How to Start a Hair Business in South Africa
The hair industry in South Africa is booming, driven by strong demand for wigs, weaves, braids, natural hair care, and salon services. Whether you want to sell hair products, open a salon, or launch an online hair brand, the opportunities are vast. This guide walks you through the key steps to starting a successful hair business in South Africa.
1. Decide on Your Hair Business Model
Before you begin, be clear about what type of hair business you want to start. Common options include:
Hair salon or barbershop (styling, braiding, treatments)
Hair retail business (wigs, weaves, extensions, hair care products)
Hair manufacturing or importing (raw or processed hair)
Online hair store (Instagram, WhatsApp, or e-commerce website)
Mobile hair services (home visits, events, weddings)
Your choice will determine your startup costs, skills required, and legal requirements.
2. Research the Market
Market research helps you understand your customers and competitors. Consider:
Your target market (students, professionals, salons, wholesalers)
Popular hair types (Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian, synthetic, natural)
Pricing in your area or online
Competitors’ strengths and weaknesses
South African consumers value quality, durability, and authenticity, so sourcing good products is critical.
3. Create a Business Plan
A business plan gives your hair business direction and helps you secure funding if needed. Your plan should include:
Business overview and goals
Products or services offered
Target market
Marketing and sales strategy
Startup and operating costs
Pricing and profit margins
Even a simple plan can help you avoid costly mistakes.
4. Register Your Business
To operate legally in South Africa, you should register your business:
Register with CIPC to obtain your company registration number
Register with SARS for tax purposes (Income Tax, VAT if applicable)
Open a business bank account
Register for B-BBEE (if you plan to work with corporates or government)
Sole proprietors can start small, but registering a private company (Pty Ltd) adds credibility.
5. Source Quality Hair Products
Your suppliers can make or break your business. You can source hair:
Locally from wholesalers
From international suppliers (China, India, Brazil, Vietnam)
From salons or manufacturers
Always request samples, test the hair quality, and verify supplier reliability before buying in bulk.
6. Set Your Pricing
Price your products or services to cover costs and make a profit while remaining competitive. Factor in:
Cost of hair or products
Import duties and shipping (if applicable)
Rent and utilities
Marketing and staff costs
Avoid underpricing—quality hair customers are often willing to pay more.
7. Find a Location or Sell Online
You can run your hair business from:
A physical shop or salon
Home (for online sales)
Malls, salons, or pop-up markets
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Many successful hair businesses in South Africa start online to reduce overhead costs.
8. Market Your Hair Business
Marketing is essential in a competitive industry. Effective strategies include:
Social media marketing (before-and-after photos, videos, testimonials)
Influencer collaborations
Promotions and giveaways
Google Business Profile for salons
Word-of-mouth referrals
Consistency and strong branding will help your business stand out.
9. Hire and Train Staff (If Needed)
If you run a salon or growing business, you may need:
Hair stylists or braiders
Sales assistants
Admin or delivery support
Invest in training to maintain quality and customer satisfaction.
10. Focus on Customer Experience
Repeat customers are the backbone of a successful hair business. Focus on:
Excellent service
Honest product descriptions
After-sales support
Loyalty discounts
Happy customers will promote your brand for free.
Starting a hair business in South Africa can be highly profitable with the right planning, quality products, and marketing strategy. Begin small, stay consistent, and reinvest your profits to grow your brand. With dedication and passion, your hair business can thrive in this fast-growing industry.
Are you planning to start a salon, hair brand, or online hair store? With the right steps, your journey can start today.