Sola Salons Franchise

Key Investment Facts

[LAST UPDATED: May 8, 2026]  ·  [ESTIMATE]

About Sola Salons

Sola Salons operates within the salon suites segment of the retail and services industry, functioning as a business-to-business real estate model. As the largest franchise in this category with over 720 locations, the company provides individual, turnkey studio spaces to independent beauty professionals. Franchisees act primarily as property managers; their daily responsibilities involve site selection, tenant recruitment, facility maintenance, and lease management. By outsourcing service delivery to independent contractors, the model mitigates labor management challenges common in the beauty industry. This positioning, backed by Prospect Capital, focuses on high-occupancy real estate rather than direct consumer service provision.

The total initial investment for a Sola Salons franchise ranges from $405,000 to $746,000, including a $55,000 franchise fee. Ongoing costs consist of a 6.00% royalty on gross revenue and a 1.00% advertising fund contribution. Investment variance is largely dictated by real estate variables, such as geographic market rates, facility size, and the construction costs associated with installing individual plumbing and electrical systems for each suite. These fees cover the brand’s proprietary site selection tools, operational support, and national marketing initiatives aimed at maintaining high occupancy rates across the studio inventory.

Investing in a Sola Salons franchise requires a significant initial capital outlay due to the construction costs of individual studio suites. The financial model functions as a real estate investment with recurring rental income, making it distinct from labor-intensive service businesses. Realistic earnings expectations are tied directly to occupancy rates, which serve as the primary profitability driver. Since franchisees do not pay stylist commissions or manage high payroll, margins remain relatively stable once the building is occupied. Success depends on selecting high-traffic locations and maintaining high tenant retention to ensure steady cash flow and a strong return on investment.

Operations are typically managed on a semi-absentee basis, focusing on property management rather than direct salon services. Franchisees handle marketing to attract beauty professionals, oversee facility maintenance, and manage rent collection through specialized software. The territory structure provides geographic protection, allowing owners to scale across specific regions. Support systems from the franchisor include site selection assistance, construction management, and national marketing campaigns. This framework allows franchisees to focus on community building and tenant relations while leveraging corporate tools and brand recognition to maintain a competitive edge in the boutique suite market.

Sola Salons has established itself as a dominant leader in the salon suite industry, boasting a robust system health with 720 total units currently in operation. The company has been in business for 22 years and has spent 18 of those years refining its franchising model. In 2020, the brand transitioned to private equity ownership when it was acquired by Prospect Capital. This long-term operational history and significant scale demonstrate the brand's stability and its ability to adapt within the evolving beauty and wellness sector.

To qualify for a Sola Salons franchise, candidates must meet a minimum net worth requirement of $500,000 and possess at least $150,000 in liquid capital. The ideal candidate typically has a background in management or business operations rather than cosmetology, as the model focuses on real estate and tenant management. This opportunity offers a semi-absentee lifestyle fit, making it attractive to both first-time entrepreneurs and experienced multi-unit operators looking to diversify. However, potential owners should be mindful of key risks, such as high initial construction costs and the ongoing challenge of maintaining high occupancy rates in a competitive local market.

Tags: salon-suites, beauty, b2b-franchise, pe-backed, unique-model, 1099

Investment Overview: Is Sola Salons Worth It?

Opening a Sola Salons franchise requires an initial investment in the range of $405K to $746K. The initial franchise fee is $55K, which grants you access to the brand, training, and operational systems. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.00% of gross revenue. Sola Salons operates in the Retail & Services sector and typically requires owner-operator involvement.

As of the most recent disclosure, Sola Salons has 720 total franchise units (720 franchised).

We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns, and reviewing the full FDD analysis before making any investment decision.

Key risk signals from FDD data. Higher score = lower risk. Verify in the franchise's current disclosure document.

Ownership & Private Equity

Prospect Capital acquired Sola Salons in 2020. Unique B2B model: franchisees lease studio suites to licensed beauty professionals rather than operating a salon directly.

⚠️ PE ownership can affect franchise support culture and resale terms. Always review the most recent FDD for ownership disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sola Salons

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