Opening a barber shop or men’s grooming studio isn’t just about cutting hair—it’s about building confidence, community, and style. Men’s grooming is evolving fast. From classic haircuts and beard trims to private services for bald customers (like toupee fittings and scalp treatments), this industry continues to expand.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss while helping men look and feel their best, this guide is for you. Let’s walk through how to start a barber shop or men’s grooming studio step-by-step, with capital breakdowns, pricing ideas, and profit estimates.
Step 1: Research and Plan Your Concept
Before picking up a pair of clippers, define your niche:
- Traditional Barber Shop – Focus on haircuts, fades, and beard grooming.
- Modern Grooming Studio – Add services like facials, scalp care, and massages.
- Private Grooming Lounge for Bald Clients – Offer custom toupee fitting, hair system maintenance, and scalp micropigmentation.
Market Insight
According to Statista, the global men’s grooming market is expected to surpass $115 billion by 2028. This means there’s strong potential for local businesses that specialize in men’s self-care—especially in the Philippines, where style and grooming culture are booming.
Step 2: Estimate Capital and Startup Costs
Sample Startup Budget (Small Barber Shop)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Shop renovation (10–20 sqm) | ₱80,000 – ₱150,000 |
| Barber chairs (2–3 units) | ₱30,000 – ₱60,000 |
| Mirrors, lights, décor | ₱20,000 – ₱40,000 |
| Clippers, scissors, tools | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000 |
| Towels, capes, grooming products | ₱15,000 – ₱30,000 |
| Business permit, DTI, BIR, etc. | ₱10,000 – ₱15,000 |
| Total Estimated Capital | ₱180,000 – ₱335,000 |
Optional Add-on:
If you’re adding private toupee or bald-care services, budget an extra ₱40,000–₱80,000 for:
- Hair systems/toupees (starter stock)
- Private cubicle or enclosed grooming room
- Sanitization tools and adhesives
Step 3: Choose a Strategic Location
Ideal spots for a barber shop:
- Near schools, offices, or transport terminals
- Inside a commercial building or mall (for high foot traffic)
- Or in a residential area with limited competitors
Pro tip: For toupee and private grooming services, add a “Private Room” in your studio. Some customers—especially bald clients—prefer discretion and privacy when maintaining or fitting a hairpiece.
Step 4: Register and Legalize Your Business
Business Requirements in the Philippines:
- DTI or SEC registration – Business name
- Barangay clearance – Local operation approval
- Mayor’s permit – From your city or municipality
- BIR registration – For official receipts and taxes
- DOH sanitation permit – Required for grooming and personal care services
Tip: Always maintain high hygiene standards—especially if you’re offering scalp care or toupee services that involve direct skin contact.
Step 5: Design Your Space and Equipment Layout
Your shop’s ambiance defines customer experience.
Must-Have Equipment:
- Barber chairs (hydraulic)
- Mirrors with good lighting
- Hair dryers and trimmers
- Sanitation area with alcohol, sterilizer, and UV cabinet
- Waiting area with magazines or WiFi
- Optional: Coffee corner or complimentary drink section
For Private Bald-Care/Toupee Room:
- Adjustable reclining chair
- Wash basin and mirror
- Storage cabinet for hairpieces and adhesives
- LED lighting for accurate color matching
Step 6: Offer a Variety of Services (and Price Smartly)
Standard Services & Pricing (Philippines)
| Service | Suggested Price |
|---|---|
| Basic haircut | ₱150 – ₱250 |
| Fade or undercut | ₱200 – ₱300 |
| Beard trim | ₱100 – ₱200 |
| Hair color or highlights | ₱400 – ₱800 |
| Scalp massage or facial | ₱250 – ₱500 |
Special Section: Private Toupee & Bald Grooming Services
This niche can set your grooming studio apart. Many men with hair loss prefer a discreet, private experience for their hair system fitting.
Services You Can Offer:
- Toupee fitting and styling – ₱5,000 – ₱25,000
- Toupee maintenance (cleaning, rebonding) – ₱1,500 – ₱3,000
- Scalp care or exfoliation – ₱500 – ₱800
- Private room haircut or styling – ₱300 – ₱500
- Hair system consultation – ₱500 (waivable upon purchase)
Profit Insight:
If you serve just 10 clients monthly for toupee services averaging ₱5,000 each, that’s ₱50,000 monthly extra income — on top of regular haircut services.
Privacy Policy Tip:
Add a clause in your shop’s policy that all personal data, photos, and hairpiece fittings are kept confidential. This helps build trust and repeat clients.
Step 7: Hire Skilled Barbers and Train Them
Your staff should master:
- Modern hairstyles and beard shaping
- Hygiene protocols and sterilization
- Customer service and upselling (e.g., “Would you like a scalp massage today?”)
- Toupee and hair system maintenance (if applicable)
Offer training incentives or partner with TESDA-certified programs to maintain professional standards.
Step 8: Market Your Barber Shop or Grooming Studio
Free Marketing Ideas:
- Create a Facebook page and Google Business Profile
- Post before-and-after transformations
- Offer “First Haircut Free” promos
- Collaborate with local influencers or vloggers
- Run a “Bald Confidence Day” event for toupee or scalp-care awareness
Example Tagline Ideas:
- “Confidence Starts at the Chair”
- “For Every Style — and Every Stage of Hair”
- “Private Grooming. Public Confidence.”
Step 9: Calculate Profit and ROI
Sample Monthly Income Estimate
| Source | Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|
| 20 clients/day × ₱200 avg. | ₱120,000 |
| Grooming add-ons | ₱10,000 |
| Toupee/private bald services | ₱50,000 |
| Total Gross Income | ₱180,000 |
| Monthly expenses (rent, staff, supplies) | ₱80,000 – ₱100,000 |
| Net Profit | ₱80,000 – ₱100,000/month |
ROI Period: Typically 4–6 months, depending on location and promotions.
Step 10: Maintain Hygiene, Trust, and Consistency
Customers return for:
- Clean tools
- Consistent quality haircuts
- Respectful staff
- Privacy and trust
Never compromise cleanliness—especially if you cater to scalp or toupee services. Regularly sanitize chairs, tools, and rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much is the capital to start a barber shop in the Philippines?
A: Around ₱180,000 to ₱335,000 for a small shop; more if you include private rooms or premium equipment.
Q2: How much can I charge for private toupee services?
A: ₱5,000–₱25,000 per fitting, and ₱1,500–₱3,000 for maintenance. Prices depend on materials and discretion level.
Q3: Is it profitable to open a barber shop?
A: Yes. Net profits of ₱80,000–₱100,000 monthly are realistic if you manage staff, expenses, and marketing well.
Q4: Do I need to be a licensed barber?
A: No formal license is required in the Philippines, but training under TESDA or apprenticeship improves credibility.
Q5: How do I market my shop for bald customers privately?
A: Offer private appointments, closed rooms, and word-of-mouth marketing. Avoid public posting of photos without consent.