Startup cost
$20k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Man Cave Salon
Decision Snapshot
Man Cave Salon
Idea Score
64
Profit margin
20%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Man Cave Salon business - Background
For men who want more than the average hair salon experience, a man cave salon could be the ideal opportunity. Those who can tap into the market by providing the man cave experience, along with salon services, may be able to produce a strong business plan. Men today want more services, and male grooming services with advanced technology and innovative products are gaining more attention than ever.
ManCave for Men is a specific franchise opportunity for this type of experience that goes a step further. This franchise provides select services, such as skin and nail services, to men. They may gear services to beards too.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Man Cave Salon business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a man cave salon?
There is a cost to getting started. First, if a person aims to tap into the ManCave for Men franchise, they are likely to need to meet specific requirements. Requirements include a $100,000 cash investment with franchise fees at $19,900. For those opening a salon, there are other costs to consider including renting the location to provide service, modernizing and creating a desirable floor plan, marketing services, obtaining proper licensing for the board of health, and meeting any local building requirements. There are advertising costs as well as hiring costs to think about.
What are the ongoing expenses for a man cave salon?
There are ongoing expenses for running a business like this. If you plan to operate your business as a component of the ManCave for Men franchise, you will need to pay ongoing franchise fees of $19,900 (subject to change). There are also the day-to-day costs to pay to run a salon such as meeting lease requirements, keeping well-qualified staff in place, having product available, and providing new services as they become available.
Who is the target market?
The target market for these services are typically younger males who are looking for a high-end level of service for facial hair, skin care, hair styles, and nails.
How does a man cave salon make money?
A man cave salon business makes money by providing a specific service. That could include haircuts, beard trimming, shaving, skin-care services, and much more. They must charge enough to cover all operational expenses, including labor, products, and salon running costs, to be profitable.
How much can you charge customers?
The earning potential in this industry is quite complex. The men’s grooming industry as a whole has grown substantially in the last years and has become more than a $21 billion industry. The amount of potential growth for your business depends on the size of your market, the quality of the services you offer, the amount of word-of-mouth advertising you get, and the way you brand your company. Even with a man cave salon business that’s not part of a franchise, you’ll find year-over-year growth by providing a quality service in the right market.
How much profit can a man cave salon make?
Profit potential depends on the local market because pricing changes significantly from one city to the next. Depending on demographics, companies in the man cave salon business model can expect to see profits right away (with good pricing). That could amount to a 20% or more profit margin with some markets being much higher than this, especially as the business grows.
How can you make your business more profitable?
One of the key benefits of this business is that there are ways to expand it. For example, companies can add new services, such as new skin-care services or added pedicure services to enhance offerings and drive rates up. This helps to grow profitability. Also, as the salon’s customer base grows, the potential for profit increases too.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a man cave salon?
Whether you are working with the ManCave for Men franchise or your own man cave style salon, the day-to-day activities are typically straightforward. Customers come in for a haircut, shave, or other services. Individuals are typically booked in advance, but some salons offer same-day appointments. Business owners will need to spend time on the upkeep of the location while also providing services if they are a hands-on owner. Marketing, balancing books, and keeping up with client records is also important.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful man cave salon?
The core skill beyond having the ability to run a hair salon is the ability to provide typical male-focused services to customers. Services may be a bit different than what many working in a salon might provide for women. It takes barbershop skills on top of modern, trendy hairstyles. Business owners in the field also need to create the right culture and vibe to do well in this industry.
What is the growth potential for a man cave salon?
It’s hard to say what the potential for job growth is across the local area. If men in the area are looking for a new service like this – and it is promoted well – it may be possible to see substantial year-over-year growth in the industry. If there are other ManCave for Men salons or male-focused salons in the area, that may dilute the earning potential.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a man cave salon?
Get to know the ManCave for Men franchise, and visit a few locations. It is also beneficial to spend some time really getting to know the brand, even if you plan to create your own version of a man cave salon that’s not part of the franchise. The goal here is to provide the right atmosphere and male-focused services that local competitors do not offer.
How and when to build a team
Most often, a man cave salon business model requires professionals providing a range of services. These are typically licensed and experienced pros that provide hair care, nails, and skin-care services. Unless you can provide all of these services yourself, it is often necessary to hire a team right away to ensure all services are covered and that the salon is ready to service clients.
Part 2 - Is a Man Cave Salon business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Man Cave Salon business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Man Cave Salon Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Man Cave Salon business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.