How to start a hair/wig business? 7 steps to success

Table of Contents

Rising demand for hair extensions: The hair extensions market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.04% from 2021 to 2028 due to increasing demand for hair extensions among women of all ages (source: ReportLinker).

Increasing popularity of wigs: There has been a surge in the demand for wigs in recent years, driven by changing fashion trends and increasing use of wigs for medical reasons. The global wig market size was valued at $4.2 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2021 to 2028 (source: Grand View Research).

Profit margins: According to industry experts, the profit margins for hair and wig businesses can range from 40-60%.

These data points suggest that starting a hair or wig business can be profitable, especially if you are able to identify and cater to a specific niche within the market, such as high-quality hair extensions or unique wig textures. However, it is important to carefully research the market, competition, and target audience, develop a strong business plan, and provide high-quality products and services to increase the chances of success.

Identify your target audience and product

First, identify your target audience so that you can choose the appropriate product based on their needs and preferences.”

“When it comes to choosing which type of hair product to sell, there are two main options to consider: hair extensions and wigs. Each of these products targets different customer segments, so it’s important to consider your target audience before making any decisions. For example, if your primary customer base is white women, they generally prefer to use hair extensions in hair salon.

However, if your focus is on black women, they tend to be more interested in hair weave and wigs. This is because black women often use these products to protect their natural hair and to achieve a variety of hairstyles that can be difficult to create with natural hair alone. Ultimately, your choice of product will depend on your target audience and the needs and preferences of your customers.”

Clarify your sales format

You need to clarify to sell online or open a hair store offline,you can check the pros and cons  of the two types of business.

Online Hair Business

Pros:

Larger potential customer base: An online hair business can reach customers from all over the world, whereas a physical store is limited to customers who live within a reasonable distance.

Lower overhead costs: Starting an online hair business typically requires less capital than opening a physical store because there is no need for rent, utilities, and other physical overhead costs.

Flexible operating hours: Online stores can operate 24/7, allowing customers to shop at any time.

Cons:

Lack of personal interaction: Online businesses lack the physical interaction that a store provides, which can make it more difficult to build personal relationships and trust with customers.

Shipping and handling: The cost of shipping and handling can be high for online hair products, particularly for larger items like wigs and extensions.

Limited sensory experience: Customers can’t touch or feel the hair products when shopping online, which can make it harder for them to know exactly what they’re getting.

Physical Hair Store

Pros:

Personal interaction with customers: Customers can interact with your business and products in person, which can help build trust and create a strong relationship between the customer and the store.

Ability to provide personalized service: In a physical store, you can provide a more personalized experience for customers by offering consultations, fittings, and other in-person services.

Immediate satisfaction: Customers can see and touch the products immediately, so they know exactly what they’re getting and can leave with their purchase in hand.

Cons:

High overhead costs: Opening and maintaining a physical store can be expensive due to rent, utilities, staffing, and other overhead costs.

Limited customer base: A physical store is limited to customers who live within a reasonable distance, which can limit the potential customer base.

Limited operating hours: Physical stores usually have limited operating hours, which can make it harder for customers to visit outside of regular business hours.

Creating a brand that resonates with customers

  • Develop a brand with a strong identity: Define your brand with a unique voice, visual identity, and message that resonates with the target audience. This can help create a strong emotional connection with customers.
  • Share your story: Share your brand’s story and values with your customers. This can help create a sense of community and establish a deeper relationship between your brand and customers.
  • Provide valuable content: Offer valuable content, such as tutorials or hair care tips, on your website or social media channels. This can help establish your brand as an authority in the hair care space and build trust with customers.

Find a reliable supplier

To find a reliable hair supplier, there are many methods you can try.

  • Research online: Search for hair suppliers online and check out their websites or online stores. Find out what types of hair products they offer and what their reputation is like by reading reviews and ratings from previous customers.
  • Attend hair industry trade shows: Attend hair industry trade shows to meet hair suppliers and see their products in person. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get a firsthand look at the quality of their hair products.
  • Check industry directories: Check online industry directories and databases, such as Alibaba or the Beauty Industry Directory, which can provide a list of hair suppliers and their contact information.
  • Ask for referrals: Ask other businesses in the hair industry for referrals to reliable hair suppliers. They may be able to recommend a supplier they have worked with in the past.
  • Request samples: Before placing a large order, request samples from potential suppliers. This will give you the opportunity to inspect the hair products for quality, texture, and appearance.
  • Verify certifications: Make sure the hair supplier you choose is certified and meets industry standards.
  • Review pricing and payment terms: Review the supplier’s pricing and payment terms to ensure they are transparent, fair, and meet your budget.

By doing your due diligence and taking these steps, you can find a reliable hair supplier that can help you meet your business needs and grow your brand.

Marketing your products

  • Develop a website and social media presence to showcase your products and reach potential customers. Here are some ideas for marketing hair products:
  • Social Media: Use social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, to showcase your hair products and reach a wider audience. Consider partnering with social media influencers or running paid social media ads to increase your reach.
  • Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in the hair industry to help promote your hair products. They can create content or video showcasing your products and help drive traffic to your website or social media pages.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for search engines, such as Google, to increase your online visibility and attract more potential customers.
  • Email Marketing: Build an email list of customers and send out regular newsletters, product updates, and discount codes to keep them engaged and interested in your hair products.
  • Promotions and Discounts: Offer promotions and discounts to encourage customers to try out your hair products. This can help build brand loyalty and increase repeat purchases.
  • Attend Hair Shows and Events: Attend hair shows and events to network, showcase your hair products, and meet potential customers and partners in the hair industry.
  • Packaging and Branding: Develop attractive and eye-catching packaging and branding for your hair products. This can help distinguish your brand and create a strong visual identity that your customers will recognize and remember.

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can increase your brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately increase your sales revenue.

Establish relationships with customers

  • Establish relationships with customers by providing excellent customer service
  • Establishing relationships with customers by providing excellent customer service and creating a brand that resonates with them is crucial for the success of any business, including hair businesses. Here are some tips for achieving this:
  • Provide exceptional customer service: Make sure your customer service is top-notch by being responsive, friendly, and helpful. Address any concerns or issues promptly and make sure customers feel heard and valued.
  • Create a personal connection: Take the time to build a personal connection with your customers by engaging with them on social media, responding to comments, and sending follow-up emails or surveys.

Offer customized solutions: Listen to your customers’ needs and offer customized solutions tailored to their individual needs. This can help build trust and loyalty.

Continuously evaluate and improve your business

Continuously evaluating and improving your hair business through tracking sales, customer feedback, and industry trends can help you identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. Here are some tips for achieving this:

  • Track sales: Monitor your sales data to identify patterns and trends. This can help you identify which products are popular and which are not, and allow you to adjust your inventory and marketing strategies accordingly.
  • Solicit customer feedback: Encourage customers to leave feedback about their experience with your hair products and services. This feedback can help you identify areas for improvement, and make changes to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Monitor industry trends: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies by reading industry publications and attending industry trade shows and events. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and identify new opportunities for growth.
  • Conduct regular internal reviews: Conduct regular internal reviews of your business processes and operations to identify any inefficiencies or areas for improvement. This can help you streamline your operations and improve your bottom line.
  • Analyze your competition: Monitor your competitor’s products, pricing, and marketing strategies to identify opportunities to differentiate your brand and stay competitive.

By continuously evaluating and improving your hair business, you can stay ahead of the curve, satisfy customer needs, and grow your business over time.

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