As a hairstylist, deciding where to work isn’t just about picking an address—it’s about aligning with the environment that helps you thrive as both a professional and an individual. With two dominant options for hairstylists—commission salons and booth rentals—your choice can significantly impact your career growth, financial stability, and day-to-day work satisfaction. At Adored Signature Hand-Tied Extensions, led by the seasoned salon owner Jennifer Janisch, we value empowering stylists by providing the knowledge, tools, and supportive ecosystem necessary for success.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between commission salons and booth rentals, weigh their pros and cons, and help you determine which path best complements your goals, lifestyle, and skills. Whether you’re a new stylist fresh out of beauty school or a seasoned stylist looking to pivot in your career, read on to learn everything you need to know about these two setups.
Commission Salons: A Team-Driven Environment
A commission salon is a traditional setup where hairstylists work as employees and earn a percentage of the revenue they generate, often referred to as commission. This model emphasizes teamwork, top-tier support, and an established clientele base that helps stylists hit the ground running.
Benefits of Working in a Commission Salon
- Structured Support System
In a commission salon like Adored Salon, the team dynamic and infrastructure are built to support stylist growth. Here, you’ll find essential perks, such as receptionists handling appointment scheduling, assistants taking care of shampoos, and a strong managerial structure that removes the logistical burden from stylists. Instead of folding towels or worrying about overhead, you can focus solely on creating outstanding looks for your clients. - Built-in Clientele
Commission salons often attract a wide clientele base through their reputation, marketing efforts, and community presence. At Adored Salon, we invest in curated SEO strategies and a dynamic online presence, ensuring a steady influx of customers who trust our expertise in textured hair extensions and curly hair. This eliminates the hustle of attracting new clients that booth renters typically face. - Ongoing Education and Mentorship
Most commission salons prioritize professional development by offering in-house education, training sessions, and access to industry-leading trends. At Adored, we specialize in textured hair and hand-tied extensions, equipping stylists with advanced techniques that cater to high-demand services. - Work-Life Balance
A supportive commission salon values employee well-being, offering flexible hours, time-off policies, and a sense of camaraderie. Jennifer’s approach ensures stylists thrive by fostering an uplifting culture—an environment akin to the warmth of a living room where connections feel organic. - Reduced Financial Risk
Commission stylists are not responsible for covering rent, utilities, or equipment costs, which makes this option particularly appealing. Instead, stylists receive consistent pay, making it easier to budget and plan for personal and professional goals.
Booth Rentals: A Chance at Independent Ownership
Booth rentals or salon suites are an increasingly popular setup, especially among experienced stylists looking for maximum control. While this approach requires a significant leap into entrepreneurship, booth rentals offer stylists the freedom to operate independently in a rented space.
Pros of Booth Rentals
- Full Control Over Operations
As a booth renter, you decide everything—from your hours and pricing to the types of services and products you offer. Booth rentals give you total autonomy and flexibility to craft your business your way. - Higher Earning Potential
Since booth renters keep everything they earn (minus rent and expenses), their income potential is theoretically higher, especially with repeat clientele. - Personal Branding
For stylists with a distinct niche, such as being a balayage or textured-hair expert, creating a unique brand that stands out can be easier with this level of independence.
Challenges of Booth Rentals
Despite its appeal, booth renting comes with substantial challenges:
- Handling All Operations
From answering phone calls to folding towels, every aspect of your business becomes your responsibility. This solo setup can lead to burnout and the feeling of isolation. Jennifer’s personal experience renting a salon space in the past echoed this sentiment: “I got really lonely, wanting to be around people. By the time I was able to get out of there, I was jumping out of my skin.” - Financial Responsibilities
Booth renters face significant overhead costs, including rent, utilities, and equipment, which must be budgeted carefully. Moreover, creating and maintaining a website, managing marketing campaigns, and purchasing products fall squarely on the stylist. Without proper financial planning, these expenses can quickly eat into profits. - Limited Collaboration Opportunities
Many stylists enter the profession because they love the camaraderie and creative exchange with fellow stylists, which are largely absent in booth rental setups. - No Built-in Safety Net
If your appointments cancel or you don’t meet revenue expectations, you bear 100% of the financial impact in a booth rental.
Which Option is Right for You?
If you’re torn between these two pathways, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do You Thrive in a Team Environment?
If you’re a people person who wants to grow collaboratively, a commission salon like Adored Salon will likely suit you better. It offers team camaraderie, ongoing mentorship, and processes designed to nurture stylists’ success. - Are You Ready to Manage Finances and Marketing Alone?
A booth rental is best for stylists who thrive independently, have a stable clientele base, and are prepared to shoulder the business challenges that come with running their own space. - What Are Your Long-term Goals?
At Adored Salon, our curated website, targeted SEO efforts, and superior client experience bring stylists into contact with like-minded clients who share their passion for curls and hair extensions. If specialization and career growth align with your goals, a commission salon may be the strongest foundation to take your skills to the next level.
Care and Services Excellence at Adored Salon
Regardless of where your career begins or grows, Adored Signature Hand-Tied Extensions is here to support both stylists and clients. Our extensions are celebrated for their quality, design, and versatility, catering specifically to the textured hair market—a niche often overlooked.
For stylists, we offer personalized guidance and education that include tips like styling extensions for longevity. For instance, stylists often recommend clients put their hair in a loose, high bun during workouts and allow it to dry naturally afterward, preserving the longevity of their extensions.
Our philosophy on extension care emphasizes avoiding oils, which can lead to buildup, tangling, and matting. Instead, we advocate silicone-free sprays or styling creams as alternatives that nurture and protect the hair. These values align with our mission to deliver unparalleled results.
Finding Your Perfect Salon Home
Regardless of whether you choose a commission salon or booth rental, take your time to investigate potential workplaces. Visit them in person, and book a service if you can, to feel the vibe. For commission salons, look for signs of teamwork, structured systems, and investment in education. For booth rentals, evaluate the transparency of lease agreements and the amenities included.
At Adored Salon, we take pride in offering stylists the opportunity to grow as part of a supportive, thriving team. We believe that success stems from heart, hustle, and collaboration. If you’re looking for a home that celebrates excellence in curly hair and hand-tied extensions, we’d love for you to apply and be part of our team.
Watch the Full Video
For even more insights and advice from Jennifer Janisch herself, watch the full video on our YouTube channel .