Nikita Hair Identifies Dallas as a Key Market for U.S. Development

Nikita Hair was founded by self-made entrepreneur Inger Ellen Nicolaisen in 1984. The brand began as a small hair salon in Norway and has since become one of Europe’s leading hair salon franchises with 150 locations and over 1,000 employees spanning the continent. Named after the Elton John song, Nikita Hair offers a wide range of exclusive services as well as proprietary hair and skin care products. The brand is dedicated to making clients look and feel great at an affordable price.

After nearly 40 years of success in the European market, Nikita Hair has decided to expand its footprint internationally to the United States. Although the brand is hoping to expand to many markets across the country, it has identified Dallas as its latest target for development.

Within the next few years, Nikita Hair is looking to open 10 locations throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Specifically, the brand is looking to develop near malls, grocery stores and strip-mall locations, according to Mark Kartarik, president of Nikita Hair.

Expansion into Dallas, the third largest city in Texas and the ninth largest in the country, will mark a significant opportunity for Nikita Hair and its franchisees. According to data collected by the U.S.

Census Bureau, Dallas has a population of 1,345,047 — and that number is expected to continue to grow. Dallas’ large and fast-growing population matches what the Nikita Hair brand is trying to accomplish with expansion. “We want to expand to areas where there is a large population to serve,” said Andrea Lyman, CEO of Nikita Hair.

“We also want an area where our franchisees have an abundant pool for staffing. Dallas is exactly what we are looking for.”

According to Forbes, the median household income in Dallas is $72,205. This proves to be a major opportunity for Nikita Hair franchisees, because it means many consumers have the supplement income to spend on hair salon visits. “We decided to target Dallas because a majority of its consumers really care about their hair,” Kartarik said. “They want high-end salons, but don’t want to pay $400 for a cut and color. We understand this type of consumer and want to cater to them.”

As far as what Nikita Hair is looking for in prospective franchisees, Lyman noted that those with management and business experience are particularly strong candidates. People with prior franchise experience are a plus, as the Nikita leadership team values their input and experience, she added.

Kartarik echoed similar sentiments on what the brand is looking for in prospective franchises: “Our ideal candidate is someone who has experience in managing people so they understand the employer/employee relationship. Additionally, we would like someone who is currently employed and is able to really build up the business based on the guidance and support they receive from leadership. We don’t want someone who just wants a job in the hair industry — we want someone who sees the bigger picture and really adds to what Inger envisioned for the company.”

Nikita Hair franchisees benefit from a wide variety of services, which include hair cutting, styling, coloring and extensions. Additionally, the brand offers speciality hair treatments such as perms and keratin treatments, as well as volume, repair and shine treatments. Aside from hair care, Nikita Hair stylists also provide waxing, brow services, nail services and cosmetic treatments.

What’s more, Nikita Hair franchisees are also able to leverage founder Inger Ellen Nicolaisen and her daughter’s proprietary, award-winning beauty brand called Eleni & Chris. The Scandinavian beauty brand, inspired by the finest high-quality ingredients the region has to offer, features a line of signature hair and styling products available in each salon for franchisees to sell at retail price.

Nikita Hair is currently seeking out franchisees in the Dallas area who are looking to become part of a successful brand that’s dedicated to making clients look and feel great at an affordable price.