff
• Provide standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Share a marketing plan or even run campaigns for you

If one brand offers better hands-on support than another, that’s worth more than just name recognition.

4. Ask for ROI Data and Real Figures

Don’t just go by rough estimates. Ask the franchisor for actual franchise performance data — or speak to current franchisees. How long does it typically take to break even? What are the common running costs? You want to go in with eyes open.

5. Watch Out for Red Flags

If the franchise seems too eager to close the deal, doesn’t share key financials, or avoids letting you talk to existing franchisees, take a step back. A reliable brand will be transparent and willing to answer every question.

Best Unisex Salon Franchise in Chennai 

If you’re planning on investing in a salon franchise that combines style, reasonable cost, and professional backing, here are two excellent options.

Adam Salon

Adam Salon is part of the Adam Group of Salons, founded by Jawed Mianded Moosa, a professional with over a decade of experience in both retail and beauty. The brand was established to meet the rising demand for luxury grooming services at prices that are accessible. With its stylish interiors, skilled professionals, and customer-first approach, Adam Salon delivers consistent service to both men and women.

Why Choose Adam Salon Franchise?

• Affordable Pricing: Premium services at mid-range costs make the brand attractive to a broad customer base.
  
• Modern and Stylish Setup: Salons are designed to offer a comfortable and visually appealing environment.
  
• Support for Franchisees:
  • Complete setup assistance
  • One week of training for staff
  • Marketing and promotional support
  • Ongoing guidance to ensure operational success

Franchise Cost & Setup Details

If you are looking to start a Unisex salon franchise like Adam’s in Chennai, please contact Bharat Franchise, and our team can help you understand the process and connect you to the right opportunities.

The salon business in India is no longer restricted to high-end clientele or the metro cities – it has become a viable business with significant growth in semi-urban and urban areas. The unisex salon franchise is a smart, relatively low-risk opportunity to enter a thriving sector, whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an investor looking for a diversification opportunity.

Franchising removes a lot of the guesswork and uncertainty. You don’t have a blank slate to fill in. A good brand, business model, financial plan, and ongoing support will give any franchisee a fighting chance of running and operating a successful business.

If you want to investigate some franchise opportunities, but need some assistance in eliminating some competitors, give Bharat Franchise a call. They will do the research and match you with a salon brand, based on your strategy, location and budget, to enable you to launch with confidence in the beauty and wellness space.

Contact us now!