What is a salon studio?

At Sola, a salon suite is your very own private, move-in ready space inside one of our beautifully designed locations. Each suite is fully equipped with high-end furnishings and can be customized to reflect your style, giving you the freedom to create the business of your dreams. We take care of all the shared areas like entryways, bathrooms, and breakrooms so you can focus on your clients. Unlike renting a chair in a traditional salon, a salon suite gives independent beauty professionals such as hair stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, barbers, and more the ability to set their own schedule, prices, and vibe. With Sola, you get all the perks of salon ownership without the build-out costs, overhead, or hassle. It’s your services. Your schedule. Your vibe. Your salon.

Why choose Sola Salons?

Sola Salons is the leading choice for independent beauty professionals who want the freedom of salon ownership without the overhead. When you lease a private salon suite at Sola, you get a move-in ready space plus the tools, benefits, and support to run your business your way. We provide: A start-up manual with checklists, forms, and licensing guidance Insurance resources, credit card processing tips, and retail/distributor contacts Access to health insurance and other work benefits through our partner programs Liability and disability insurance options (in select areas) Discounts on retail, online scheduling, and business tools Ongoing education, industry events, and marketing support Beyond business resources, you’ll join the largest community of independent salon owners in the country complete with local events, networking, and a supportive culture designed to help you thrive.

Who are the studios designed for?

Our studios can be modified to accommodate hairdressers, skincare professionals, nail technicians, massage therapists, med spa professionals and more. We design our studios with flexibility and offer a range of sizes and prices to fit your business needs. They can also be customized by you.

What types of beauty professionals can rent a studio?

Sola salon suites are designed for a wide variety of independent beauty and wellness professionals. Our flexible spaces can be customized to fit your services and business needs. Professionals who thrive at Sola include: Hair stylists and barbers Estheticians and skincare specialists Nail technicians and lash artists Massage therapists and bodywork professionals Med spa professionals, injectors, and wellness providers With a range of suite sizes and price points, you can create a private, personalized space that reflects your brand. Each suite is move-in ready, fully equipped, and designed to give you the freedom to run your business your way.

Can more than one salon professional work in a single studio?

Yes, we offer floor plans designed to accommodate multiple salon professionals, and we are committed to working closely with you to find the optimal setup for your business. Since each location is independently owned and operated, we recommend reaching out to your local Sola for more information and to schedule a tour. They will be able to provide you with personalized assistance based on your specific needs and preferences.

Why lease a salon studio?

Leasing a salon suite at Sola gives beauty professionals the freedom of salon ownership without the high costs or risks of opening a traditional salon. Each private suite is move-in ready, fully equipped, and designed to be customized to your brand. With Sola, you can: Set your own schedule, prices, and services Create a personalized environment for you and your clients Enjoy freedom from salon politics and shared space drama Access work benefits like health insurance options, liability coverage, and business discounts Included amenities: Custom cabinetry and abundant storage Hydraulic chair and shampoo bowl Full-spectrum lighting and individual ventilation Oversized sliding glass door with lock and floor-to-ceiling privacy Utilities and Wi-Fi included Sola makes it simple to invest in yourself and run your own salon business—with the perks of ownership and the support of the largest community of independent salon owners in the country.

Where can I find all the different locations you have?

You can find all Sola Salons locations by using our Find a Location search tool. With over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada (and growing), there’s likely a Sola near you. Simply enter your city, state, or ZIP code to explore available salon suites for rent in your area. Each listing provides details about the space, amenities, and how to schedule a tour with a local leasing manager. Whether you’re searching for salon suites near me or exploring new markets, Sola makes it easy to find the right location to start or grow your business.

How is leasing a salon studio different from working at a traditional salon?

At Sola, you’re not just renting a chair—you’re running your own salon. As the owner of your private studio, you decide your service menu, set your prices, and keep 100% of your profits. You’ll have a key to your suite, giving you complete control over your schedule, products, and client experience. With Sola, you get all the freedom of salon ownership at a cost similar to chair or booth rental—plus the privacy, professionalism, and independence that come with having your very own space.

How much does it cost to rent a studio?

Studio pricing varies by location. The best way to get details is to connect with your local Sola. Simply fill out an inquiry form or contact a leasing manager to learn about current pricing and schedule a tour.

How long is the rental agreement?

Each Sola location may offer different lease options. Contact your location’s leasing manager to learn what agreements are available and find the one that works best for you.

Can I decorate and customize my studio?

Absolutely! Your studio is your space, so make it your own. Paint the walls, add your décor, play your music, and create the atmosphere that feels right for you and your clients.

What is included in my studio rental?

When you rent a Sola studio, you get a fully private, move-in ready space that’s all your own. Your rental includes: Your personal salon suite with a key for exclusive access Maintenance of all common areas, including entryways, bathrooms, and breakrooms Utilities such as water, electricity, and Wi-Fi (varies by location) A clean, professional environment for you and your clients This allows you to focus on your business while enjoying the perks of a fully equipped, turnkey salon space.

Do you provide marketing or business support?

Yes! Every Sola professional receives: A customizable online profile page on the Sola website to help new clients find you. Access to marketing education, webinars, guides, and ongoing training. While you run your own business, Sola gives you the visibility, resources, and community support you need to grow and thrive.

How do I know if I'm right for Sola?

Sola is perfect for beauty professionals ready to take control of their careers. If you have an established clientele and want to: Be your own boss Escape salon drama Set your own hours and prices Sell the retail products you love Customize your own salon studio …then you’ll thrive here. Join our community of over 20,000 independent beauty professionals and enjoy creative freedom, career support, and the independence to run your business your way.

What are the next steps to getting started?

Getting started at Sola Salons is simple: Visit our Locations Page to find the salon suites nearest you. Fill out the quick inquiry form. A local leasing manager will reach out to schedule a confidential tour and help you choose the best suite for your business. Once you sign your lease and secure your salon license, you can move in—often right away. Your suite comes fully equipped. All you need to bring are your backbar, towels, personal tools, and décor to make the space your own. With Sola, you’ll experience the freedom of salon ownership without the overhead of opening a traditional salon.

What are the hours of operation?

At Sola, you have 24/7 access to your studio. While our main doors are open during regular business hours, you can welcome clients before or after hours—or on Sundays—by letting them in yourself. This flexibility lets you schedule appointments at the times that work best for you and your clients.

What are the key advantages to renting a studio?

Renting a Sola studio gives you the freedom and support to run your business your way: Set your own schedule with 24/7 access to your studio Set your own prices and keep all profits, including retail sales Personalize your space with décor, music, and privacy Work in a drama-free environment Access exclusive education and resources for independent salon owners Join a community of over 20,000 independent beauty professionals Receive support from your leasing manager, franchisee, and local Sola community With Sola, you have the independence of ownership plus a network of support every step of the way.

Best Practices to Open Your New Salon Studio #SolaStrong

Congratulations on taking the leap into salon ownership! We are so excited to welcome you to the #SolaFam! Whether you’re opening a salon for the very first time, or moving your existing business to Sola, now is the time to get set up for success.

At Sola, we have so many resources to help make this process easier for you. From your Sola webpage to tips and tricks on the Sola Blog to a new guide regarding sanitization best practices, we have thought of everything to make your transition to Sola as seamless and strong as it can possibly be. Follow the below checklist to make sure you are set up for success.

Remember, alone we are strong, buttogether we are #SolaStrong.

First Comes First…. ☝️

Before the fun stuff begins, you need to make sure that your business is registered and you have obtained all the right licensing. Reference your Sola Start-Up Manual for more information and details about the forms you need to complete locally to get your business set up the right way. Talk to your Sola manager if you need a copy of your Start-Up Manual.

For a dose of inspiration, check out Episode 1 of the Sola Stories Podcast: Going Independent + Getting Started in a Salon Studio

Sanitation 🧼

As the world continues to adjust to the effects ofCOVID-19, expectations are changing around social interactions and attention to cleanliness is more important than ever. Make sure to set your salon up for optimal health and safety.

Get Barbicide Certified and order all requisite supplies
Read our blog on Sanitation Best Practices
Download our Back-to-Work guide
Order masks and capes from the Sola Store
Purchase hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for your studio
Read our blog on Learning to Communicate Your Policies to Your Clients
Read all communications from your Sola manager about reopening guidelines carefully. There will likely be different procedures and practices based on your local state or county.

Business 📈

Owning your own studio means setting your own hours, pricing and creating your overall business plan. Get to know your numbers and key performance indicators to ensure you are set up for success from the very beginning.

Get a tutorial on understanding your business with our Understanding Your Sola Business Webinar or read the blog post.
Register for the Sola Pro app to make sure you have access to all of Sola’s education and deals.
Create a Business Plan: Read this guide or watch this webinar inside the Sola Pro app to learn more.
Determine your schedule. Remember at Sola, you have access to your studio 7 days per week so if you need to add any extra hours or days to make up for lost time, now is a great time to do that.
Set your prices.

Communications 📞

Communicating with your clients is the most impactful way to connect, build trust and nurture relationships especially as you are building your clientele. There are many ways to do this, including email, text message marketing, social media, and good old-fashioned phone calls. We recommend using technology, such as SolaGenius, to make communicating easy and effective. See below for more tips on how to best communicate your grand opening.

Teach your clients how to effectively book appointments with you. See our blog with re-booking tips.
Send an email of reassurance to your clients, new and old, explaining all the steps you’ve taken to sanitize and disinfect your salon.
Send out text andemail communications to announce the grand opening of your studio and let your clients know where they can find you online! You can find pre-written communications here.

Marketing & Social Media 💻

When it comes to marketing, think about how you want to reach your customers, both online and offline. Having an online presence is so important for a small business to make sure that clients can find you and book an appointment with you! At Sola, we make this easy for you with your own Sola webpage. Think about your marketing strategy before opening and don’t worry - Sola has plenty of resources to help you create a plan that works for you and your customers.

Create your Sola webpage.Check our blog or watch our webinar on "How to Make Your Webpage Rock!"
Sign up for SolaGenius to make sure you have help with online booking, marketing, customer management, communications, analytics and so much more! Check outall SolaGenius can do for you here.
Create a referral program. Check out our 6 Tips For a Rockstar Referral Program.
Choose the social media channels where you can connect with your current and target clientele best.
Make your social media profile(s) robust by:
- Making it public so people can learn all about your salon and what you specialize in
- Add a bio and about section
- Add links to visit your webpage
- Add your booking link everywhere. Watch this webinar to learn how!
Brush up on best practices for social media
- Learn these3 Tips to Take Your Instagram to the Next Level
- Read these 10 Instagram tips for beauty professionals
- Watchthis webinar (inside Sola Pro app) with Nina Kovner for social media tips, tricks and best practices
- Choose relevant hashtags to add to your posts
Get a ring light if you want to take before and after pictures. Read more tips on photography here.
Connect with Sola:
- Facebook
- Instagram: @solasalons
- Twitter:@solasalons
- Pinterest
- Follow your local Sola Facebook and Instagram pages
Follow brands that inspire you and connect with other Sola professionals for inspiration.
Engage, engage, engage!

Product and Retail 🛍

As an independent salon owner, you have the amazing opportunity to choose the retail and back bar products of your choice and partner with a brand you believe in that fits your salon's culture. On top of that, you keep 100% of your retail profits! See the tips below to ensure you have all your product and back bar ready for opening:

Choose the retail product line for your studio
- Choose a brand that fits the culture of your salon and the price point of your guests
- Find special deals inside your Sola Pro app
Connect with your local distributor to make sure they know you’re now at Sola
Order color and back bar as soon as possible to ensure you have what you need for opening
Consider grand opening product specials – clients are going to need to re-stock!
Head on over to the Sola Blog to read a few amazing retail tips

Studio and Decor ✨

At Sola, you get to call the shots on how you decorate your studio and have full control of the vibe you want to create. This space is private, secure,and a safe space for you and your guests. Now is the time to create an environment that you love and your customers feel at home.

Create a vibe for your studio. Readthis blog on ways to Feng Shui your salon.
- Choose the paint color for your walls
- Add accessories and decor that express your personality and creativity. You can play with artwork, plants, curtains and more!
Get ready to enjoy your own music! 🎶
- Choose how you will find your music: subscription services such as Pandora or Spotify or pre-populated playlists
- Choose how you will play your music: through your device or Bluetooth speaker
- For inspiration, check out Sola's Summer Salon Playlistand 25 Pandora Stations To Tune In To
For more studio inspiration, check out our Instagram feed!