This annual list of the top barbershop franchises was updated for 2026.
Providing an everyday service that many people can’t go without, barbershops are a popular business with many different approaches.
The Barber’s Business
Usually, barbershops are hairdressers cutting and styling men’s and boys’ hair and beards. Though some now act as unisex hairdressers, women generally go to salons, which we cover separately.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code to see which franchises are still available near you, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does.There are as many as 143,000 barbershops in the US, catering to almost every community in the country. From rural barbers serving every man within an hour’s drive to urban barbers who might only serve part of a single neighborhood, they’re often bustling businesses. Making a good first impression is important in everything from job interviews to dating, while most Americans want to appear presentable in their day-to-day life, as well as taking pride and pleasure in how they look. This keeps barbershops busy all year round.
Over recent decades, there’s been growing recognition of the level of artistry that goes into a good haircut. The craft of barbers and stylists has become so well respected that the Toledo Museum of Art staged a special event highlighting their work. A skilled barber can draw customers from a far wider area, and a well-run shop can earn the loyalty of a substantial customer base.
The Economics of Barbershops
Revenues from barbershops totaled $5.8 billion in 2024.
The economic fortunes of barbershops have been very uneven in recent years, as economic and other events have pushed revenues up and down. The industry is currently experiencing an upswing, with 2.7% growth in revenues in 2024. This is higher than the five year average of 1.7%, though that average also paints a positive picture, with revenues generally rising over the medium term despite disruptions such as the Covid pandemic. There’s been no big boost in numbers for the industry, but a growing population and an essential service keep earnings trending upwards.
The industry is moderately vulnerable to swings in the economy. Outside of extraordinary circumstances, it’s unlikely to see dramatic upheavals, as people are so reliant on barbers for their grooming. But a downturn or period of economic anxiety can lead customers to go a few more weeks between cuts, and if that happens on a wide enough basis then it can have a significant effect.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code to see which franchises are still available near you, saving you months of wasted research.🔴Free Webinar: 6 Under-the-Radar Franchise Concepts That Serious Buyers Should Know
Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for, each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. Can't attend live on October 27 at 6PM EST? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.Some barbershops are trying to stabilize and secure income through subscription and membership models, so it’s worth looking at whether a franchise uses this sort of approach, and whether they have data for its effectiveness. While it often involves earning slightly less per cut, tying customers into a regular series of appointments can help make revenues steady in the long term and provide some level of buffer against economic woes.
A Cut Above
What should you look for to make a successful barbershop?
Like many businesses, barbers benefit from densely populated areas, where the large number of residents combines with heavy footfall to provide regular business.
Basic haircuts make up over 70% of the revenues for barbershops, making affordable cuts the bedrock of the industry. Depending upon your territory, it may be better to focus on this and providing value for money than on something flashier.
If you’re going the other way and trying to demonstrate higher value that’s worth paying more for, then social proof will matter. Social media can be a powerful tool for barbers, as so many people have their sense of style and of self-preservation shaped by platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Seeing a new or well-executed cut online can motivate customers to visit a high-end barber, and you can use this to steer them towards your shop. This involves paying more attention to short-term fashions, which can be both fun and satisfying for a barber really interested in their work.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code to see which franchises are still available near you, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does.When looking at longer term trends, the increase in popularity of beards over the past decade has provided extra business for some barbers. Beards need care and maintenance just like hair and are a service you can charge extra for.
Another way to stand out is to explore unusual approaches like a mobile barbershop, a model that’s relatively rare but growing in popularity. Mobile shops are good for territories with a widely dispersed population or where customers value their time enough to prefer a barber who comes to them. The novelty can also make for good publicity.
Ultimately though, making a barbershop a lasting success isn’t just about the cuts. Many barbershops position themselves as more than just a business, but a part of their community, a safe space where locals feel comfortable. If you can become a familiar face and a comfortable place then people will trust you with their appearance and keep coming back for more.
The Top Barbershop Franchises of 2026
1. Sport Clips
Sport Clips is a chain of hair salons squarely focused on men and boys who are into sports. The sports motif even goes into their core values, which are the same ones Coach Lou Holtz used as he built championship football teams: “Do Your Best. Do What’s Right. Treat Others the Way They Want to Be Treated.”
Their signature MVP haircut experience includes a cut (one-on-one consultation, cut, and style by a stylist trained specifically for men’s and boys’ hair), a tea-tree-oil-infused hot steamed towel wrap, an invigorating massaging shampoo and leave-in conditioner, and a relaxing neck and shoulder treatment. A Triple Play includes the cut, hot towel wrap, and massaging shampoo. Customers can also opt for just a cut (Varsity Haircut). Additional services available include beard trims and detailing, the All-Star Treatment (all the elements of the MVP service but without a haircut), and complimentary neck trims between haircuts.
Founded by Gordon Logan in 1993 and franchising since 1995, the number of locations has grown steadily and rapidly in recent years from 1,083 in 2013 to the current total of 1,879 (down from the previously reported total of 1,902), of which 88 are company-owned and 31 are located outside the US.
2. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has created an inclusive, modern barbershop experience for cuts, colors, fades, and shaves. There are 8 different types of haircuts on the menu of services for men, women, and kids. On the barbering front, services include beard trims, detailed beard trims, straight-razor beard trims, classic shave (straight razor, hot lather neck shave, steamed towels), head shave, design work (specialty patterns), line up (as a standalone service, includes sideburns, temple area, forehead, around the ears, or neck line), and neck cleanup. Other services include shampoo and conditioner with scalp massage, shampoo and blowout, CBD deep conditioning treatment, and regular deep conditioning. Hair coloring and waxing services are also available.
Founded by the brotherly trio of Bill, Rob, and Paul O’Brien in Denver, Colorado, in 1999 and franchising since 2005, the number of locations has expanded in recent years from 103 in 2016 to the current total of 140 (up from the previously reported total of 137), of which 73 are company-owned and all are located in the US.
3. Roosters Men’s Grooming Center
Roosters Men’s Grooming Centers have an authentic barbershop experience but in a modern, upscale, yet unpretentious environment. Haircuts at Roosters can be a classic cut or a more modern trendy style. The Roosters Club Cut package includes a consultation and precision haircut, shampoo massage, hot-towel treatment, styling, a brush of powder at the neck, and an application of aftershave. The Gentlemen’s Choice package adds in the Roosters Signature 7-step facial shave. There’s special pricing on the Club Cut for active-duty military personnel, head shaving services, neck trimming services, hair highlighting, a color camouflage to blend away gray hair, and a special road recovery facial. Locations also sell the Rooster brand of men’s hair, styling, and shaving products, all of which are paraben-free and sulfate-free.
Founded by Joe Grondin in Lapeer, Michigan, in 1999 and franchising since 2002, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 76 in 2014 to the current total of 85 (down from the previously reported total of 92), of which none are company-owned and three are located outside the US.
4. V’s Barbershop
V’s Barbershop offers customers the authentic look and feel of an old-fashioned barbershop but with a modern twist. Nostalgia is on tap with authentic vintage-style barber chairs, old-fashioned hot lather straight-edge razor shaves, and so on, but customers can get a modern haircut and style as well. Services include haircuts, edge-ups, shampoo, facial and massage, straight-razor shaves, mustache trims, standard beard trims, deluxe beard trims, neck shaves, and even shoeshines at some locations.
While “old school” describes the overall motif, there are plenty of modern features as well, including an app to schedule appointments. Locations also offer a variety of V’s merchandise for sale, including t-shirts, caps, and barber products such as authentic barbershop tonic, shave cream, and shave prep.
Founded by Jim Valenzuela in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1999 and franchising since 2005, the number of locations now stands at 60 (no change from the previously reported total), of which none are company-owned and all are located in the US.
5. Hammer & Nails
Hammer & Nails is a men’s salon concept aimed at elevating men’s grooming to a whole new level. After all, men also have follicles, cuticles, pores, palms, and soles, right? Hammer & Nails is more than a mere barbershop or haircut factory, it’s a grooming experience. Services include haircuts, beard trims, mustache trimming and shaping, manicures, pedicures, and combination packages for multiple services. Think of Hammer & Nails as a BarberSpa.
Each location offers a membership club, with three different levels of membership that provide a variety of perks, including priority bookings, a 20% discount on all services and retail products, maintenance services, and complimentary curated spirits and beer in a men’s lounge. Higher levels of membership include more service add-ons and other exclusive benefits. Membership services can also be shared with friends.
Founded by Michael Elliot in 2013 and franchising since 2015, there are now 56 locations (up from the previously reported total of 37), of which none are company-owned and all are located in the US.
6. Scissors & Scotch
Scissors & Scotch presents itself as a traditional barbershop but with the feel and amenities of a modern spa, including a luxurious private lounge with a fully stocked bar where customers can enjoy relaxation and beverages such as coffee, beer, and cocktails. Memberships are also available that provide discounts, guest passes, members-only events, and unlimited booze. Service packages are named in years, like finely aged scotch.
The Ten Year package includes a full-service haircut and style, cleansing shampoo and conditioner, steamed towel treatment, and a back-of-neck shave. The Fifteen Year package throws in a soothing scalp massage and face refresher, and the Twenty-Five Year package adds in a paraffin hand dip as well as a neck, shoulder, and hand massage.
Founded by Erik Anderson in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2015 and franchising since 2017, there are now 33 locations (up from the previously reported total of 26), of which 12 are company-owned and all are located in the US.
An Important Note About Our Methodology
The franchises on this list were ranked according to the number of units in the franchise system. If you are a prospective franchisee searching for franchise opportunities that meet or exceed certain performance benchmarks for sales, profits, and return on investment, please check out this list of America’s Most Lucrative Franchises.
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