8 Real Steps to Launch Your Dream Salon in South Africa

Dreaming of opening your own salon? You’re not alone. More South Africans are turning their hair, nail, or beauty skills into real businesses. Whether it’s braids, fades, gel tips or skincare, self-care is always in style. That makes now a great time to learn how to start a salon business in South Africa and turn your passion into steady income.

If you’ve got the talent, drive, and vision, this guide will walk you through the real steps of building a salon business from the ground up, designed for local hustlers who are ready to make their mark.

So, why open a salon?

Owning your own salon means more than just offering services, it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, confident, and cared for. It’s also about building something of your own that gives you independence and opportunity.

You get to be your own boss. You decide the vibe, the schedule, and how far you want to grow. You also tap into a steady income stream, especially if you’re based in the right area and offer in-demand treatments. Every style, braid, or manicure becomes part of your brand. Over time, your loyal clients become your best marketers, sharing your work and sending new people your way.

More importantly, people in South Africa are investing in affordable self-care, and they want convenience, trust, and value. Your salon could be exactly what they’re looking for.

Step 1: Do the research

Before you buy a single hairdryer or polish rack, spend some time checking out the salon landscape around you. What are other salons offering? What’s missing from your neighbourhood or community? You might spot a gap for natural hair services, express nails, or kid-friendly cuts.

Visit local salons (or check them out online) and take note of:

Service menus and pricing
Customer flow and peak hours
Cleanliness and vibe
What clients say in reviews or comments

Ask around too - friends, WhatsApp groups, or local Facebook pages can give you insight into what people want. If you take the time to understand the market, you’ll know exactly how to position your business when you open.

Step 2: Build a simple business plan

You don’t need a long, complicated document, just a clear game plan. Think of this as your salon’s blueprint. It should answer a few key questions:

What services will you offer? (e.g. cuts, colours, nails, makeup?)
Who are your ideal clients? (students, professionals, bridal parties?)
Will you run your business from home, in a shop, or as a mobile setup?
How much money will you need to get started?
How will you attract your first clients?

A solid business plan helps you stay focused, use your money wisely, and grow with intention. You can always adapt it later, what matters is starting with direction and confidence.

Step 3: Get registered and compliant

Now it’s time to make your business official. Start by registering your salon’s name with CIPC, and open a business bank account so you can separate your income from personal finances.

Then, check your local municipality’s rules on health, safety, and zoning. You may need permits, especially if you’re operating from a shop or handling chemicals.

Protect yourself with basic insurance too, it’s a small cost that goes a long way if something unexpected happens, like an injury or equipment damage. And if you’re hiring staff, make sure you follow labour laws around fair pay, contracts and working conditions.

Getting your admin sorted early helps you avoid issues later and shows clients you’re serious and professional.

Step 4: Set Up a functional and fabulous space

Whether your salon is home-based, mobile, or in a retail space, how it feels matters. Clients notice the small things, how clean the area is, how comfortable the seating is, how it smells, how it sounds.

Plan your layout carefully. You’ll need enough room for chairs, tables, tools, and waiting space. Good lighting is essential, not just for aesthetics but for doing precise work. Add small, welcoming touches like soft music or a nice scent to create the kind of environment people want to come back to.

Even if your setup is simple, it can still feel premium. What counts is professionalism: clean tools, organised spaces, and consistent quality. If you’re mobile, your gear should be neat, portable, and prepped for every client.

Step 5: Hire a team that brings the energy

If you’re ready to bring on staff, find people who not only have skill but also good energy and customer care instincts. A great stylist or nail tech doesn’t just deliver results, they help build relationships with your clients.

Invest in ongoing training where you can. Whether it’s new braiding techniques, trending nail art, or customer service tips, helping your team grow keeps your salon relevant and in demand.

Create a positive work environment. Celebrate wins. Share feedback. Encourage teamwork. A happy team doesn’t just stick around, they help your business thrive.

Step 6: Make Payments Quick and Easy

Many small salons lose business by only accepting cash or struggling with EFT confirmations. That’s why setting up a simple, reliable payment system from day one is a game-changer.

With iK Flyer, you can accept all major bank cards, quickly, securely, and on the spot. It's perfect for salons because it’s portable, prints receipts, and lets clients tap and go. No stress and no chasing payments. You also get same-day payouts straight using iK Debit Card, so you’re never stuck waiting for your money to reflect.

Salon Payments, Simplified

Tired of missed sales because a client didn’t have cash? With iK Flyer, you can:

Accept payments anywhere in your salon
Get your money the same day
Offer a smooth, professional experience that clients love

Start accepting card payments today and turn every tap into repeat business. Order your iK Flyer

Step 7: Market your magic

You don’t need a big budget to spread the word, just consistency and creativity. Social media is your friend. Post before-and-after photos, share your client stories, and let people see your space and personality.

Encourage clients to leave reviews on Google or Facebook. Offer first-visit specials or “bring a friend” discounts. Loyalty programmes work well too, clients love a freebie after a few visits.

You can also explore selling beauty products online using iK Webstore, or take online bookings via a simple link. More ways to connect means more chances to build trust and grow your reach.

Step 8: Grow steadily and stay consistent

It’s tempting to want big success fast, but the strongest salons are built over time. Show up consistently. Offer great service. Keep improving. That’s what keeps clients coming back, and telling their friends.

Pay attention to feedback. Are people asking for a new treatment? Would a weekend special bring more foot traffic? Test and learn, then adapt.

And when you’re ready to expand, iKhokha’s Cash Advance is a smart way to get funding based on your actual card sales, no credit checks or complicated forms. Whether you’re buying new stock or upgrading equipment, you can grow without slowing down.

FAQs: Your salon questions answered

How much does it cost to open a salon in South Africa?

It depends on your setup. A basic home nail salon could cost R10,000–R50,000. A full-service hair salon might cost R100,000 or more. Start with what you can manage and grow from there.

Can I open a salon without experience?

Yes! Many owners start by hiring qualified stylists and learning the business side as they go. What matters is being organised, committed, and willing to learn.

How do I get funding to open or grow my salon?

Start lean. Then, once you’ve been accepting payments through iKhokha, you may qualify for a fast iK Cash Advance, funding based on your actual sales.

Your salon dream starts here

You’ve got the skills, the vision, and now, the plan. Learning how to start a salon business in South Africa is just the beginning. With the right tools, team, and support, your salon can grow into the go-to spot in your community.