Franchise Deep Dive: Drybar Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Drybar is a hair salon concept that focuses on executing its single offering perfectly each and every time. As a happy middle ground between bargain hair salons and all-inclusive salons, Drybar seeks to offer affordable blowout services in a great environment. After securing its spot in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry, the brand has grown to be a go-to for many women looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, event hairstyling or even a break from the responsibilities of daily hair care.

Drybar was originally founded in 2010 and began franchising shortly after in 2012. Since then, it has grown to 143 units, and the number of company-owned studios has decreased dramatically.

Because of its unique, high-quality offering, Drybar has become a key player in the women’s beauty industry, offering both in-person services and branded retail products.

Now, as one of the five concepts under the WellBiz Brands umbrella, Drybar is part of a network of over 900 studios and is guided by top franchise professionals as they “establish a sustainable growth plan for each independent brand.”

Drybar brings a new hair care option to women who were previously left to choose between two extreme ends of the spectrum. Previously, the two primary choices were in-salon styling, which becomes expensive quickly, or a service from a discount chain with a less-than-optimal environment.

In a happy middle ground, Drybar offers salon-quality styling and a welcoming environment at an affordable price. For clients who prefer consistent blowouts, there is a Barfly membership, which positions franchisees to secure additional recurring revenue.

The total investment necessary to open a Drybar business is $596,335–$1,030,034. This includes the following costs:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
• Real Property and Utility Security Deposits: $9,750–$60,000
• Leasehold Improvements: $313,544–$568,802
• Site Development Fee: $7,500
• Initial Inventory: $38,700–$44,700
• Other Service and Marketing Items: $3,000–$7,200
• Furniture and Fixtures: $22,000
• Initial Software License and Set Up: $2,500
• Computer System: $34,975–$56,785
• Training Program and Shop Educator Program: $9,000–$15,750
• Pre-Opening Stylist Training: $5,000–$10,000
• Architectural Design and MEP Fees: $13,750–$20,750
• Marketing and Promotional Inventory: $5,500–$6,800
• Grand Opening Spend Requirement: $15,000
• Business Supplies: $3,000–$7,927
• Business Licenses and Permits: $500–$15,000
• Insurance Deposits and Premiums (year one): $3,900–$9,786
• Professional Fees: $1,800–$12,300
• Additional Funds (three months): $45,000–$70,000

Drybar also requires a net worth of $750,000 and liquidity of $250,000.

Drybar assesses a 7% royalty fee and a marketing fee of up to 2%.

• Jeremy Morgan, Chief Executive Officer
• Bob Bell, Chief Financial Officer
• Julie Manthey, Chief People Officer
• Ariel Clay, Chief Marketing Officer
• Steve Labrie, Chief Technology Officer
• Sherin Sakr, General Counsel
• JJ Zhang, Senior Vice President, Accounting
• Sheila Ullery, President, Wellness and Vitality Exchange
• Jason Losco, Chief Development Officer