We all need a fresh cut every now and then, a new hairstyle, an exotic plait here and there and for all these, hair salons are a wonder. Uganda has approximately 46 million citizens as per the 2024 census, and they all care for their hair one way or the other. Which is why starting up a salon is still a lucrative business idea even when you have probably seen a few in your joint.
What it takes to start a men’s hair salon in Uganda
Like every business in Uganda, the scale of your start-up depends on your capital weight. We have all seen the small barbershop at UGX 2,000 a cut, the average mid-sized hair salons at UGX 5,000 to UGX 10,000 a cut, and the fancy ones whose services, priced above UGX 15,000, often require an appointment. The capital varies, and your ability takes factor.
How many people will be working in your salon? Are you unisex (for both men and women)? How many people will your salon be working on simultaneously? Will you have four stations or just one at a time? Location and rent, services offered, clientele expected… the factors for what it takes vary greatly depending on what you offer.
Nevertheless, KCI, a vocational institute, estimates that the startup capital is anywhere between UGX 5 million and UGX 50+ million for a mega modern salon. Of course, many have started with less, a single chair, a single hair clipper, and a limited style selection of haircuts. For the ladies, it’s not uncommon to find a hair salon that focuses on washing, styling, and drying hair, then later expands with plaiting and treatment. Business is a gradual step, in my observation.
Required tools for a hair salon in Uganda
To get started, a few tools are needed. Call it a shopping list or a checklist for when you are buying equipment. We do emphasise that the prices herein are for reference and estimation, not in any way conclusive. They WILL vary.
#1. Get your business in order. And by this, I mean, pay what belongs to the tax man and be done with that early; register your business for the trading license and get your TIN because when the fateful day of inspections finds you unprepared, you risk closure and losing clients even if just for a day.
For high-end salons, this is even more crucial. Why? It reinforces your reputation. The more high-end your salon is, the bigger caste/class your joint attracts, and having government zip ties on your doors is a sure way for your clients to wonder if you truly are as high-end as you appear to be.
We found estimated costs to be around:
Business registration with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB): UGX 50,000–100,000. This ensures the uniqueness of your salon branding and sets it up as a fully-fledged business venture.
Trading license (from the local authority): UGX 150,000–300,000 annually, which authorises you to work and saves you from closure when the tax man knocks. KCCA publishes their Revised Trading License Rates.
The Health and Safety Permit costs UGX 100,000–200,000, and the rental agreement stamp duty (if renting a shop) is UGX 100,000–300,000, bringing the estimated total cost to UGX 400,000–900,000.
#2. Premises/rent
Where will your salon be based? If you are starting off in a container, get it made or moved to your space. If you are renting a building block, clear your dues with the landlord or make your agreements so that you can start. At this point, if the rental unit requires remodelling, we are assuming you have already done that.
The neighbourhood determines rental prices. A space in the Kampala centre won’t cost the same in Kyaliwajala, or Kira, and likewise, a space in a trading centre won’t cost the same as one further away. For the most part, you can find something like
Rent for a small-sized salon in low-income areas ranges from UGX 300,000–800,000 per month, a medium-sized salon in urban centres costs UGX 1M–3M per month, and a large salon in prime locations ranges from UGX 3M–6M per month.
Estimated Cost (three months’ rent): UGX 1M–10M. This does not cater for those who are not renting building units, but a space to install their own container. A small 6*6 feet fabricated container costs about UGX 1.2–3M.
#3. Equipment, Furniture, and Essential Tools
This is where another great chunk of your capital goes.
The cost of equipment and essential tools includes salon chairs at UGX 150,000–400,000 each (Katwe Market rate), hairdryers and steamers at UGX 500,000–1.5M, mirrors and workstations at UGX 300,000–1M, trolleys and storage shelves at UGX 200,000–800,000, shampoos, conditioners, and cosmetics at UGX 500,000–2M, and hair clippers and styling tools at UGX 500,000–1.5M.
Total about 2–7M
Of course, you can find many of these on a bargain and cheaper second-hand, again depending on your ability.
#4. Workers
The salon will need workers; it could be you manning it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you. Again, the cost of this depends on how high-end your salon is, the location, and the area. A barber in the heart of Kampala might ask for a bigger pay than one in the outskirts. Similarly, the barber or stylist in a high-end salon will ask for more compared to what one in a kiosk salon will ask for. This comes down to skills and responsibilities expected of the barber in their different castes. High-end clients require high-end workers who, in turn, will expect accommodating salaries for that expectation.
Monthly salaries for staff include skilled hairstylists at UGX 400,000–800,000, a receptionist at UGX 300,000–500,000, and a barber (if included) at UGX 400,000–700,000.
Estimated Monthly Salary Budget: UGX 1.5M–3M
When I looked into kiosk salons, the average salary was anywhere between UGX 200,000 and UGX 300,000 for the barbers and stylists.
#5. Utilities
Essentials like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi for clients are things you can manage.
Monthly utilities and expenses include electricity and water at UGX 200,000–800,000, internet (Wi-Fi for clients) at about UGX 150,000, and miscellaneous expenses ranging from UGX 500,000–1M.
Estimated Total costs
The estimated total costs of starting a men’s hair salon in Uganda range from UGX 5M–10M for a small salon, UGX 10M–20M for a medium salon, and UGX 20M–50M+ for a large salon.
The earning potential for a small salon in a good location with a neat look is around UGX 1 million. Monitor and other business reports show even higher earnings, with stories of some salons making more than UGX 20M a month. When it comes to daily earnings, however, things can change quickly because one day can be busy and the next completely quiet. Seasons also matter. Festive periods and the beginning or end of holidays are some of the days when people are looking to freshen up their looks.
